I don't know - I don't really ever try to convince anyone to buy or not buy something, but my experience with the HD500 has been nothing but positive.  I've owned PODs from every generation up to this point, and this is the only one where I've truly kind of felt like I've been playing through a real amp.  I have honestly not spend a whole lot of time with every amp model simply because I keep on getting stuck on a few that I really, really like and just keep playing.  The one thing I notice a lot is the amp tone stacks are a lot more responsive on the HD line than previous versions.

As far as the hexagons, I guess I do notice a few light indentations on mine, but I never really gave it a second thought.  I can't say I ever thought to be bothered by it.

kneffmesaboogie wrote:

 

Well, I guess I have to be the one to be a downer to all the hype.  I purchased a POD HD400 one week ago and was immediately disappointed before ever powering it on.  Tooling marks on the case of the unit?  Really?  I am an engineer with sheet metal fabrication experience, and not one of my customers would accept this.  The fact that they are putting them in the box to be sold with these hexagonal marks all over them (mine has one through the HD logo!) is a slap in the face.  I have done my research and can tell from the stock at my local GC, the videos on youtube, and other similar compaints that this is a far-reaching problem.  The fact that they keep punching them out is a perfect example of greed.  After my initial surprise, I thought to myself, this had better sound really great.  I have played with it for a week, twisting knobs and working with the software only to find that the sounds are uninspiring, the feel is no better, and that I have been unable to get any usable tones out of it live or in the studio.  All the demos on line that sound decent employ the use of the Variax.  Maybe this is key, but I will never change guitars to suit a MFX box.  I guess, other than complaining, I am looking for somebody to prove me wrong.  I am no tone guru, but many people come to me for help with their tones in my area, so I must know something.  The lower gain models start sounding the same, and the high gain models are muddy.  The tone controls seem to have little effect when sweeping them full range.  I bought the HD400 without plugging it in at the store, that is how much I have come to trust Line 6.  Looking for feedback and thanks for your time....

I don't know of any engineers that would make the claim of a "far-reaching problem" based on one GC store's stock, some YouTube videos and "other similar complaints"...That's is basically an absolution based on just about zero data....Engineers generally use concrete numbers to back up thier claims...

I can certainly understand your disappointment...It really stinks to get something new with obvious defects...Why don't you exchange it? If you can't because other units have the same issue I would suggest that youy call Line 6 directly and explain the situation...And if you don't like how it sounds then return it and get something you like...