Ok, have had the chance to test out scenario’s 2 and 3
Setup 2 - r-07 and cs-10em binaural headset:
Worlds better than setup 1 (iPhone with Sennheiser binaural headset). Having full gain control, along with adequate plug in play voltage applied (neither of which the iPhone setup can do) makes a huge difference. I also tested the addition of a 9v battery box, and it works out great for high SPL.
Setup 3 - r-07 and audioreality.com mics & battery box:
Also works very well. This is a decent cardioid option to setup 2’s omni mics.
Looks like I’ll relegate the iPhone/Sennheiser combo to just “walking about” duty. Nice to have this option with me, anywhere, all the time, but knowing it’s limitations.
Setups 2 and 3 will be my go-to “stealth” setups, having the option between omni or cardioid patterns is a flexible nicety.
This just leaves setup 4, the non-stealth “quality” option (zoom f3 and a matched pair of condensers). I really don’t think I need to test this scenario, I know it will work - and well, but I need to decide which matched pair of condensers is right for me (and my budget). Also need to figure out the best way to adapt the setup 3 mics and battery box for use with the zoom f3, as it is XLR input only.