who wants tone controls on your next preamp?

I'd love to have these implemented well on a piece that didn't cost as much as a used car. By the way I tried what I thought was my dream piece, an Avalon AD2055 parametric and it did not work out in my system, disappointingly. Luxman and Accuphase integrated tone controls have always been attractive to me; both have exceptional reputations. I was always intrigued about trying both. I almost bought a McIntosh preamp, almost....

Balance controls are just as bad. Just move your head.

Kijanki,
I'm not surprised and that's why this whole concept of "Absolute Sound" (the basis for Audiophilia) is so bogus as we all perceive sound slightly differently due to anatomical differences. It kind of lends even greater value to such devices doesn't it?

Carlos269 - It depends how you approach it. I wouldn't adjust bass on my bass heavy or bass light CDs because it changes character of performer/performance. Some CDs are recorded darkish and some with too much treble and again, I don't want to adjust anything to equalize it.

I can see value of high quality equalizer to compensate for the room acoustics if it cannot be done by treatments but don't have any experience with that. Simple tone controls are just not for me. I don't mind them as long as I can bypass them and don't have to pay for them.

"Some recordings just have an off stereo balance"

Daverz - I noticed that. Most often they move to the left but I don't mind (I'm a democrat).