Helix with existing preamp question

[cornelw]

Hi There, 

I'm new here.

I'm considering buying a Helix and I have a question that I'd love some comments on.

I'm looking at integrating it with my existing amp/head/speakercab.

i understand the 4ch method = all good there.

What i want to do is use the Helix live with my amp, hooked up via the 4ch method BUT what i'd love to be able to do is use my (physical) cabinet for my monitoring only (and not rely on onstage miking) and have a signal coming straight form the Helix to the desk that incorporates the preamp section of my head. I know the routing is possible - but the big question is this:

As the Helix doesn't seperate a poweramp from the amp block - how does the preamp (coming directly from a head's effects loop) sound going into the Helix' cabs and bypassing a poweramp emulation all together? I realise my head will sound entirely different to anyone else's and all the cabs (+ IRs) will sound different, so what i'm looking for is a few comments from people that have done this and what they've found. Is not having a dedicated poweramp section a total tone bummer? Or have people tried running the output of their preamp into a Helix clean amp?

I've got a EVH lbx and I just love that preamp. Please don't question why I want to do this - I only want comments from people that have tried it. If I could test it I would.

Much appreciated!!