Culpster

I am not acknowledging your info about model packs phil_m because it is irrelevant to my initial comment. My initial comment was that this upgrade contained absolutely no new amps or cabs. The fact that I had to pay for model packs to receive anything extra was still a slight on the initial upgrade. The fact that they have model packs available is not the complaint. They have done this for years. What they have also done for years when introducing new hardware is provide additional models and cabs for free with software updates. The fact that this was an updated version of the Hd500 seems to change that according to TheRealZap? Oh waite, the Vetta II was an updated version of initial Vetta and they provided additional models and cabs for that? Yes, all model packs and add-ons to any product are ways of squeezing extra money from a consumer. If you do not know this you are naïve, or really bad at understanding basic points in a business model. My initial comment has absolutely nothing to do with the model packs. It has to do with the only significant upgrade to the HD500x is a global EQ. This is not a bitter email, I can now sell this at a higher price based on the possibilities of someone else having a clear picture of what Line 6/Yamaha's new business model is. Taking 10 year old software and placing it into new hardware and selling it as an upgraded model pack. The fact that this does not effect any of you who bought this as "The most powerful modeler in it's class" is OK with me. This is a forum and constructive criticism of a company that I have utilized since it's initial offering of the AX2 and Spider is allowed and valid.

Actually, The Pod HD500 did get a significant free upgrade with additional amps and cabs. The Pod HD500x did not. It contains the original upgrades that were received by those buying an HD500. In matter of fact, Version 2.0 flash upgrade to the PodXT also came with additional amps and cabs, and allowed the user to upgrade to model packs if they wished. Still it was a free upgrade. If you are going to reply to the quote then at least reply intelligently. The Pod, The Vetta. etc have all received additional amps and cab upgrades. Again, leave it to me to buy the only one that will receive an upgrade of global EQ. Your right, I didn't have to buy this, and I don't have to keep it either. If that offends you, I could really care less. I don't recall asking for your opinion on the matter? My choice as a consumer really has no effect on your pocketbook either. Please don't keep shoveling the same garbage about you bought a product "as is" to people. The fact is that these companies keep providing "free" upgrades not as a courtesy. This enables their product to stay news worthy and in the consumer landscape. People make Youtube videos, newer features attract additional attention, etc. New software upgrades prolong the end of life and keep revenues flowing. This isn't rocket science. It's business. The fact that Line 6/Yamaha have now changed their view on upgrades and are charging for them is their choice. The fact that many others choose not to, is also a viable option. It still remains that this upgrade is just recoded PodXT crap that people are getting shoveled into their "HD" floorboards. It's not an upgrade. It's a downgrade from what this unit was supposed to be. I did not buy this unit to have their old technology dumped into it. Give me a break. That is just bad business, and a shame to see this cutting edge company quickly turned into this. I suppose that next you will tell me how the new Variax is an upgrade from the James Tyler designed Variax? Really?

Leave it to my luck to buy the only major piece of hardware that Line 6 has put out in the last 20 years that I have to pay for the upgrade in amps. Nice...Even the HD500 got some free amps. I buy a HD500x and get an upgrade to my EQ. Thanks Line 6. At least resale will stay decent