You know...for a while...I've been asking for (& receiving) help on questions related to: well...basically, trying to achieve a pro sound on a (my) project studio budget.

I've got the ear;

So why shouldn't I begin to move up; & start to acquire some quality gear?

How does this sound for a start?

[2 approaches for vocals & acoustic piano]:

A) A tube-based condenser mic (e.g., RODE K2 or NTK) with a solid-state/Xformer based preamp (e.g., Focusrite ISA 110 LE, ISA 220, UA 2108), or:
B) A solid-state condenser mic (e.g., RODE NT1000 or NT1) with a tube-based preamp (e.g., UA 2-610)…
[or perhaps a dynamic mic (e.g., E-V RE20)]…

How do these (or combinations thereof) sound?
And would anyone have other ideas along similar price & quality ranges?

Thanks much,

mark4man