need a ss bal hp amp/preamp prim w* hd800 b22 beta22, gs-x gsx phoenix apache or rpx300

Hello, as the title says I want to make my ultimate headphone setup that at least will last me a few years and I think for me the best way to go is solid state bbalanced since I know that the hd800 will be my ultimate headphone. I dont want to go tube becaus eI find that to be too much hassle (i have owned a tube amp in the past) and I know that if I go balanced that I will squeeze everything out of the hd800, balanced tube offerings seem to be generally more expensive then the solid state ones as well.
On the top of my list is the beta22 the problem though is that I am totally not a diyer and just not tehcnical in general so I would have to find someone to build it for me which could be problematic (you have to hope that someone has the experience and will build it well, I am not technical so I am not going to open the thing up after it arrives) and there is the after sales support to consider. Also most diyers seem to live in the States and I live in the Netherlands.
Second on my list comes the audio-gd phoenix. The problem is that that amp is BIG and HEAVY as I said I have no technical knowledge so if that amp arrives damaged it will have to go back to china. I live in a small appartment and am not sure that my desk which houses all my computer and audio equipment has enough room for this. Also I wonder if anyone has been able to compare the phoenix to other solid state balanced offerings?
So then there is the gilmore gs-x which is more expensive probbably but seems to sound very similar to the beta22 although I am not sure if it is as powerful. I am not sure how Justins delivery time is though and if it actually matches what is stated on the website.
I have also thought about rudistor amps but they are comparatively very expensive and the rpx300 which I was considering has two volume controls which you have to either match by ear or visually. I am blind and would have GREATLY preferred controls with tactile feedback like some kind of stepped attenuator. Also the rudistor is just a lot more expensive then the beta22 or even the gs-x.
I have read about the ray samuels apache (VERY expensive though, even more so then the rudistor because I would have to pay extra for shipping paypal fees and taxes) but I think I would prefer the gs-x or beta22 sound signature, also the apache is not discrete as are the beta22 and gs-x.
Thanks in advance for any opinions/advice.
Greetings, Anouk,

Hey Ipodpj. I am not sure if the phoenix is actually half the price of the beta22. I mean I dont really care about a very fancy case for example any standard kind of case will do for me. Can you maybe describe more in detail what the differences in sound are between the b22 and the phoenix? Someone told me that the size differences between those two are not htat big. My decision is now officially just between phoenix, gsx and b22.
Greetings, Anouk,

Hello once more, After some thinking I have narrowed it down to either the audio-gd phoenix, the beta22 and the gs-x. Any input from anyone who knows a bit about the design differences or has heard at least two of theswe would be greatly appreciated because I am stuck.
I do not care about the price differences but size of the unit is important because I have limited space. I guess I would be able to fit it in but it would get uncomfortable on my audio desk.
Any information/ advice is welcome.
Greetings, Anouk,

Hello, yes I found that thread on google, I also found a thread comparing apache and gsx which made me drop apache from my shortlist (or was it apache vs bta 22 I dont remember). But yeah one guy said the gs-x and the beta22 do sound identical. I am not sure if he had the max beta22 though. Both the b22 and gs-x are discrete I think. Can anyone tell me a bit about their design differences or differences in specs? I still have to hear from a beta22 builder because I cant find someone willing to build one for me hten it automatically goes off the list.
Bass impact is important to me, I am not a total basshead but a good impact is important. I know that the hd800 isnt particularly bassheavy as it is so if the beta22 has the better impact then this is very important to me.
I must say that I am leaning towards either beta22 or gs-x since I cant hear any of them beforehand.
Greetings, Anouk,

Hello, here you go:
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f113/c...beta22-312745/
and:
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f113/c...p-gs-x-246110/
Greetings, Anouk,

Hmm it would be great if I know a builder who would be willing ot make me one but I dont so I would have to go through ybm I would indeed go for a standard case but indeed some other parts might be custom because, if I go this route i want to get the best.
Thanks for your continuing help with my dilemma, lol
I am also not totally sure if the apache should not still be on my list, I mean I did like my tube amp in the end, it was nicely warm and musical sounding.
A pity I cant compare them bjefore buying.

Hi uncle erik and ipodp[j, yes I will go delve into the phoenix thread later today. I read the first few pages yesterday but stopped after that. Uncle Erik I have experience with a tube amp the woo audio wa2 and I know that I want to go back to solid state (especially balanced solid state) because I know the hd800 will be the headphone for me. I know that there are some balanced tube options but the real good ones are all very expensive and I just dont want all that tube rolling anymore. Also I got some hum issues and stuff with my tube amp and poweramp which i did not have with solid state which i owned before that. So yeah I am quite sure I want to go solid state again.
Greetings, Anouk,