Do I need or want preamp tone controls

You don't need tone controls, 98% of high-end preamps don't have them.

I agree, no tone controls, but I highly recommend a pre-amp with a balance control-- and there are some very good ones such as the Sonic Frontiers Line series, ARC LS25, Levinson, Bryston, Adcom, VTL, Herron, and others. Cheers. Craig

Adding to Dill's: You don't need tone controls if all your CD and vinyl recordings are perfect.

Just to let you know, the majority (like 98%) is not always right. Personally, I love them since they are out of the circuit when not in use - at least in McIntoshes. I find satisfaction in having the best of both worlds.

It would be nice to have tone controls that could be taken out of the circuit.Tone controls would help when playing poorly recorded [Bright/Harsh] CD's.JD