Feature:
The 4 amp models are adequate. I'm not much into the Metal or Insane channels, so I use the Clean and Crunch channels. The 4 models should have been (for me), Clean (Twin Reverb), Tweed (Bassman or such), Cruch (Plexi with boost but no variac), Brit Hi-Gain ("Plexi Variac" from the PODxt). It'd be nice if Line 6 would let you download the 4 models you want for YOUR Spider III combo and install them to make your very own custom Spider. The effects are adequate, but they should have added a depth control. The "Smart Control" is certainly easy, but one extra "Tweak" knob added would have made it awesome. This amp is designed to be easy, so it's not exactly geared toward someone who is a "tweakhead" and needs control over every little aspect (I have a PODxt for that). I do wish they had included a foot-switch to enable/disable the effects and/or to switch channels... but you have to buy that separately and it can be expensive depending on what you get. Hard to make an incredible amp for under $200 and also include a $100 foot-switch tho' I'd guess... ;-)
Quality:
The is pretty solid without being too heavy. The knobs seem rugged. The jacks are tight and make a good connection. The power cable can be removed from the unit while in transit. I would expect quality from Line 6 and they deliver.
Value:
You can't get an amp that's this flexible, loud and sounds this good for the same price.
Desirability:
It's small... but not too small that it sounds silly (like a lot of practice amps out there). It's light - I don't like hauling around a big amp if I don't have to... but I want the thing to sound GOOD (and it does). It's sharp... nice grey tweed and tolex look. I like the knobs they chose to use... they look and feel nice.
Sound:
I've been very impressed with the sound of the amp. The amp is definitely LOUD for a 1x12 30W amp. The custom Celestion speaker is the key to this little puppy's great sound I'm guessing.
Ease of Use:
Pretty simple... I'm not sure how they could make it easier. It works like a normal amp, but you can save your knob settings and recall them by pushing a channel button. The Clean channels is always the Clean channel, and you dial in the sound you want, hold the Clean button until if flashes, and your settings are saved, effects and all. Each channel button can be set up this way... then you just push the buttons to recall your sounds.
Support:
I've never had a problem with phone and email support with Line 6. I had an original POD and they were quick to help me get the ROM upgrades for it when they came out. I haven't had any issues with the Spider.
Overall:
It's an awesome value. Despite my personal preference issues with the amp selections and limited control of the effects, it does the job nicely. I wanted something that wasn't too big to lug around but still sounded great, and loud enough to play for band practice and small gigs without sacrificing the sound quality... and it definitely hit the mark. I play straight into the amp with great results, and I've also run my PODxt into the MP3/CD input and it sounds awesome. I played it with my band last weekend in a large garage with a PA and other amplified instruments, drum set, etc., making lots of noise and it cut through perfectly... and sounded like I wanted it to sound.
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