Tone controls

[Damon]

I am using the tone controls, with the treble currently boosted to +3.5. However, that is with the current speakers, the GamuT Phi5 kmII. I might not boost the treble with the other speakers in my collection. I do like the Devialet for this; the tone adjustment is in the software, rather than in hardware with physical movement in controls. I also like that we can adjust the frequency that the treble and bass affect. Yes, I suppose a parametric EQ would be nice, but I think it would be as much of a distraction as a useful tool. BTW, I have the treble adjusted, so I 'use' the tone control, but I don't change it. It is set, and I leave it unless I change speakers. Maybe not even then.

The pre-amplifier is supposed to take the input signal, convert it into the appropriate form (ADC or DAC), allow volume control, and then have the power amp amplify the signal without altering it... or so they say. Whatever. I think the tone controls are good, and valuable. If the upstream signal is pure, we should not need to adjust tone. But, since recordings vary, and speakers vary, and cables and shelves affect sound, and we all (or most of us) have rooms with furniture, or reflective walls, then the ability to edit the sonic signature is a good option. Says I.