Tube amps without cabs vs modeler

If you have a head with fx loop or line out, so you can run it with the master off. Or a load box for that matter the best headphone solution I found is preamp into KMA Endgame (since it has power amp sim and headphone out).
 
So my question is; Is it better to get a digital device (i.e. modeler or profiler) if I can only play with headphones / computer speakers? With tube amps, I need an attenuator for that, which isn't a problem per say, but will the sound be better with a modeler? Or will a tube + attenuator still feel/sound better even if I don't have a cab?
I'd just use a modeler. Good attenuators are expensive, and IMO don't do any better job than just using a good modeler.
 
I’ve looked at those ACE pedals before but never tried one. I’ve just pivoted from my Quad Cortex to a Marshall SV20 loaded into a Suhr reactive load with a pedal board build. Right now using the UA Ox Stomp for cab sims and it sounds better to me than any modeler I’ve used. I may give the ACE a try at some point. I think analog cab sims when done right sound better than IR’s but not found one I liked in pedal form which is what I need for the current setup.

I like the Suhr ACE. Sounds and feels great to me. I do think it benefits from an EQ that lets you get surgical with whatever frequencies you want, but I think that about pretty much everything, there's basically nothing I don't post EQ at least a little bit.

Try one, can't hurt!
 
I’ve heard a lot of good things about the Mic No Mo. I thought of giving it a go on the current build but trying to limit cables and hook ups. Still may give this and the ACE and try at some point.

I’m partly tempted to try the ACE. I’d also like to try a Palmer at some point. But another part of me thinks I should just stick with what’s working for me and not go looking for rabbit holes
 
99% of the time I'm using my Axe III thru headphones, and I can crank my amps any time I want. I'm mostly playing high-gain Mesa amp presets with wonderful-sounding stereo delays, and it sounds great, and inspiring enough that I play every day, some days for hours on end.
 
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