I dunno about the knob cost, but tone knobs are good things. Get one. I don't see how you survive without it.

Yes, the sound sample was distorted by outside effects. That's not what you should listen for in those things. You should listen less to what's being played and more to note clarity, tonal balance, sustain, and all that good stuff.

For example- the HFH has a lot of treble. It also is very clear, you can pick out all the notes perfectly in spite of the fact that Mr. Gilbert is going at it like a madman on meth with distortion. That's saying something.