I have never played a modeler that felt and sounded like a real amp to me - while playing, that is. But for recording, hell, I can't justify recording a real Amphno more. Amplitube does such a good job...essentiallit its a pod but just software. Pods are pretty good too.

I think the difference ks that of an oldskool drag race car and a modern 4x4 japanese sporter. You might actually get to 60mph much quicker with the sport and its 4cyl turbo...but it doesn't give you the rush of a V8 roaring and breathing fire...yet to someone watching it on the telly...they just care who comes first.

As for connections...just plug in your comluter sleakers and rock out...will work fine. Or put it in front of yer home stereo like it was a cd player. On gig just run an xlr from it to soundman.