Bass and treble levels

I think it's important to note what we are sensitive to as well. 

I like tone controls, but my current pre's tone controls definitely dull the sound, even when set to neutral. 

Sadly, the design and parts quality of tone controls has really diminished. 

So this is gear dependent. I'm sure others may totally not hear this issue at all. 

So, I don't think there's one answer, except to please yourself, and pay attention to your perception in long term listening sessions. You'll eventually become your own mastering engineer and decide what's best. 

eric_squires

Gotta' agree with you about the quality of current tone controls. . Unfortunately, some of the earlier CD recordings certainly need treble cut.

Many of you have seen this, but here is a great write-up of how recordings changed over time.

https://www.shockwave-sound.com/blog/the-loudness-wars-over-compression-and-its-impact-on-music-qual...