hey Jerome, I'm in kind of the same spot you are, relative newbie with AT853's... I don't see any point in laying down more cash for a pair of open mics at this point, I think I'd be much better served getting experience and saving money for later when I can get a higher end set and know what I'm doing with it. I think these AT's will sound a lot better as I improve technique and placement, although I'm very happy with them already.
I did, however, just pic up a pair of hypers from Alpha sound & lighting, $56 for the pair, good deal.