The onboard distortion is the reason to buy a Marshall or Mesa, if you want to use Distortion pedals primarily, go with a solid-state rig (they're much cheaper and far more reliable than a tube amp) since all you'll be using is the clean channel/effects loop. You can get a 120 watt Crate GX-1200 Half Stack (head + a 4x12 cab) for $599 from Sam Ash, you can aso Get a Full stack version of that (2 4x12 cabs) from AMS (American Musical Suppy, americanmusical.com) for $799.

[This message has been edited by loner92 (edited 08-15-2000).]