What happened to the loudness control?

Why would we want such devices that are based on empirical, repeatable, scientificaly demonstrable processes, when we can use cables that provide a far less consistent, but much more expensive solution.
Are loudness controls filters - yup. So is your room, your furnishings, your cables and everything else your system consists of.
Do they affect the sound - sure, as they're supposed to to enhance those frequencies that the ear cannot distingush as well at low volumes.
The gnashing of teeth and wringing of hands that we would affect the signal, yet our ears can't effectively hear that multi-thousand $ signal as it's being reproduced at lower volumes in a non-filtered set-up. But we wouldn't be audiophiles if we screwed with that signal right?
Go figure.

I had one once, but she does listen with me anymore.

It would be nice if someone manufacture a high quality, stand alone "loudness" control (with Fletcher-Munson curves) that could be inserted in tape-loop for listening at low volumes & removed from circuit when not needed. Know of manufacturer who does this?

Who has a tape loop?

snofun3 is the voice of reason...and he's right