Hey Violaman!
Welcome to the sight. I'll try to tackle some of your questions here in no specific order. I tend to be a little ADD, so hold on, I might shift topics rather fast.
First - your mics are fine.
- The AT 4041 is a find mic for classical
- the AKG 414s are mainstays for many classical studios and work well on piano. (I'm not a big fan of them personally, but many people are and they can't all be wrong

)
Also, your software is fine. Both packages are quite good and very professional. Personally, I would learn to use 1 of them in and out, that way you can eliminate any dependence on both packages.
If you are looking for a warmer sound, the answer -may- be with your conversion, but can also be affected by mic placement. As Gunnar pointed out, too much string sound etc, from violins/violas comes from micing too close or perpendicular to the soundboard.
As for the KM184 - I'm personally not a big fan of this mic AT ALL! I know a few people here use them, but frankly I find them to be unrefined and oafish sounding. The AT 4041, 4051, Gefell M300 and the Audix SCX1 are far better choices for less money. Of course, for a little more, you can always get Schoeps or Sennheiser too.
On to the mic stands. I would be VERY leary of any mic stands that would be supplied. Chances are, they won't be tall enough. Check out the AEA 15B. It's tiny, VERY lightweight and cheap. Not to mention, it will get a pair of SDCs just under 15 feet in the air. (Heigth being a must for chamber music and classical in general.)
Now onto the pres. Earthworks pres are "very transparent." That being said, I don't like them. First, they are very expensive. Second, I've heard far better for less. (Including the Hardy's, Millennia, True, Grace, etc.) As well, I know some fantastic recordings that have been made with Mackie boards. (I know - that's borderline blasphemy - but I'm serious. Apparently, their new stuff is actually pretty nice. Ask JoeH - he's using one regularly) But before I get off topic, here's what I would do with the $5K. Also, lightweight and good pres don't go hand in hand. To make a quality pre, you must have some serious inerds including rather hefty power supplies. This will drive the weight up a bit.
Keep the laptop, software and mics you have (though you can get rid of the Shures)
3 AEA stands ($500 total)
RME Fireface ($1500 - and works VERY well with Samplitude.)
2 Gefell M300s ($1500 total)
Sebatron VMP4000e ($1500 - surprisingly warm and musical preamp for classical music. Plus great quality.)
This would take up a total of 3 rack spaces leaving one open in the middle for ventilation. You now have a 4 space rack, a laptop bag (which, if you're creative with packaging, you can get 4 mics into - carefully) and 3 very light mic stands to carry in. (You could also probably rig something up that would allow you to strap the mic stands to your laptop bag.) You could get everything in with only one trip and have a VERY good setup.
Hope this helps!
J.
