Are you locked into going stereo on the drums? If not, you can get a nice mono setup for $600, especially if you buy used. Lately I've been happy with my new (though used) at4050 as a front of kit mic, with a 57 on the snare and a variety of things on the kick (at4033, beyer m69, audix d2, sennheiser 421). I've not used those particular Rode mics, but the Rodes I have used had too much top end harshness for me to consider them as overheads.

Anyone know how the NT5s compare to the NT3s? What other condensor overheads should I check out?

I use 2 AKG c1000s for overheads, an audix d6 for kick, a Sennheiser MD421 for floor tom, and a couple of SM57's, and Audix I5's, that get their fair share of time between mounted toms, and snare. Its not the Creme De La Creme, but it is a very, very good setup for the bucks. Hope this sheds some light.

Well I purchased them today. Through my headphone moniters it all sounds fantasic. However I cannot get my firepod to work. For some reason it was blue the first time but wouldnt record, but the second time I plugged it in it's staying red. Oh well, that's a whole other thread though.