I use and can recommend the NTK in my project studio. It sounds great for the price and scope. A few caveats: it's a fixed cardiod with no pad. If that's no problem for you (it isn't for me), you'll probably dig it.

Another option worth considering: AT 4047sv.

I own a pair of AT4047s. Great mic. Not a tube, though, that's the AT4060. I must ask...why limit yourself to a tube? There are tube mics that suck when compared to a good FET, and the cheaper tube mics are notoriously unstable (Rode is the exception there). Just curious...

I'm not totally set on a tube mic, but I prefer the sound of them overall, particularly on vocals. The 4060 is a bit out of my price range.

I have never heard a 4047 in use, so I will have to try demoing it somewhere. I am starting to get more interested in the Rode K2 though. While it is just above my price range, the variable polar pattern is very appealing.

The 4060 is just too much though.

How 'bout this

Here's my 2 cents, actually make it 1 cent considering my experience, as I'm just getting the makings of a home studio off the ground too.
For about $500 (caught'em on sale) I got an ADK Hamburg mic and an Art Pro Channel (tube channel strip). Both great pieces of gear, "budget" as they may be. Opps I used the word 'great'....can't do that around here with budget gear....
The Art Pro, as other might chime in, is a piece you will find mulitiple uses for and I've yet to hear a bad word about the Hamburgs....not to mention they both sound good...........nice warm sound which it sounds like is what you are after.
Anyway, it might be worth considering

Hi, i just posted my experience with K2 v NTK, on a similar thread....
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That's my 0.5 cents x 2. 8-)

Try some good quality small diaphragm. DPA, etc.
Regards Tamas Dragon

If I had the dough i would get a Rode K2. Those things are friggin sweet.
also, I've heard good things about ADK.

-Chris W

I have 2 K2's and I love them- somtimes you can get them on ebay for under $600- I think I paid $550 for one and just under $600 for the other- they were both new- make the dealers an offer- oftentimes they'll go for it :D

Hey Bro ...
If you are still looking, check out the AKG C414 XLS or XLII.
If you look hard enough on the bay you will find them in your price range. :D
New! Do the best offer thing and be bold...what can they say besides no?
While the Rode is a great mic, it cannot compete with the versatility or long standing reputation of the C414. :D