I'm on my forth one now which says something (stupid for selling or stupid for buying again!) I really love these and can't afford the new Mesa heads, They seem to be getting cheaper since the new Mesa Valve heads came out too.
I never use the Graphic EQ really preferring to just use the tone controls on the amp which do take some getting use to and to be honest you would be best ignoring the numerals on the pots because they mean very little if you want to set it flat.
Look after the valves and you will never have any problems IMO, I always revalve with JJ's as soon as I buy a new one.
Combine a 400+ with a 1516 and it's tone heaven but I use to use it through a Ampeg fridge too.