I have an HD500 that I use live and an AXFXII for studio..

I have not used an HD PRO but I'm really happy with the 500 and use the editor for most changes...  therefore, I think you are better off with the HD500 from a flexibility standpoint (and cost)...

I also use a JTV-69(K) live with the HD500... a great combination..

Good luck, either way is a good choice..

The HD500 and HD Pro have exactly the same internal sound engine - therefore they sound the same. It may be that you just preferred the tones the guy deming the HD Pro used! Also, YouTube demos vary hugely in quality and in how they are recorded.

So you choice is whether you want/prefer a rack or floor unit, and whether you'd ever need the additional input/outputs available on the Pro. Of course if you got the rack you have the additional cost of buying one of the separate Line 6 FBV series models. I think the HD500 would be a better bet for you as the tones you'll get recorded will be no different than the Pro.

You can use any additional pedals in the effects loop of the HDs and integrate them fully anywhere within you HD-created tones. Of course you may like the HD wahs and not feel the need to bother, but Morleys are nice.

I've had both and settled on the HD PRO.

The only reason was, I didn't like running power to the front of the stage for the HD 500 and G50 wireless I was using, and then running two 20' guitar cords back to my stereo amp from the 500.  Now I have the HD PRO and a G90 wireless in the rack and the only cord running to the front of the stage is the Cat5 for the FBV Shortboard (Mark I) that I use.

Kind of pricey, but I like the lack of clutter and quick, easy, setup/teardown.

I've been thinking about this a little recently.

Here's my situation; I have an HD500, which is great. I bought it when it hit the shops, before the Pro was available. Turns out, the way I use it is only in the studio, using the Mac to dial in tones, and running the XLRs to the mixer (which runs out to the PA and also into my recording computer via FireWire). I never use any of the foot switches or the expression pedal.

The annoying thing for me then, is that it takes up a whole load of space on the desktop, and nothing can sit on top of it because of the form factor. So, it sits on the floor under the desk, getting in the way and the every so often getting kicked.

Ok - so I figure I'll change it for the rack/desktop friendly HD Pro, seeing as I don't use it live or use the switches...

WAIT A MINUTE - the Pro is exactly the same thing as the HD500, but has LESS stuff... No buttons, no sturdy metal case all round, and no expression pedal... But it costs £200 MORE than the HD500?!?!?

WHAT? Am I missing something here? With the HD Pro, you are paying MORE money, to get LESS product. There is simply no way this bit of gear is worth £200 more than the HD500.

Or is there? I'm intrigued because from my perspective I can see no earthly reason why someone would go for a Pro over an HD500 given their vastly different price-points.

Until I get a good answer, I'll happily live with the inconvenience of the HD500 shape, with the knowledge that all the foot switches are there if I want them, and put the £200 ($323!) towards a new guitar.