Been pleasantly surprised how good my AKG D790 sounds.
These go for under $50 used typically on ebay.

The which have a similar frequency response are the D770 and D880.
Supposedly, somewhat less pronounced bass response on the D880.

They were designed to compete with the EV, Shure Beta, Senheiser, etc, neodymiums.

The "secret" is...

To try them from the SIDE as it softens/flattens the response considerably.

Whereas the 57 and 58 Beta stay brittle off to the side (on my voice),
Same goe for the EV Cobalt C09, another otherwise good lmic on others.

I think this is partly due to the excellent bass response of the AKG,
and the more moderate presense peak vs, Shure/EV.

It's like a neodymium version of a M88, although it doesn't have as thick a mid-range.
Definitely "CD release" level sound quality though IMHO.

chris--

prices are rising as i type.