Recently, I've purchased a Line 6 Spider II (Yes I know it's old but it still kicks ass!), a POD XT and a FBV Shortboard for the system. I have got to say... I LOVE THEM!
With the Shortboard alone and having now found a ton of amp settings for bands' sounds, I've been able to tune in to these sounds with a tap of the foot! With the POD XT that I got as well, I have found that I've got something like 300 more Amp emulations as well.
I know that this is all digital and doesn't have any tubes, but for someone like me that wants to try and get as close to the actual sounds of the guitars I am trying to hit, it thrills me to death! So for those that have thought about getting a POD, I highly recommend it..