I've played the GX140 before and thought it was a great amp for metal/rock. If that's the kind of music you play then deffinately buy the GX140. The more expensive model just has an effects loop. It's cool to mess with but usually you'll find yourself sticking with certain effects. So you might be better off buying the GX140 and getting some new/used effects pedals. As far as distortion you can just use the amps, it's got one of the best metal distortions I've heard.

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Ain't nothin' but a Gear thang, baby!