I have an Axe FX II - should I part-ex for a Kemper?

Congrats then.
But does your wife already know you will crank the profiler?

Oh yes it will.

I had an AXE-FX II and while I felt it was a great piece of technology, I never felt I was able to get the most out of it. I'm just not a tweaker, PERIOD. I haven't the patience. I after a couple of years and 4 amps later, I purchased a used Kemper rack and have not even had a notion to sell it. It's simple, easy to use and sounds every bit as good as the Axe. I use it live, going direct with Custom IEM's and could not be happier. I now show up for a gig with a rack, my guitar and a bag that hold my FCB 100 and some accessories. 10 minute set up.

You have chosen the right girl, yes

...Or so you think, until you realize 3 months later that she expects you to buy her a new car, now ......

Just kidding!

But do take into account - depending on the state of the house you're getting etc. - that you may not have much time to play with either unit (due to renovation, building, whatever it's called). So that alone could be a reason to wait.

After all, you don't have to crank the afx either, right? So the problem you're solving isn't related to that, methinks!

Have you profiled your amp yet? It's an eye opener... pretty much the tie breaker for me. Axe stuff sounds great, but there's something inherently awesome about being able to profile your own amp or lure a friend over to profile their amp.

Quote from drew_fx

Well... I've had the Kemper a day and a half. Just did some comparison against the amp tones from the Axe FX. It's very very difficult to compare them, because of the different approaches used and the inability to do a 1:1 comparison. So I can only really judge on the tones and how quickly it takes me to get there. I'm not just saying it because it's the Kemper forum, but my gut feeling is that the Kemper trounces the Axe FX by quite a wide margin.

It could be honeymoon period, but I don't know... the Kemper has everything I like about tone. The Axe sounds distant and unrefined in comparison.

Ive got both.

Kemper has some abilities/qualities Axe doesnt.

Axe has qualities/abilities Kemper doesnt.

A good reason to have both.

I've got both and parted from the Axe.
I'd rather buy another profiler instead of another Axe.

Quote from drew_fx

I also feel that going through IR's versus the Kempers cabinet section... I think there is a really big difference, although I'm not 100% sure. The Kemper just feels more real.

You're not the only one. I heard the difference within the first 10 minutes and acted accordingly (by putting the Axe on sale).

Quote from drew_fx

(Sorry, don't mean to turn this into a Axe VS Kemper battle thread!)

Why should it be a battle?
It's only about users' experiences, recommendations, preferences, etc.
It's only gear.

True. Those freaking Axe users.

I have both, and I've posted how to perfectly hook 'em together.

For me, is the definitive rig...if you can afford both...why not?

Quote from drew_fx

I'm really curious about using the Kemper live. But judging by the few tests I've done with some DI'd profiles I got from the rig exchange, I don't think it will be as good as the Axe FX for that.

Run your main outs to the PA. That will ensure your audience will get the best sound possible.

Valve poweramps are not suited to the Kemper. It will have an impact on the profiles. And the Kemper profiles are quite organic without the need of tube excitement.