do Sennheiser mics truly compete with the high end mics out there, for the same gear, such as Schoeps and DPA which are also in the 2000 to 3000 dollar range,
Yes - I would say that the symmetrical capsule MKH series are, in fact, better than the DPA and Schoeps.
Sennheiser, Neumann, DPA and Schoeps are probably about equal but their designers all come from different directions.
The Sennheiser MKH are very clear and neutral mics with a better bass response than other small diaphragm condensers. They are RF condensers with a lower IM distortion than all other mics (because of the symmetrical capsule design) and are pretty well immune to moisture problems (due to RF principal). Ultra quiet as well.
The Schoeps are AF condensers, I tend to find them a tad "hard", but this is part of their character. They tend to be a bit lacking in the bass end - slightly hidden by the fact that Shoeps measure frequency response closer than other manufacturers.
The DPA are AF electret condensers, very, good though.
The Neuman are AF condensers, but the Neumann philosophy is that a microphone is like a musical instrument with character.
All my smalll diaphragm condensers are Sennheiser MKH (and I'm just about to order a stereo pair each of the 8020s and 8040s), though I do have a couple of the Neumann digital KM-D series. DPA I may consider, but do prefer the low distortion and neutrality of the MKH series. I don't think I would use a Schoeps.
I hope this helps.