Straight amplifier? Well . . . kind of . . . but not really. Tech 21 describes it on their web page as an "all-purpose, multi-function, powered extension cabinet." It has features like a regular solid state amp (EQ controls, volume, power switch, etc.) and the cabinet design makes it look the part as well. Technically, you could plug a guitar into it and play it like a regular amp - though with a L6 X3L at your disposal, I'm not sure why you'd want to. Bottom line - it works well for what it was designed to do - provide a transparent power source for a pre-amp device.
Regarding EQ settings, you can set everything "flat" and be somewhat assured that the amp model you're playing will sound like it should. Most of the time, my EQ controls hover around 4-5 (5 being halfway), but that can vary depending on the amp model I'm using - i.e. a tad brighter for the Fender models; more mids for the Marshall stuff, etc. As has already been stated, the tonal characteristics of the unit's Celestion speaker will have an effect on your modeled tone, perhaps requiring a little bit of EQ fine-tuning on the Power Engine. I'd also note that the older Power Engines like my own use a custom-designed T21 2112-A speaker, which some users feel is better-suited to the task than the Celestion in the newer units. Speakers are a personal preference thing, so really - its whatever suits your needs. I'm still using the stock 2112-A in mine and have been perfectly satisfied with its sound and performance.
Your statement about using the volume control on the PE as a limiter and controlling the overall volume from the POD is exactly the way I use mine.
Lastly, I'd mention that the Power Engine comes in (3) cabinet / speaker configurations: 1x12, 2x12, 4x10. The 4x10 has Eminence speakers spec'ed with it.. Here's a link to the T21 website:
http://www.tech21nyc.com/products/powerengine/powerengine60.html
Good luck on your search.
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