I was really close to getting a Vox Valvetronix VT20x or VT40x. I narrowed it down to the Katana 50 Mk ii or the Vox. I think the Vox with the tube preamp and the cache' of it being a Vox was very appealing to me, kind of the "sexy" choice. In the end I went with the Katana because it seems maybe a little more versatile and because there are so many supportive resources in various internet communities.

The truth is that there are so many good inexpensive choices out there for those of us at a beginner or even intermediate level that it's hard to go wrong! I like our pawn shop style too.

Good luck with whatever you choose! Sounds like you are going Katana.

Dave...