For what you're looking for, I like the Jetter Gain Stage (I like the Blue - seems to the most verstile of the different Gain Stages). I also like the IndyGuitarist (Wampler) Pinnacle (the new one with the boost switch). Either pedal can be found on Ebay, or in the case of the Wampler (subscribe to the mailing list, and the price is allot less that $199 listed on the site), on the mfg website for less than $200.
Wampler Pinnacle:
http://www.wamplerpedals.com/pin2.htm
Jetter Gain Stage Blue:
http://www.jettergear.com/products/gainstage.cfm
Chris
Here's a comparison of the ZVex Box of Rock, the Wampler Pinnacle, and the Wampler Plextortion - Tele and Peavy Valve King 1x12:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCZOt...eature=related
Here's demo of the Jetter Gain Stage Blue (by the builder - doing the live intro/chords to Cliffs of Dover)- Strat, Echoplex, DRRI:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4y63O0_49M0
Here's another demo for the Gain Stage Blue compared to a HotCake, Zendrive, Cactus Crunch, Bumbox, and a Little Green Wonder - showing wich one is the most "Dumble like" - PRS and a Diezel amp:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9wLF...eature=related
Here's one just for the Gain Stage Blue - Suhr Strat style guitar and a Diezel amp:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf-NL...eature=related