What i was implying is that more modern amps by mesa(and indeed a whole bunch of other modern manufacturers) are more geared to metal players. For example rectos don,t have a reputation for a great clean channel and the gain is more metal than rock(no matter how you tweak it!)All the old Mark series amps i have played have 2 or 3( depending on what model)usable channels that can cover the whole gamut from fender type cleans(albeit with more midrange punch) through blues, rock or country to heavy metal mayhem should you desire it( well perhaps with the exception of the mark 1)Likewise the lone star always sounds to my ears like a fender amp on ts-808 steroids no matter how you tweak it.Yup versatility is the name of the game with older boogies but not so with the new breed of one trick ponies mesa make now.....and if you can,t sell these newer amps what do you do? well of course you bring out an amp that does a best of these older amps.... mark 5 anyone...lol