Finally a new pair of Oktava MK012 from recording services or sound room would cost less than 700 for card,hyper & omni caps or less than 500 for a card/hyper set.
Although the GC may periodically run a sale on these, they aren't matched, the quality is questionable like you said, and I don't believe they sell the hyper caps individually. IMHO Recording Services or Sound Room would be a much better retailer.
I think it is really cool how people from ADK post on here periodically. I would love to have a pair of multi pattern mics. I like the ADK TLs - but I only have one recording with them. I have many recordings of phish shows with the 481s and even if I don't like the show, I always like how they sound. In the future, I expect to see tons of TL recordings, so maybe I'll change my mind.
Ideally I'd like to have a V3 with a pair of 480s and a pair of U89s. I'd also like a new BMW M3 and the Playboy Mansion.
The ADKs are a way more affordable, but great sounding LD mic, so maybe one day. Until then I have a used Corolla, and apartment, and $120,000 worth of debt to pay off. My budget was around 1000 and for the time being Superlux is where it is at!