Musician Gear & Tech Discussion

looking for some opinions guys.

Ive recently gotten really hard back into playing.

Im in the process of having my 5150II modded so it has a usable clean channel and possibly take away some of the gain on the lead channel since i only ever go to about 6 on the dial, in order to have more ability to fine tune my tone.

What im also looking at doing is building another rack amp. Ive got an SKB Rack case 8 space that ive had for a number of years with a
Mesa Boogie 2:Ninety Power Amp sitting in it. the power amp needs new tubes but is only 7 years old and ive owned it since new.

I use to run an ADA MP1 and Marshall JMP-1 with a midi controller foot pedal with it as well as a BBE Sonic Maximizer and Furman Rack Conditioner. I liked the tone but there always seemed to be something lacking in the equation. I never did the tube mods for the MP1 or JMP1 because i didnt know about them at the time i owned the amps.

Im not quite sure whats out there for used pre amps and what sounds good.

I have thought about selling the mesa and getting a vetta II line 6, but im not sure i would like it. i really want something with LOTS of versatility for this amp.

The way I see it, if you're already running tube amps, a multieffects processor IS a pre amp. It'll overdrive the tubes and you'll still get that warm sound. And speaking of versatile...
Just my thoughts.
I found a "Lee Jackson" tube pre-amp quite a few years back and I've been going into it with my effects pedal and out of it straight into my mixing board for recording. Most people can't tell that I'm not mic'ing a tube amp.

i have thought many many times about taking a POD XT Pro and throwing it in with the 2:90 but i wasnt sure how it would sound. I think that would be the greatest way to get the versatility and tube warmth im really looking for... maybe ill take that route... whats everyone think about that? will it work out right?