Soldato
Second hand is the way to go. I got my T1, LCD2, D7000 and Edition 8 all second hand. I've found most people who own high end gear tend to look after it really well.
Are those UM Merlins Shamrock?
What do you think of the customs compared to a full size can?
Just ordered some Shure SE425's £190 delivered not bad.
Now need to save up for some custom sleeves
Check out www.1964ears.com when you are ready, I got my customs from their and they did a great job.