Re: racks racks racks
I think the best aproach is being a minimalist. The key to great tone in heads and combos is that there's very few bells and whistles between the preamp and speakers. With a rack setup, it's good to be similar. If you just use the preamp, FX unit, power amp, speakers, you'll have a more pure and immediate sound.
The problem starts when you start thinking you need 4 or 5 more units in the signal chain. In my opinion, adding things like EQ's, additional FX, noise reduction, and other unnessesary rack gear just sucks the life out of the signal. You'll be glad you're not hauling around a 20 spc rack when you're lifting up an 8 space rack with little effort.