The trouble with comparisons to the 012s is that there is significant variation between individual mics, and with the chinese versions out on the market now ... :-?

I have a pair of 012s that are pretty close and a third that is quite a bit different. I haven't done enough comparison work to quantify the differences.

I also have a pair of NT5s and do not consider them inferior mics to the 012s - just different. The Rodes are certainly brighter than the Oktavas, but I don't consider them overly bright.

I can share some samples of NT5 recordings, but they are mixed files, not the raw recordings. While I have used the NT5s on a piano before, it was a grand and I put very little of those mics into the mix - there was enough piano in the main pair for that recording.

http://www.cheap-tracks.com/mp3/cheap-tracks_b&b_sample.mp3
NT5s XY on Hammered Dulcimer

http://www.cheap-tracks.com/mp3/cheap-tracks_uui_12-19-04_sample2.mp3
012s ORTF on orchestra

http://www.cheap-tracks.com/mp3/CrowsDream01.mp3
NT5s XY on Choir

[edit] I started to question the NT5s on Orchestra on the second sample (I corrected it) - see this thread {old-link-removed} . The NT5s were the main pair for the choir and 012s were on the orchestra. Here's another sample from the same performance that features the choir.
http://www.cheap-tracks.com/mp3/cheap-tracks_uui_12-19-04_sample1.mp3
[/edit]

Thanks so much for your effort in replying. The MP3s sound great and I can see that both these condensers can be used to great advantage. Do you think I could do better for a piano recording mic, keeping in this price range?

The Studio Projects C4s might be worth considering - they come with Omni and Cardioid capsules in a matched pair. I've never used them, but they are also supposed to be good "bang-for-the-buck" microphones.

I imported the 012's from the soundroom. These mics (sound-room) go through stringent QC's and are also more expensive. The stereo pairs are matched.

http://www.sound-room.com

While i have not heard the NT4, I find the 012's very usefull for drum OH application. For acoustic guitars i often find them too bright, am planning to get a pair of the Kel mics for a while now. I usually run these mics through the TFpro mic pres on the Emu audiodock.

Cheers!
Sidhu