Yes, I think it is. The line amp is very good sounding, but the compression isn't exciting. I don't know how else to describe it. With a good 1176 or LA-2A the vocal can jump out of the mix and become almost three-dimensional. My LA-2A can be really subtle or pretty aggressive. If I want really aggressive I'd probably go with an 1176, if I want more subtle I'd go with a Daking most likely. I'm not dogmatic about any of this, I'd try and see what sounds best. I would never turn to the Minley enthusiastically, although it always did a perfectly respectable job.
One of the things I like least about the v*xb*x is that the compressor can only be ahead of the mic pre. I don't really see the point of that. If I'm missing some compelling reason I'd love for someone to explain it to me. The metering makes it possible to keep track of the gain-staging, but I find I have to fiddle with the meter select more than I'd like. Having said that, it does sound pretty good. I just don't much care for being different for the sake of being different.
Justin - point taken. I've always wondered why I had that sense about the Munley. It's good to know I'm not crazy and someone else noticed the same thing. OK, so I am crazy but at least I can still hear.