After getting an M147 some months ago, at times I've thought that perhaps I should have gone for a U87 instead, just because of the 87s versatility.
I'd love to hear a current U87 next to this 147, but I have to say, I'm nearly finished recording a woman doing a 40s style album...this music has the vocalist right in your face the whole time. I put the M147 through a Focusrite ISA110 and add a couple db way up around 15k. All of us are knocked out by the vocal sound we are getting. It's just big, fat, and in your face. I cannot understand why this mic gets so little respect on lead vocal. These tracks sound wonderful, and unless my ears are going, a lot of people seem to be overlooking this mic for vocals.
Guess I won't know for sure until I hear an 87 next to it, but this sure sounds wonderful.