Sontronics Corona

For the last two years I've been a loyal user of Sontronics Solo. This is an absolutely amazing microphone with almost zero flaws - it's super well made, sounds great (very detailed in the top end, balanced lows; very punchy and not EQ-needy), pretty loud for a dynamic, super cardioid polar pattern - nearly perfect dynamic mic!
All this time I was looking into Corona - I heard they have the same capsule and similar sound. I always thought Solo is a bit boring looking, so Corona had to become my new Solo - just better looking. I was hesitant due to the price difference, but the look of Corona made me pull the trigger on ordering it.
First, I gotta say - this mic does look stunning, especially if you're a sucker for retro design like me. The mic comes in a sturdy hard plastic case. The build quality is exceptional - I didn't expect anything different from Sontronics. However...
Once I plugged it in I thought it would be a great idea to compare it to Solo. I recorded a short snippet of speech and compared the results back to back. I couldn't believe my ears! Not that the sound was just different, comparing to Solo Corona sounded much darker. There is no that crispiness and air of Solo sound. The next day I tried it with tenor sax (I thought it will actually fit the tenor sound, since Solo is a bit too bright on the higher notes) but even for sax it sounds a bit darker that I'd like.
I gotta say - I didn't expect they will sound identical. But since they have the same capsule (presumably) they will have at least similar character. Also, due to its construction, the plosives are much stronger.
I have >20 orders with multiple items from Thomann, but this is the first time I wanted to send something back. Didn't do it only because where I am living now it's pretty expensive, even using the cheapest available service.
To summarize, Corona is a very beautiful and well-built mic. But I would strongly advise you to try it before buying. I am looking for the ways to use it and possibly as a voiceover/streaming microphone it will be okay.

Für akustische Gitarren, Gitarren-Amp Abnahme und Stimme sher gut zu verwenden. Durch das begrenzte Frequenzspektrum findet eine eigene Klangfärbung statt, welche sich aber durchaus im Mix gut einbettet. Unaufdringlich guter Sound und wirklich tolle, wertige Fertigung. Inklusive supercoolem Köfferchen. Habe das Micro aus Neugierde zum Ausprobieren bestellt. Tolles Microphon. Wird nicht zurückgeschickt.