Roger Modgeski of Music Reference/RAM Labs is working on a tube preamp in the $1,000 range that uses tone controls. He was looking to design controls that overcame the problems of tone controls and the sonic damage they do. I think they may actually be available now. I don't know if he succeeded or not, but I do know he is one heck of a good audio engineer. I'm sure he would be happy to talk to you about. I think it is part of his SET series of components.
recommend full featured preamps?
I have about decided I really want tone controls and a balance knob, and seek recommendations. I often listen late at low volume (so some bass boost is desirable), and on many records the tone or balance is off. I prefer tubes but am not so sure it matters any more. An included phono section, to eliminate an interconnect, seems most reasonable. In other words, a premap like they used to make. Not really aware of anything besides McIntosh that has all these features and would appreciate suggestions.