Windows Server - Rackspace/Planet/Softlayer/Liquidweb/

I know there are a few threads that are somewhat similar, so I apologize from that aspect, but since I am still not sure of the best option, I thought I would post my exact requirements and hopefully get some good advice.

We need a Windowss dedicated server, probably in the 8 core/8gig RAM variety for a rather intensive Asp.net/MS SQL site. It is a corporate site that is expected to see heavy usage with fairly heavy DB/reportng related web pages.

The majority of people accessing the site will be connecting from Europe.

We will have little, if any, need for management support of Windows or IIS, we are primarily looking for reliable hardware, with quick hardware repair when failures come, and in a redundant DC to avoid downtime (hardware or internet pipe).

The price difference between rackspace and the others does not concern us, so price while a consideration, is towards the bottom of our list of priorities.

As our users are in Europe, a European DC would probably be ideal, but that is one question I have. How much difference will performance/latency be with an American DC vs. European DC for our European users.

English speaking (native language, preferably) support is a must.

A High powered machine (minimum would be 8 cores x 2ghz + 8 gig ram) is a must (possibly two servers -- possibly a router based load balancing of the two servers).

Fast, reliable/redundant internet pipe. We need a DC that will not be unreliable, wether it is from internet outages due to lack of redundancy, or speed fluctuations due to overselling the bandwidth.

So, basically, I have two main questions, I suppose.

First, since the majority of my users will be in Europe, should I only consider a European DC? How much difference will my European users see/feel if we are in a US DC? What difference does it make if the DC is on the East cost, then say Texas?

Second, with price not being a primary consideration, and needing little or no managed support (besides hardware support), just high power machines in a HIGHLY reliable DC, which are the best companies to go with?