I'm just starting to get a good sound on my drum rack, but I have a problem, and that's the motherfuckin' hi-hats.

Can't really get that crisp, clear and lively sounding hi-hats and cymbals sound that many good producers have. Vengeance sample packs SUCK imo(or maybe I haven't been looking hard enough), and I've tried to resample Toontrack Superior Drummer, but I'm not really near the sound I want.
How do you guys manage your hi-hats? Eq and such? Busses? Midi programming?
Appreciate the help!