I highly recommend the NAD 118 digital pre. It was unique: besides having the typical Bass and Trebel controls, it also has a Mid frequency control.It has an onboard DAC and all adjusting of the sound was done in the digital domain, which eliminated distortion. The pre has a bypass switch if you do not wish to have tone controls within the signal path. The sound of this pre. rivals many of the expensive higher end units out there. It's rare to find one here, about two a year. They have sold for around $400, not bad for what you get for the price - brand new they sold for $1600.
Tone controls? Sorry about the heresy.
I need tone controls! Too much of the music I listen to needs it. A lot of 70's, 80's, 90's, 00's rock. Some acoustic music. Who makes excellent preamps with tone controls OR what other box can I use that won't degrade the sound too much? Currently use a PS Audio 4.5, Adcom GFA-555II, JPW speakers.