What is an effects loop?
An effects loop is a series of audio effects units, connected between two points of a signal path; usually between the pre-amp and power amp stages of an amplifier circuit, although occasionally between two pre-amp stages. The two principal uses of effects loops are in recordings and in instrument amplifiers. wikidepia definition

If you plan on using affects, do you need multiple channels? NO

Is there anyway to get a tube amp to sound great at low volumes? YES and that will depend on the amp itself. Just because an amp is tube powered doesn't necessarily mean it will sound better when cranked.


This article wasn't the first time I've heard that tubes sound their best at loud volumes. My guess is that it's not so much how loud they are, rather how hard you're driving the tubes right? YES

If that's the case, could you simply put a pot between the drivers and the actual head thus.. Allowing you to drive your amp hard, but control the actual output the drivers separately? By "POT" do you mean a power attenuator? If so: YES


Can a 10 watt amp sound as good as, or sound the same as a 100 watt amp? Not asking about all the bells and whistles, just sound quality. I realize this is kind of a loaded question because I doubt a 10 watt amp is capable of driving a 4x12 cab. But. in theory if it were, is it possible that the two would have the same sound signature? That is certainly possible. A 100 watt amp has only about twice the volume of a 10 watt amp and there are some 10 watts amps that could drive a 4x12 cabinet.


Is Marshall "all that and a box of chocolates" like everyone says? They are great amps.


Are there lesser expensive amps that sound just as good as Marshall? YES
I own a 1988 mesa boogie mark III simul-class, a fender supersonic and an older musicman amp. The amp I like best is my bugera 6262 head ($550-US) through a closed back lopoline cab loaded with an eminence speaker.

Are the affects built into tube amps generally good quality or should you typically use separate pedals? While the quality of the on board effects varies from amp to amp: generally speaking you'll get a better quality effect using a pedal.


If you know you want to use separate pedals for affects, is there any point to buying an amp with built in affects?[/QUOTE] On board effects could come in handy if you forget your pedals or don't have room on stage.