*blink*
+t for the local knowledge!
1) I never realised Rode were aussie!
2) I'd never heard of the nt6, though I of course know the nt5
Unfortunately they're a bit out of my price range new, and it appears there's not much of a used market cos they were only released 6 months ago.
Thanks a lot for all your suggestions folks. I've been doing a lot of listening and have decided to go for the m1290's.
I'm a little wary of the age of the naks, the customer service of mic madness, and the price of the akgs.
The m1290's are available (I'm impatient and I can pick up a pair from a TS member now for $375 shipped) and I like how they sound.