Line6 Pod X3 Pro

I have the regular bean shaped X3 unit. Bought it a couple of months ago and it's sat here unused almost since I got it. I had one of the original Pod Pro rackmount units too. This unit has way more functionality to it than the original Pods but there is also a steeper learning curve due to the amount of futzing you can do with it. If you're a futzer then you'll probably like it. If you're the type who wants simplicity then you might find it a little overboard. What made the original Pods so attractive to so many was the relatively easy to learn and use interface. These new-gen versions aren't as intuitive and require a bit more work to master. But it sounds really good.

So I give points for sound quality and depth of sounds but take away for the learning curve. The problem here is that I have to teach players how to use it. That was relatively easy with the older units. They could get their head around it in a few minutes. These newer units aren't as easy to grasp in a few minutes. But you know if it's just you, you can take your time and learn it and really use it good. I think you'll like it. Don't know if this helps you make a decision or not.

I've never met a preset I didn't want to alter

That's what they're there for.... I look at a preset as a starting point.... not a destination.

Bit of a difficult thing to determine based on the opinions of others. Tone is ultimately a subjective thing. What sounds great to some may not even be in the ballpark to others. How it sounds live is also usually quite different than how it sounds tracked.

It all depends on what sound you are shooting for. I've owned a lot of modelers over the years (including most recently the POD X3 Live). I've realized that most units have a distinct sound and frequency range that govern their tone to a degree. I like a fairly heavy, loaded sound with punch in the mids as I find it cuts better in recordings and gives you a lot of flexibility in mix options. After tweaking my X3 Live for about a month, I ultimately sold it as it just did not provide the tone I was looking for. The best way to describe it would be that the X3 Live is not a very 'organic' sounding unit (IMO). Also has a fair amount of high-end shrillness or sibilance that can be dialed out to a point.

Bottom line, for me the unit doesn't hold a candle to the sounds I can get with my Rocktron Prophesy. I also have a Mesa High Gain Amp Switch that allows me to blend amps/ processors together. The Chrome Tone plug I have for my VS2480 sounds nice layered with the Prophesy but the POD just didn't add anything useful. The X3 sounded killer in the store through a set of cheap headphones but without a reference point just about any processor can sound good.

I'd recommend trying a few different products before you make your decision. If you can afford it, the Fractal Audio Axe-FX is probably one of the most versatile units on the market today (a bit pricey though). Again, try to nail down the tone YOU want as opposed to what others feel is a great sound.

My 2 cents.