Quad signal routing/parametric suggestions

[tommyhawk13]

I've got a Digitech Valve FX effects unit/preamp that has a 4 band parametric eq. I want to use that until I can find a Furman PQ.

The parametric eq has 30 values ranging from 25hz to 20Khz, and bandwidths ranging from .25 to 16. The gain ranges from -15db to +15db.

I want the old 80's metal sound, similar to the old Stryper and Metallica sounds, but I'm just getting a headache.
From what I've read, the signal path for Stryper was:

Guitar> Furman PQ3 (gain boosted)> MarkIIC (or Quad) > power amp> cabs.
The Hetfield MOP setup was similar, but he had an additional PQ3 at the end of the chain.

I've been running the Valve FX in the Quad's effects loop. Should I just treat it like a preamp too? Would that allow me to still use the effects in the Digitech?
I've also got a BBE 362 sonic maximizer.

 

[tommyhawk13]

I've experimented with just about every combination I can think of, and this is what I've gotten the best sound out of it so far:
Guitar>cable>Quad input>Quad main out>Return .50 cal>8 ohm out to Halfback.

:roll:

I did notice that the master on the Digitech is scratchy. Maybe a bad/dirty pot is sucking out the tone.