DJ, I'm with Harvey on this one. You asked, "what's the best car, regardless of the price?" The real answer is the right mic in the right place at the right time. What's the best tool, regardless of the price? The one that's right for the job. The finest hammer is a lousy hacksaw. There are a few, however that have withstood the test of time. Most of the albums you've ever heard were recorded using a Neumann U87 ($2500, give or take) and a Shure SM-57 ($80, give or take). I'll bet you'll find very few people on this board that don't own a an SM-57, and very few people who don't wish they owned a U87. The fun part about recording is the day you manage to put a $100 Russian mic in the right place at the right time, and you know that if you put a U87 there, it would be the wrong mic in the wrong place at the wrong time. Us Po' folk have to find that place and time. For some, like Littledog, they've transcended that moment and get to try a Soundelux instead of the Neumann. For others, like Harvey, he's gone beyond that. Well, he could break out a Neumann, but he knows if he gets the placement just right, a $100 Russian mic will be perfect. And if not, he'll do something truly original- use an SM-57!-Richie