I've got a recording studio here and have seen and used just about every amp under the sun. For me it's always about diversity and so I use the Roland VG8 with patches I programmed myself. The Line 6 is a great tool for variety too.
Any other amp you really have to just go and try and see if something sounds right to you. One guy could love a Mesa and the next a Marshall and you can't say one is better. It's all based on personal taste.
Anyway, if you wanna hear what the VG8 can sound like, check out
http://www.spirit53.com. The Eternal Equinox album is mostly metal.