dkzzzz, tone controls are one of those things that purists as you say, don't like. I agree with you and I know many designers who also do. That said, I've never heard digital EQ that didn't somehow change the sound of the spectrum elsewhere in the speaker. Many of you will disagree and that's fine, but I've heard a lot of digital EQ done with very high end system and or speakers that have it built in and I haven't felt the results were worth it as you help alleviate one problem, while cause another one.
I've heard a system using a parametric EQ that, to my ears, did a really good job, but you really have to know what you are doing when using one. Many of us love 70/80 rock and could really use a pre that offered it in somehow. Most of the recordings are really hot on top and they mess with the rest of the spectrum also. I have been in a few studios back in the day and saw engineers making tiny adjustments, but it was always riding a gain pot and it almost seemed that they wanted to justify their jobs and validate what they do, lol. Not taking shot's at the engineers, but we hear what we hear on the recordings and most will agree that they aren't usually the best sounding. Great music though and that's what it's about.