When I worked at Guitar Center of course, I got to play with shit.
For some reason, I hated the POD Xt Live. I mean, it was alright....the USB feature is pretty handy but as far as the sound quality, to me, the GT-8 surpasses. The POD 2.0 is a POD XT with less features and no Digital readout. It's like jumping from 2001 to 2006. I didn't mind the XT as much but for some reason, I didn't like the XT Live. I think it just might of been the fact that the presets on GT-8 are badass when with the XT Live, you have to really play around with it.
Though, if you're looking for something for recording, take the suggestion of the UX2 Toneport. Although, the POD XT Live has all of the same features. The XT Live is pretty much the 2.0/XT and the UX2 in one package, but, it's $350-$400.