I've been having a bit of a crisis in regards to my power amp situation. Back when I got my Kemper, I picked up the Classic 50/50 loaded with EL84s, aiming for a scenario wherein I run preamp profiles into the tube poweramp, then run a full merged profile over the PA. However, I've found that the 50/50 does not colour the tone as much as I'd want or expect; for some reason, running preamp profiles through it results in the signal being thin and scratchy. Not like "something wrong", but more like "very clean power amp" type vibe. I want to do some A/B stuff with the poweramp of my ENGL Savage just to make sure it isn't the Peavey, but if it is, then I'm sort of reconsidering my power situation.
To compensate, I've been running the studio profile I made of my Savage with the cab off. Despite the imprecise method of doing so, it actually sounds fairly similar to my actual Savage. However, this sort of defeats the purpose of having a tube poweramp; this thing takes up 2 units and makes my rack heavy. If I'm running profiles with the poweramp baked in, why have a tube poweramp?
Basically, my question is: does anyone else have experience with this thing? Has anyone else shared my experience, or am I off-base? I just want to make sure and get a lot of info, because this situation is making me consider getting a powered Kemper, but that'd be kind of a process I'd rather not go through. I'm also contemplating getting a SS power amp, but that's also a big ol' can of worms.