Thanks guys...Yes Jerry that was my findings as well.

The shop, (surprise, surprise)..let me take both home overnight and I have to return one this morning (Oz time).

It was very close and BOTH were miles in front of the D880, but with the preset on the L1 for the EV it sounded really good, so that was the one I went with.

Man I never realised how "ordinary" that AKG D880 actually sounded...

Cheers
Dennis

PS: by the by, for those that remember, the L1 is absolutely bloody fantastic. BEST gear I have ever bought!!!