i got a used laney lc30 for 250 quid, and it's much more useful that a modelling amp IMO. sounds great clean or dirty, no really high gain or anything like. but it cuts through well and sounds better at higher volumes (for jam sessions etc) which is where modelling amps fall down. IMO, modelling amps are grand for playing with scooped mids in your bedroom (which is exactly what i use my 2w micro cube for) but when you need a GOOD amp, for more serious stuff, all valve is the way to go.