I have a cheap Schalloch and while I was prepared for construction issues, it's proven rock solid and good sounding.   It took some 'tuning up' with the wires and head screws to get it really dialed in right, but I expect to do that for every instrument I buy.

I've got a Meinl that I like, but they've come out with a few models since I bought mine that make me wish I'd waited a little.  Some have features like a foot pedal to control the wire tension, which I think is nice - currently I have to take an allen wrench through the mic hole in the back which isn't as easy to do on the fly and is harder to make fine adjustments to because you have to try to remember the last sound.

try one by fat congas before you buy. i have found them to sound quite a bit bigger and better than any by meinl, which has some very good looking models out now.

the fat congas have much deeper bass sound, also with adjustable snare wires. on the downside, they run $300 while the meinls are mostly at least $100 less or more.

also, google schlagworks (sp?) they make some very well made boxes, a german company, i believe, that competes with meinl.

of course, if you are micing, that's enough to compensate for the smaller natural tone on anything.