You should already know there isn't a set answer to this. What type of kit is it, style of music, what mics/pre's were used, and what don't they like about the toms. md421's are good for toms and other things but they are a tad expensive. On my kit I get a good sound by boosting the lows at about 100hz and the lomids at about 250hz then I compress the hell out of them and cut off some of the extended ringing. That generally gives me a great deep dark tom sound, add some high mids to bring out the initial attack a little more. Like I said in the beginning there is not set answer to it, this is just how I get MY kit to sound good.

I've used a lot of different mics (including the 421's which I have 1 of 3 left after a fire 7 years ago) but lately for close miking situations I've had great results with this:

Sennheiser e604's ($300 for 3 and great for horns, upright bass, voiceover work) PARALLEL to the head (not pointed at the snare if you can help it. This gives me nice attack and deep tone with my kit (a maple DW pacific series). Really like this combo : )

mckay

421's or 57's !

akg 414, md 421, e 609