aberyclark
I have the earlier AT440ml. I thought the 540 was it's direct successor,
however, based on my listening, and imaging comparisons related to channel separation and balance, I decided, in OP's budget, to recommend the VM750SH instead.
my 440ml is sep 30 db; bal .75 db
VM540ml is sep 28 d; bal 1.0 db
VM750SH is sep 30db (ml version 28 db)
My Shure, AT440, and AT33/PTG/II all are musically involving, but both AT's tighter center, and more distinctly positioned players, i.e. bass player here, trumpet there, on superior recordings is more apparent (not necessarily full width, individual distinction)
I have the earlier AT440ml. I thought the 540 was it's direct successor,
however, based on my listening, and imaging comparisons related to channel separation and balance, I decided, in OP's budget, to recommend the VM750SH instead.
my 440ml is sep 30 db; bal .75 db
VM540ml is sep 28 d; bal 1.0 db
VM750SH is sep 30db (ml version 28 db)
My Shure, AT440, and AT33/PTG/II all are musically involving, but both AT's tighter center, and more distinctly positioned players, i.e. bass player here, trumpet there, on superior recordings is more apparent (not necessarily full width, individual distinction)