dual volume controls?

Why is it wrong Onhwy61? What else can cause the soundstage to be off center if it's not the room or system? I suppose the recording could be off center. But they won't all be.
A balance control is another filter between you and the music. I suppose there are a few folks that have high quality resistor based or digital pots but you would be surprised how many use off the shelf Alps or other cheap products.

Since it is your system, you should listen how you want.

Rwwear, thank you for giving me permission to listen to my system how I want. I didn't know I needed your permission, but apparently you're in a giving mood, so I'll accept.

Yes, it's the recording that can use correction. Not all recordings, but it's not unusual. And yes it is as expensive to implement a good balance control as it is to do a good volume control.

You're welcome. But I wasn't giving you permission just stating a fact.

Sounds more like an opinion than a fact.

Yeah, it's my opinion you can listen how you want.