Douglas
I've heard the 4073 and the 4071 and like the sound very much. Is the sound of the 4053 similar. It would be nice to have a series of mics that 'fitted together" so to speak.

I'm torn between going for the brass ring (schoeps mk41, MKH50) or settling for a good all around quality set.

DSE, yeah my nickname should be "OCD" 'cause when I can hear variables and see a clear path to improvement I scratch and claw my way to that vision with everything I've got. I'm nuts.

Hey my latest bit of wacketry is a compact box I'm making to house the two nt1000 mics. I'm making a handheld capable of getting incredible stereo recordings on location. Basically this box is a home-made blimp system which holds the two studio mics. I'll still take precautions to keep them away from moisture and environmental extremes, but when time and effort allows I'm going to be getting location sound that will knock your socks off.

It sounds so good that I thought I may offer dirt cheap CDs of location sound for people to use in their own productions. If for instance you have two people talking in a mall and you lav 'em or ADR the actors... Wouldn't it be great to have a SPACIOUS 3d soundstage of mall noise? This is my intended use for my creation, but I figured if I could make a couple nickles for my effort that could fund my current and future madness.

If my little "dvx partnership" ever takes off those guys will be FREAKED at the audio I send them with my clips.