There are several issues that the comparisons with a B22 barely touch on.
1) Production versus DIY or Private Commission -A production Amplifier will have very little unit to unit variation. A DIY unit is exactly that, the outcome is dependent on many factors: Builders Skill, Chosen configuration, Parts selection.
So when you order a Phoenix in about a month you'll receive the same amp that everyone has been writing about. If you decide to build a B22 you're gambling on your own skill and ability to choose the right parts and build it perfectly, and oh yeah enjoy the flexible warranty.
2) Features - Sure the B22 can be used as a preamp or even to drive ultra efficient speakers. The fact however is that no one has built a B22 with the number of inputs and outputs, remote control, and ergonomic sophistication that the Phoenix offers. Could someone do so? Sure, maybe, but at what cost? The fact is that even the slickest B22's are fairly crude ergonomically compared to the Phoenix. So if you want remote controlled multiple inputs switched with remote relays with volume memory a B22 is not in the running.
3) Time - How long does the average DIYer take to complete a B22? How long does it take for a commissioned B22 to be built? I believe that the lead time for a Phoenix is about a month.
4) Cost - The Phoenix will now set a person back about $1350 delivered to the US. I haven't researched it but the impression I have gathered from my readings here is that is also about what a well configured B22 might cost someone who DIY's it(Not counting labor). A B22 is beyond the DIY ability of most members (Myself included) so commissioning a B22 is what most members would have to do. I have no idea what such a commission might cost (Members seldom state what their custom built amp cost), but I would guess that a stripped B22 might go for $2000 or so, how much would one cost with 5 inputs, remote control, and separate power supply? If available it could top $5000
The fact that which amp sounded better ended up being debatable is the greatest endorsement of the Phoenix ever. For me I haven't seen a B22 that does even part of what I'd like my main amp to do, so to me the winner is obvious.
If I had unlimited money it would be nice to commission a Loaded two chassis B22 using all of the Audiophile parts that I know make audible differences. Such a machine would cost well in excess of $5000. Unfortunately I don't have unlimited money so such an amp is not an option. I would however prefer a Super-Phoenix. I imagine Kingwa building an amp on two larger chassis, with all of the features of the Phoenix (Maybe a couple of more inputs, maybe a tape loop), but better power supply and built with Audiophile grade parts. For such a Super Phoenix I might be able to dig up $3000-$5000, and based on the fact that the Phoenix (Without much in the way of Audiophile parts) is already close to a B22 just imagine what a Super-Phoenix might sound like. Heaven comes to mind.
