RE: looking for some advice
Unless you are going for something bigger than a Moose then the Phoenix is more than sufficient. Flatter trajectories with heavier arrows and driving your arrow deeper in the ground after a pass-through on a White Tail will come with the Vortex. The Phoenix is a real work-horse and the Vortex is an amusing example of excess power. I like the stock configuration and the power of the Vortex but I would feel lacking if I only had the Phoenix.
Wait for a couple of more months. Excal is coming out with the thumbhole version of the Phoenix which means that there will a few used bows for sale soon. Warranty does not end with the original purchaser so don't stress over buying a used bow.