Peluso Mics
For ACT GTR I'm going with Peluso's CEMC6. Factory pair #59, 60. For VOX I'm going with the Shure KSM44 or KSM27. I ordered both and will be sending one back. If I can tell the difference between the two, I'll keep the KSM44. Otherwise, it will go back. That MXL960 sure does look interesting though for $179!
I'm also going to keep my eyes open for a pair of used and heavily discounted SP C4 mics. I'm sold on the concept, and I'd love to have both pairs to do an A/B. Unless of course someone will lend me theirs?

And no, noone will be shipped the Peluso's in return. I know, I don't like sharing. My wife tells me that all the time.
It was a hard decision b/c I think the guys at PMI (Alan, Brent) are excellent at customer service and making a very good product. The price point for the Peluso's is $175 more. That's a lot of money when it comes to the bottom end of mid-level grade mics.
The reason I went for the Peluso's was the design following the Schoeps. The metal work is done in China to reduce the cost, but John hand assembles them here in the good ol' USA. The people who have heard them are blown away by their sound. So, IF they are that good, it will be worth the extra $175.
That isn't any crack against what Alan and Brent are doing at PMI. As I said, I'm going to be keeping my eyes open for a used pair, or a B-stock pair. If nothing else, PMI is going to be getting better and better and better. They're already talking about an upgrade to the C4's. It was really a coin toss, but I know that I always want a little better sound. I started playing guitar on a Yamaha 1-1/2 years ago. Now I own two Martins (D-41 and OM-28 John Mayer Signature). To get a little better sound, its crazy how much more money one must spend. Its definitely an exponential relationship b/c a little better sound costs a lot more money.
That will mean I'll probably have to do some acoustic treatment to my room, which means that I'll be building a project studio downstairs in the basement in the future. That is after we finish the 3 story addition to the house.
Well, hope that helps.
Regards,
Mark