The balance control of many otherwise fine preamps and integrated amps have disappeared over the years. It is simply a cost cutting move as there is no reason that a balance control has to compromise SQ. I would not have a preamp without one.
There are many reasons a balance control may be useful as were detailed here. An additional factor is that some recordings need a balance control to place the soundstage correctly.
There are many reasons a balance control may be useful as were detailed here. An additional factor is that some recordings need a balance control to place the soundstage correctly.