[usaman]

First off, I was disappointed they weren't going to have a black friday sale.  Adam said he could have one shipped out now if it was without the new phono option.  I decided to go with the new visionQ+ circuits installed but there are 4 units ahead of me.  Ill send them my external visionQ phono for consignment.
I might add, there is unfortunately only one phono input on the backside.  Its properties need to be selected by removing the cover and choosing the appropriate dip switches. Since I normally use a MM, I do sometimes switch out for a MC and it would be nice to set up the inputs as phono 1 & 2 for a no-fuss quick selection. After all, I'm sure there's a lot of fellas out there that like to switch out their cartridges.  I imagine that would entail a more involved circuit though.

[Tone Depth]

An audio friend of mine just turns up his CFR volume control when he wants to hear more treble or bass.

[brooklyn]

I personally haven't had tone controls in any piece of gear since the early 80's and never felt like they were needed or I was missing something.. I'm old school, I want nothing extra in the signal path.. or the old saying, less is more. I can see were there might be a need for them to augment certain recording or maybe in a less then desirable room setting.. I say if you feel the need, go for it..

[peter4jc]

First off, I was disappointed they weren't going to have a black friday sale.  Adam said he could have one shipped out now if it was without the new phono option.  I decided to go with the new visionQ+ circuits installed but there are 4 units ahead of me.  Ill send them my external visionQ phono for consignment.
I might add, there is unfortunately only one phono input on the backside.  Its properties need to be selected by removing the cover and choosing the appropriate dip switches. Since I normally use a MM, I do sometimes switch out for a MC and it would be nice to set up the inputs as phono 1 & 2 for a no-fuss quick selection. After all, I'm sure there's a lot of fellas out there that like to switch out their cartridges.  I imagine that would entail a more involved circuit though.

Understanding that it'll save some $$$ to have the VisionQ built in, to me it makes more sense to have the phono stage be external, simply for the future possibility of switching it to something else. 

[toocool4]

Absolutely agree with peter4jc. I’d never choose an internal phono stage or, if I used digital, an internal DAC. It’s far better to add what you need when you actually need it. These components evolve so quickly why lock yourself into something that could already be outdated by the time you come to use it?

[FullRangeMan]

I personally haven't had tone controls in any piece of gear since the early 80's and never felt like they were needed or I was missing something.. I'm old school, I want nothing extra in the signal path.. or the old saying, less is more. I can see were there might be a need for them to augment certain recording or maybe in a less then desirable room setting.. I say if you feel the need, go for it..

+1.  Correct less is more.
Since the 1990s Hi-Fi equipment has been in constant decline, with only planned obsolescence modifications implemented to increase manufacturers profits. The only advance was Class D amps.
IEC plugs everywhere with a dozen of contact transfers.
Lead-free Euro solder.
Disappearance of Alnico magnets.
Resurgence of perishable formats like vinyl.
Output stages with multiple power transistors.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Understanding that it'll save some $$$ to have the VisionQ built in, to me it makes more sense to have the phono stage be external, simply for the future possibility of switching it to something else.

On the other hand, with it being built in, there 2 less RCA cables and a power cable, plus 1 less box.Also, having it built in will make it more value for resale.  He can always upgrade to a better external phono preamp in the future.

I am adjust playing devil's advocate.