POD XT live it's really that good?

Not a fan of the PODxt myself but it is possible to get very professional sounding tones by using it strictly as a preamp and going through a good tube poweramp to a mic'ed cab. To get the best out of it in this situation turn off everything except the noise gate and maybe some compression - use the studio plugs-ins or rack gear for effects. The difference between that route and DI'ing it is unbelieveable - I heard one recently and was very surprised, it actually stood up to the Line6 hype. Just a tip to anyone who is going to use a PODxt in a studio - take full advantage of the other studio gear in the chain, don't just rely on DI!