Ideally, this is what I'm looking for.

1) UHF, of course. Diversity if possible.
2) Lav primarily, with possibility of adding a second transmitter at the same time.
3) Possibility for receiver to run on battery for location shooting, but with AC when available.
4) Preferrably XLR and not mini

Premium construction isn't paramount as I baby my gear --premium sound is.

Thanks.

Gosh, if you find something with 3 of the 4 things you listed let us know because I'll take two!

I don't think you'll get all that for under 4 at this point in time.

Ben Lynn

You might still find a Sennheiser 'deal' package around. They were $300. A friend just found the lav and plug-on microphone setup for $484 out of NY.

UHF, not diversity unless you get the AC powered receiver. Doesn't need it in my experience.

Lav packages are available. Can add other style transmitters but can only run one transmitter at a time. I don't know of any wireless systems that allow multiple transmitters to a single receiver. That's why there are so many receivers stacked up in the control room of a theatre.

Balanced output with both a mini and an XLR cable furnished.

Built like a tank.

This AKG package (http://www2.akg.com/akg_structuretree/powerslave,id,164,nodeid,,mynodeid,164,_language,EN,advresult,1.html) should fit the bill. UHF, diversity and XLR (AC is available but not included) for $449 at B & H.

I had been wanting to try these since I first found out about them. About a week ago I was helping a friend with some lighting for an interview and he was using the AKG's for sound. I was very impressed and would say they are an exceptional value and quality. Easily worth several hundred dollars more, in terms of features and quality (sound and construction).

It will be pretty hard to find a good UHF system for under $400. Some really excellent systems are in $400-$500 range. My personal recommendation is the Evolution 100 series.