E.A.R 834p. VS Graham Slee Reflex

Interesting- I heard about the superior RCA's from a dealer who was looking in to the line. According to Audio Revelations current ad here, it seems as if the Std version comes standard with a volume control. Pricing is $1695 MM,
or $1895 w/ both MM/MC. The deluxes price of $2595 comes standard without V/C. Why do i get the feeling one of us will have to become a sleuth to solve this mystery. I say this with love for the hobby, but can't this be a little easier.
Just to be clear about the standard version, it apparently can't be had without the V/C. I will check on it, but if it's true, I find it strange.

It was mention on one review about differences

Fjn: to add to the mystery. I thought the standard came with vc, but when standard mm/mc showed up, no vc.

I thought vc was now standard as well; would have liked to have it, but not going to fuss with it (I should have clarified prior to purchase).

And yes, I was thinking the same thing about this hobby earlier today - it does seem like it should be easier. Just can't decide if it adds or subtracts from the hobby?