dual volume controls?

The Quicksilver full function preamp with it's stepped attenuators is a pleasure to use. Mike Sanders would not have chosen this design if he didn't think there is a benefit to it.

I found the Audible Illusions preamp without stepped attenuators very frustrating to balance. I gave up on it after one evening.

My old superphon dualmono with upgraded(alps) attenuaters was very effective.you could really tweak it.

I prefer a single volume control and remote control. It's very difficult, in my opinion, to get the sound level correct when not at the listening position.

If you need a balance control something is wrong elsewhere in your system.

Another thing that some don't realize is the volume control has a large effect on the sound quality of the preamp. The more devices in line the less transparent the device is. This is the reason I am opposed to balance controls and tone controls. If they are out of the circuit when not in use, fine.

Needing a balance control does not always mean there is something wrong with the system. More likely than not it is a room problem that may be too difficult and expensive to cure. Very few audiophiles have the perfect room or even a decent room as is evident in system photos on this forum. In most cases the presence of a balance control is much less harmful than the room itself.