Hey,
I happen to live in Ithaca so I just thought I'd let you know that there are some larger retailers nearby where you can try out the various mics suggested here. There's Daddy's music near Syracuse that specializes in used gear and Guitar Center in Rochester. I haven't actually been to either yet but I'm planning some road trips soon to check them out.
Also, I have a Studio Projects C1 and a Cad E100 (both inexpensive cardiod condensers...oK the Cad's an electret, I know) and the C1 sounds waaaaaay different and IMHO way better and it cost $100 less. So, there's something to be said for listen before you buy. I should be getting my SP VTB-1 pre tomorrow. I think I'm becoming a Studio Projects junkie.
Good luck on the mic search,
Sean Kobuk
I will be going by Rochestor fairly soon to check out apartments? Where in Ithaca do you live? I live off Charles St...right off Hudson...