thanks for all the new replies, guys! it's all been very very very informative.
however... formerly a UK-based musician, I currently live and work in an Eastern-European country, where the try-before-you-buy scenario simply doesn't exist - as shops over here don't sell the kind of gear i'm looking for. hence, the only option is to find and order stuff over the internet either from the UK, Europe, or the States. all i've got at the moment is musical catalogues with lots of mic ads. that's where i spotted Rode k2 and CAD trion 8000...

anyway... to sum it all up... will i be able to effectively use a tube mic with just a 48 V phantom power equipped mixer (as opposed to using a mic preamp)? also, i'm really tempted to go for a CAD trion 8000, pricewise. would it be a wrong choice? i've read a few reviews. sounds like it's a great mic for vocals...