Well so far I can tell you this. Ribbons sound great as over heads, and on guitar amps, even vocals. My ribbons work with my sytek, my grace ribbon, even my summit. I would say go for the royer. Or beyer 160's. Those coles are gigantic. So you may have to think sometimes before you put them somewhere. Also don't put them in front of windy sources,bass amp, kick drum, snare. I know some people use the royer on kick drum. Although if I spend a grand on a mic and there is any kind of chance it will blow. It ain't going there. Good luck on your choice either way it won't be a bad one.

have only heard some samples from the site..

but that pair of ShinyBox 46L's sitting on my bed will probably get plenty of use..

i think the 160's are nice but don't sound as nice as my Shure 300..

hopefully the ShinyBoxes blow them both away..

Hey I just got a Shinybox 46MX today. I haven't tried it yet, but the clips sounded great. It looks beautiful, was packed excellently and the owner, Jon, is very helpful. After I try em out ill post back.

I highly recommend the Shiny Box mics, they are nice and round on acoustic and electric, helped me fill in what i was looking for. You really can't get a bad sound out of it.