Fidelity to what? Or what are we tying to achieve with all our expensive gear?

[synsei]

The JVC AX-A3 I have here has a CD Direct function which bypasses everything bar the volume control. With it in circuit there is a marked improvement in clarity, consequently I only ever use the CD input. I've no time for extraneous controls at all and have always preferred amps with just a volume control and source selector, the exception being the Classé DR5 pre-amp I previously owned where the same controls could be defeated at the flick of a switch. Needless to say they were never in circuit.

[istari_knight]

What you have to be careful of, when making these sorts of assessments, is that you're comparing like with like.

Just because one amp (with tone controls) sounds better to you than another without, isn't necessarily because of the effectiveness (or otherwise) of the tone controls, but perhaps that, through design, despite the effect of the tone controls, overall it's simply a better amp!

Marco.

+1. Not all tone control circuits are born equal, implementation is everything. In a well designed amp I would challenge anyone to tell the difference blind - Its astonishing how huge differences suddenly disappear. I have tried it myself with cables, dacs & tone controls and could detect exactly zero difference... Anyone that claims they can hear the difference yet have never put it to the test really ought to.

[struth]

no harm in having them as long as they can be bypassed if you want to.....sometimes I used them when available, depending on what I was listening to...if it sounded better the so be it.

[The Barbarian]

Yep but when every single Tone control less amp i ever owned all sounded cack to my earholes there has gotta be something wrong aint there?

However it is it not so hard to see why people turn into box swappers more often then they care to realise!

[awkwardbydesign]

Yep but when every single Tone control less amp i ever owned all sounded cack to my earholes there has gotta be something wrong aint there?

However it is it not so hard to see why people turn into box swappers more often then they care to realise!

Is it your earholes?

[The Barbarian]

Certainly is not my hearholes they are golden as the golden of golden things

[Marco]

Yep but when every single Tone control less amp i ever owned all sounded cack to my earholes there has gotta be something wrong aint there?

...aye, you've never heard a decent amp without tone controls yet!

Marco.

[prestonchipfryer]

I always see tone controls as ''worry knobs.'' I.e.: Does this track need more or less bass, mid, treble. Would drive me mad having tone controls as I would always be wondering where to set them.

[The Barbarian]

...aye, you've never heard a decent amp without tone controls yet!

Marco.

O i have

[Marco]

So they exist, then?

Here's one... Sondex 'S230'. Woo-hoo, look - no tone controls:





...and I *know* you don't think that sounds cack!



Marco.