Tone snobbery (;)) and tone purity aside, this might help you define the sound you seek without dropping tons of bucks right off the bat. There's lots of amps around with that capability.
I have a Fender Vibro Champ, which is a little 5-watter I have reviewed in the Gear Review section. Thanks to it, I have a better inkling what more expensive amp I would go for, should that day ever come.
Another alternative, if you have not considered it, might be a less expensive 1 or 2 channel amp with no effects and adding a modelling pedal to your equipment instead.
...so ever since then, I always hang on to the buckle.
