This is a great amp and though there are cheaper alternatives, the extra cost is in my opinion well worth it.
The amp has power enough on its own to fill up rehearsals and smaller stages, and it works great for a good and sufficient stage sound at bigger venues regardless of if monitors are used. It's easy to dial in a really good sound and the balanced line out is great. I find the sounds I can get out of it full, rich and with options that can tweak the sound in useful ways. To me, it seems like the main idea behind the construction of this amp was to focus on minimizing the built in features to strictly the really necessary, to avoid extra functions that may compromise function, quality and long term use. I, for one, do not miss a built in tuner, a display, or two hundred effects, f.ex.
The controls, as well as the cable connector, are slightly recessed to not stick up too much, and that has saved my amp from more severe damage from incidents on stage a couple of times. From recent experience, the amp seems to stand light moist and foggy rain too, but I would not recommend anyone to take their chances. Over all the quality feels rugged enough to withstand sensible use in combination with the rigours of travel and accidents that can happen on stage. Though my amp has had a few bruises, everything still feels solid, sticks to where it should, looks straight and shows no significant tear, nor scratches - and does what it should with no issues.
All in all, I could not me more satisfied. This amp is exactly what I need and have extensive use for (I have used it for clean jazz on an electric guitar, too), and it does what it's supposed to with excellency and quality and I have no sense of it ever giving up on me for no apparent reason. The included bag is very useful, but not recommended for tougher packing conditions, such as on tour.
