crate glx series amps???

I was just wondering if buying a crate Glx 212 amp is a good idea. its like 500 bucks and alot of people tell me crate sucks. Right now I am playing an Esp Mh-301 with some worthless practice amp. When I went to guitar center I played the glx and it sounded pretty good. Is $500 to much to pay and is it worth it. I want really good distortion but I also want to have an alright clean channel. Would I be better off buying a loud amp with a pedal. Got any suggestions for the 750 dollar price range or has anyone played crate and liked it???

[Edited by TheTrooper on 08-28-2003 at 11:59 PM]

Along with being picky about my sound, I'm a seriously cheap SOB! If you only have $500 to spend, start poking around in the local pawnshops, and the used gear sections of music shops. Keep trying things out until you plug into something that feels like 'coming home'.