Question about Tone Controls + Equalizers


So I wanted to get opinions on Tone Controls.

I listen to all my music including LP's with Tone Controls defeated.

Why do I do that, you say? Because when I started on this journey I had the impression in my mind that in order to be an Audiophile, you have to listen to all music in it's purest form otherwise you are degrading the sound (I know, a very novice and naive mentality). 

So my first questions, do you all listen to LP's with tone controls on or off (if you have the capability in your system)?

My second question is about equalizers and in particular the Schiit Loki. If you have Tone Controls in your system, is adding a equalizer or tone control system useless or does it interfere whit your built in Tone Controls? Would you have defeat the Tone Controls on your own system in order to use the Loki or could they work with each other? I am not sure.

Do you all think a device like the Loki could possibly help fine tune your system sound? Is anyone using it in their own rig with LP playback?

That is what I would use it for, LP Playback, if I ever got the Loki or anything similar.

Thanks
jay73

Showing 1 response by terry9

Analogue tone controls must have both a resistance and a reactance (capacitance or inductance). Both of these are imperfect devices unless you spend very big bucks (think radio station and vacuum capacitors). Unless your tone control costs six figures, it must introduce distortion.

Digital has its own problems, but I don't use that technology (don't like it), so I can't give you chapter and verse.