thats why i like my single rack mount effects. the amp is MAYBE 2 or 3% louder without it, but with send and return loop levels, then mix and output levels on the reack unit, i can really dial in that breathy tube sound. With pedals i always seemed to just get noise, and less tone, less volume, and basically a lot of iritation that makes the effects not worth it. Good clean rack unit is the way to go, but it does take some tweaking........im a tweaker, guess thats why i love boogies. a little tweak here, little tweak there, and all of a sudden, I got a recto with 14 different tones. FYI,they ARE NOT just a metal amp, can do pretty much anything any other head can do and that includes a shimmery clean. Dont let anybody tell you diff.