the myth of 'tone suck'

The following graphic shows the sound frequency levels of a BOSS GT-10 multi-fx board, a true-bypass stompbox(off), and a computer's soundcard all by itself, i.e., nothing going on at all...

So basically - as you can see in plain view right here - unless you're using complete shit cables, or your gear is broken, there is virtually NO DIFFERENCE whatsoever... in fact, the only notable difference is waaaay down around 30hz - which the majority of people can't even hear.  So quit worrying about all the CRAP you read in online guitar forums and stop making things more difficult than they are!

GO PLAY YER DAMN GUITAR!