So, you're saying that the only way to compare them is to add as many variables as possible? This is why scientific illiteracy is such a problem. Do I really need to explain to a member of a gear forum how different speakers sound different? I mean, if we were to compare a stock Peavey 5150 to a choke modded 5150 to hear what the choke mod really does to the amp, it wouldn't make any sense to use different guitars, pickups, effects, cables, cabs and speakers in different rooms for either example. Of course they would sound different! Running the same guitar through the same cables and the same cab in the same room and the same listening environment, and only switching one variable is how you do a scientific test. That's how I know what the choke mod does.
The Kemper reproduces the sound of a captured guitar rig. Comparing a captured guitar rig to a raw rig adds a variable (even more when you reproduce the capture) in the microphone. If you don't eliminate those variables, you aren't doing a scientific test. You're just using bad science to justify your bias (and I agree with you! I prefer tube amps myself).
If you really want to test your theory, run your guitar through your mic'ed rig on stage, and split it to a Kemper at the same time. Then, walk up to your wedge and see if you can tell the difference when the FOH engineer switches between the two in your wedge. Hell, jump off stage and head out front and tell me you can feel a difference through the FOH PA at concert volume going between your live rig and the captured profile. Do some real science and eliminate variables to get a real result, and let me know your conclusion. Hell, throw some ear buds in and have the Engineer switches the two in your IEMs. Those would be scientific tests in a live environment.
I agree with you, in that amplifiers do a better job of amplifying sound. After all, it is a fucking AMPLIFIER. The feel we love is the sheer volume of a full stack on 5 rattling our balls no matter what pants we wear. That is the dynamic that we interact with when we sustain notes and feedback while playing. Sometimes, it is impractical or unnecessary to be that loud, like for recording, silent stage, or making a YouTube video. In some of those scenarios, the Kemper wins. Sorry. This is just more proof of that. I don't really care if you like Josh's tone, or what you think of YouTube's sound quality, but the fact that none of his subscribers noticed does kinda prove a point. I welcome all of you to use some science and disprove it.
Especially you. Let's hear the science. Post some clips to prove you can "eq match" a Pod to sound like a tube amp. I want to hear the clips.
