Lowest price this year!
 
http://www.slatedigital.com/

Is this something "for real" worth having?  Or is it something to compensate for the sound someone would get using the typical computer external hardware audio preamps?

Is it worth getting when we have the prochannel version?

ilok2 required.

$129 if you have an ilok and $149 if you don't then ya get a free ilok (not sure how the ilok is free if your paying more higher price, confusing).

I read the product collection description and couldn't figure out what 5 models are emulated or why I would care.

For legal reasons, companies can't explicitly say what gear they're modeling.  But it's common knowledge that the five VCC consoles are SSL, API, Neve, Trident, and an old RCA tube model.  Supposedly, more are coming. 
 
VCC is a subtle effect -- you probably won't notice a difference on a single track, but insert it on all your tracks and buses (preferably before you start mixing) and turn them all on and off when you're done.  THEN you may say "oh, that's what the fuss is all about!" 
 
As always, a demo is advisable before buying ... but of course you'll need that iLok2 in order to do that.  If you want to get a taste of the VCC with the iLok thrown in, you can buy the RC-Tube model by itself for $50 and upgrade later if you want.  No guarantee that the upgrade price will always be less than the full price, though.
 
I've seen VCC on sale for less, so I'd say there's no need to rush.  They're more than likely to run more promos in the future.
 
Cheers,
Eddie
 

Slate would probably sell a lot more product if he could get over the damn iLok deal.