I for one always disliked the Boss for just that reason - it eats away at sound and volume like pac-man, like all traditional compressors - I prefer more like a compressor/expander that can be used as a boost rather than a compressor only.
Best cheap comp I've tried is the Marshall ED-1, it doesn't reduce the volume like the boss at all&works real well as a booster pedal as well. I haven't tried the main squeeze so can't comment on that but I've never come accross a digitech pedal I'd like which has made me leery of them.
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.