I have a pod pro rackmount. The best sounding amp ive ever heard. The distortion is insane but it doesn't have that high pitched crackly noise you hear on most amps when they are turned up loud. It has a very warm sound to it. The built in noise gate kicks ass too. When you pause your playing the speakers go dead silent. it has a built in tuner too. I have the rackmount of it though.. im not sure if the pod effects pedal thing sounds the same or not. Im almost posative it doesn't have a noise gate.
the pod pro rackmount cost me $400.. but since its just a head unit you need speakers, power amp and the rack itself. I have it running through a macki mixer also though.
if you dont have the money right now check out the Crate gfx 120. I love crate amps.. the second best thing next to the pod in my opinion. They get very loud. screaming distortion and the effects are nice. It also has a built in tuner.
slay ye later