The best 'modeler' I ever played - and also used for years live - was a Marshall JMP-1 preamp via two different speaker emulators mixed together and thru a Boss SE-50 multiFX for some ambience (verb) into PA...it was VERY good for any use, nothing like the usual POD saturated FX laden stuff, but very very close to a full tube rig.
I did use first an SS poweramp and a 4x12" with it for monitoring, and later a 60W all-tube Peavey Classic poweramp and a 4x12"...still went to PA from the D/I outs and it was very good. That was what I used for Crankenhaus for a good while too.
But, can't beat the 36W head I now use...now that is real punch to play in front of :-) and that's what I have on Spookbox demos.
Dee
"When life's a biatch, be a horny dog"
Amps: Marshall JVM 410H w/ Plexi Cap mod, Choke Mod & Negative Feedback Removal mod, 4x12", Behringer GMX110, Amplitube 3/StealthPedal
Half a dozen custom built/bastardized guitars all with EMG's, mostly 85's, Ibanez Artwood acoustic & Yamaha SGR bass, Epiphone Prophecy SG, Vox Wah, Pitchblack tuner plus assorted pedals, rack gear etc. for home studio use.