[Nepenthe]

Is there such a thing? The preamp stage on most amps I've seen is pretty bare-bones -- a gain selector and a volume control is about it.
 
A balance control (for very subtle balancing) would be great, as would a pretty basic tone control (or two).
 
Small enough to take places (not portable/battery, just small/light) and solid state would be plusses.
 
Note: I'm not into DACs, as 80% of what I listen to is redbook audio where I'm happy with my CD Player at home and I put up with the one at work. The other 20% is FIOS, Blu-ray, or OCRemix MP3s.
 
Thanks!

 

[Nepenthe]

I'll take that as a no.

 

[cifani090]

Check out some reviews, i think Jude did a review on Head-Fi TV that had your criteria.