for beginners..i always recommend a 10 watts amp..with a small multi effects..
my "recommendation" is.. a laney/vox/line6/peavey amp, to go with a zoom G1/G1x multi effects.
since u like distortion..i would recommend the zoom, cuz its the most "metal" multi effector i have used.
i'm a progressive metal player too.
reason y i dun recommend those boss's compact pedals is because..since u said u are a beginner..u might not have found your genre yet..as in u might still be looking around for new stuff.. if u buy those compact pedal.. u are limiting yourself to that particular genre that the pedal can offer.
as for multi.. u can do anything u wan..change here and there..
lets say u were to get the famous MT-2 which cost 100+-.
a zoom G1 cost around 90 to 110.
as for buying an amp with a built-in effects..umm.. i recommend the roland cube 30 or whatever is the number.. cuz the distortion that it gives.. makes my pants drop...
but rolands are not cheap..
hahah..unless u are those rich people.. or u confirm have found your genre, which in this case is metal..then go ahead with the compact pedal lah..
haha..always listen and think before buying..ask your parents for permission too..