I ran AT831s in my first rig, and I've owned/borrowed a few other mics since (Oktavas, Josephsons, AT943) and switched a couple months ago to DPA 4061 > DPA mma6000 > MT2496. I'm massively paranoid about crowd noise, but basically said screw it because of the tapes I'd heard with the DPA 406x. I'm glad I switched.
I ran DFC, 20' from stage in the crowd for two Death Cab for Cutie shows in Portland last month and started to get pissed the first night about some of the crowd noise/chatter around me. (I'm not the best human mic stand - I'm barely 5'8") Then I listened to the tape. You can tell it's a live show, but the crowd fades into the music - no chatter to be found. Even the applause is decent - not overbearing. I'm completely sold on the DPAs and the MT at 24/48 (still waiting for 24/96). Now I just need to get off my ass and get a DVD-Audio program.
That said, if you're still not convinced and decide to go with ATs, I'd recommend the AT943/933 over the AT853 both for size & sound.
That is my $0.02. Go with what your ears like.
Cheers,
Ryan