I own a set of DW(maple) I haven't heard their birch kits as of yet. But before i got the DW's i owned a set of Tama Starclassic(birch) I kept them for about 1 month and then got the DW's. The birch was too high pitched for my ear. From what i understand birch is preferred in the studio but maple is preferred live. Do you mic your drums? I suggest try them both out and see which ones you like better.