tried the amp today. i brought my Les Paul Custom, and i used a mexican Tele that was there. lots of good tones! it's actually like two good single channel amps in one head rather than the usual clean/dirty change. really nice pushed cleans, great for a BB King type lead tone, cleans up very nicely from the guitar, and there's plenty of gain there if it's wanted. not a metal amp, but if that's what i wanted i wouldn't be looking at this anyway! great for AC/DC sounds and, as mentioned, Black Crowes.
so, i left a deposit :) i'm clearly nuts, i have no need for another amp, but there you go. i've looked elsewhere and the head is typically over £830, while the cab is generally over £600. i've got the pair for £800. seems like a good deal. it's been sitting in the shop for over 4 years, so i suppose he's glad to get rid of it. anyway, i'm looking forward to bringing my new baby home :)