amps with gain/masters that can distort at low volumes usually pale in comparison to tube amps that are played LOUD so that the power tubes distort.
in recent years, some real pricey solutions have come out, for both amps and pedals. and they can sound exactly like power tube distortion at ANY volume.
the best gain/master amps, that keep a good sounding distortion at low volumes are
DR Z ($1500-2000)
BOGNER ($2300-4000)
the best pedals that have a REAL power tube tone are
fulltone's fulldrive (175-200)
barber's tone pump (225-250)
t-rex's mudhoney (170-200)
and check out pedalsnake on EBAY. its a new invention that carries DC power and guitar signals in one cable. i love mine. it makes things easier, and looks so cool!
