I guess given the way things usually go, Australia probably won't get any stock for at least 6 months. I have tried the Shiva with a Empress Para EQ in the loop, with great results, so the mid cut isn't critical, but the additional gain and the excursion switch sound very interesting. Would the later be similar to the setup on the XTC? Haven't played around with it but perhaps I should to assess the appeal. Additional gain is always certainly welcomed, but I wouldn't have said the Shiva lacked this given what it was designed to do (that said, I did try a boost pedal in the lead channel!). This is frustrating!!