an axe FXII in a floorboard for a little over a grand...

http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/24926-fractal-audio-systems-ax8-review

its lighter on processing power than the rack unit, but for me probably not a big deal because I don't go too crazy with effects.... anyone else thinking of getting one of these things to try out? I'm not sure I could play through it exclusively, but it might be a cool option for small stages, silent recording at home and as a 2nd or 3rd 'amp' in my layered rig.... I think I want one! its cheaper than the new line6 helix thingy

the demo sounds pretty damned impressive and being a DI device I expect its a pretty accurate representation

It's a panic product to stay relevant I think. The Kemper has Fractal on the ropes and they needed something less expensive to be able to compete. Makes me wonder if Kemper will make a lower priced unit.

You are probably right. The fractal styff sounds damned good though. Not as flexible as kemper but the sound is close to a tube amp....