Originally Posted by: RickBlackerNot talking about modeling amps like line 6 or peavey vipers... I'm talking raw tube only. Don't be clouding things now....

Sorry, I should have been clearer. If you some have amp modeling available, you can judge for yourself the answer to that question. Although an amp's DSP or a modeling pedal is just that: a model and not the real thing, you should still hear some differences. There's just no comparison between a Fender & a Marshall. Nor different breeds of Fender for that matter. Etc. Chris said it all better than I can.

Very interesting project by the way. I'd thought about it myself. Since I started working on guitars, I have learned more then I ever would have, so figured I could go the same route building an amplifier. Any kits I saw were quite pricey for me at this time. Even just the tube racks (or whatever they are called) are expensive. :p