I don't know. Personally I liked the sound of LBX better than its older brother 5150III 50W. I didn't miss anything about the LBX compared to the 50W, rather the opposite. But I understand your point.
Also there is no hassle with firmware and software updates in case of "standard gear", whether it is a tube amp or whatever :). Personally, I'm quite tired of endless firmware and PC software updates. And then, when one really needs it, there is no update :D
I sold the Axe FXIII. Regarding the price point, these were for me the fundamental shortcomings of an otherwise excellent device and the main reasons for the sale:
1. guitar input clipping when using high output pickups - does this bother anyone but me? On a +2k device?
2. headphone output...
Dimensions regarding to the product info are width x depth x height: 300x 170 x 73 (mm), it's approximately 12 x 7 x 3 inches. This info is from the product page. On a shop page is probably info about shipping dimensions. It would fit a 2U rack shelf.
I happened to discover that a new version of REACT:IR II is on the market. It is probably a fresh product. The manual on the website still refers to the first version.
What pleased me was that the headphone output is a 1/4" jack. What did not please me was that it's no longer a rack device. A...
No. These are old stories repeated over and over again. Engl improved the design over the years. It corresponds to the nowadays standard of PCB based amplifiers. I've had enough of them open to say that. In short, technicians are afraid of them for some reason unknown to me and blame them mainly...
I only used a bridge pickup some time ago. All in all, I'd say it's a nice pickup for Hard Rock or 80s metal. I actually only replaced it in the guitar because I wanted to try the EMG81 and was too lazy to swap the 77 back. And, it was quiet regarding to noise or hum.
I have to say that I have always felt much more relaxed on stage in front of 1000-3000 people than in club shows in front of typically 100-300 people. At big concerts, people had more fun and "cooperated" with us, at club concerts they watched the performance more. Since there used to be many...