AKG is my affordable choice. I have an AKG C100S which uses a wide range of phantom power but also takes a 9 volt battery and the AKG Perception 100 which must have 48 volt phantom power to operate.
Both are around the $200 but cut that price in half for online purchases.
AKG parts are manufactured in Austria or Germany and assembled in China, thereby keeping the price down.
As for the Chinese knock-offs. You really do get what you pay for.
Lots of opinions on mikes around here. Good luck with it.
A bright sunny good morning to all,
from the Highlands.
Jim

p.s. I got my Lightscribe back. Making steady progress here.