Hi, Mike.
I love the unpowered head (Toaster).
- The aesthetic, the vibe, the convenience of using the knobs, and easy to read display, but note: I have it at eye level while standing (because I play standing most of the time.
- The Remote is an essential part of the system - even just for playing at home.
- When making adjustments to your sound, you can do everything from the front panel.
I like the Stage,
- I use it for small gigs where portability is essential.
- It lives in a gig bag most of the time. I pull it out for updates and to sync it up with the Toaster and rehearse stagecraft. I don't play it much at home.
- Yes, the Stage is a little faster for Startup, but not so much that it matters to me.
- I dislike having to bend down to read the display and operate the buttons - but this is only an issue when making adjustments and creating Performances. You can use Rig Manager for most of that, but I don't take my computer to gigs. And a lot of the time, even at home, I just don't want to use a computer when I'm playing guitar.
- How many places do you want to look when adjusting your sound? (Floor, computer monitor).
- It has more flexibility for external stereo effects (nothing I use)
- It has support for Rig Manager via Wi-Fi. (inconsequential to me)
- If I could have only one, for playing at home, I'd keep the Toaster.
I also have a powered rack unit. That's another story.
Glad you joined us.