The Schiit Loki EQ didn't exist 11 years ago when this thread was started, but it does now and it's an amazing little thing...I use mine sparingly but when needed it does the job perfectly. A no noise little gem, and at a silly price.
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.