A friend just tested my balanced beta 22 for a couple of days.
Compared to Rudistor RP-030 and Sennheiser HDVD 800, he's preference was:
1. RP-030 (more bass and a slight overall winner)
2. Beta 22 (more open / transparent / neutral)
3. HDVD 800 ("big" difference to previous two)
He has re-cabled HD800's and very good source. He also had my TPA Buffalo II DAC for comparison.
My DAC has similar attributes, but I still like the quite neutral sound.
I guess I should try the mods next. Does anyone have extra material for sale?
Edit: he has previously owned all the high end headphones, amps, you name it, including a Sennheiser Orpheus set.