There's generally quite a large difference between hardware and software versions of stuff like BBE maximizer, TC finalizer, etc. Some, like Bomb Factory Pultec have earned a dedicated following but I think many folks who love that plug-in would still opt for a real harware Pultec if they had the option. I haven't used the Sansamp plug-in but you have to figure there will be a tangible difference one way or another. The hardware units are good, I'm anxious to hear the new version PSA 1.1. Some very respected guitar legends have used the Sansamp (hardware) in their rig at one point or another. 8-)

If you end up using the Sansamp plug-in let us know how the quality is, I'd be curious to hear your experience. :)

One way to compare them directly if you have the opportunity is to run through the Sansamp (hardware) into a DAW and insert the Sansamp software plug-in on the input bus (monitored) then alternate between bypassing the hardware unit and the software plug-in with the same default patch selected on each. That way you can compare the same patch side-by-side in real time, well "real time with a little latency" for the software plug-in track anyhow. I did that once with a BBE maximizer and the two signals were radically different in character, the hardware version was markedly superior IMO. :D

I use the bass driver di and its awesome. I have used he plugins too and they seem pretty close to the same tone. Im referring to bass stuff right now. But in my mind I've got a couple of the sansamp di's and besides the emulation they are great di's you can use them for guitar bass keyboard. I think the plugin will get the job done but the hardware to me offers a lot of versatility.