The only thing possibly replacing the roadster at this point is an axe-fx, and having owned a GT-8 and selling it within two months.. not likely to sell the mesa to make it happen
1. roadster has better cleans then pre-2010 rectos, but 2010 recto's don't have tweed mode
2. I haven't compared to a 3ch dual but to a 2ch triple we got the amps sounding fairly similar.
3. For max versatility, get the Roadster - 4 channels, 3 modes per channel, footswitchable boost/fx loop/reverb/tuner mute.. it's got a little more than your standard rectos (which are also now capable of 50W IIRC).
As for smooth tones: they're in there helloooo vintage mode. Ridiculous metal? vintage or modern, your choice of ch3 or ch4 - it's right there. You want to get your hendrix on? Ch2 Brit or drive the fuck out of ch1 or ch2 on a clean setting . You want your blues on? ch1 or Ch2 fat clean with the gain up.. dayum.
The only amps I truly have GAS for anymore are the axe-fx and Peters Hydra.. and I'm not eager-beaver for either my roadster gives me the main 4 tones I use on any given day, so I'm happy
thanx for sending me the request, you would have received one from me but i thought we where already friends lol (i thought i sent you a request a while back). your avatar is awesome by the way \m/