Which inexpensive ic's cables worth checking out?

All good suggestions. Cannot believe Signal Cables not mentioned.

As you specified balanced, look at Audioquest King Cobra or the less expensive Viper. I'm using the Viper now and enjoy them. As a reference I have used DNM Reson, MIT EXP pro, DH Labs and others. If you buy used of course you can resell with little risk.

I'd check out the Antipodes Audio Katipo - they're being auctioned off at a good price on a weekly basis. I'm liking what I'm hearing a lot with this cable in place, and I think it's my new high value leader in a crowded field. The usual disclaimers apply.

-Richard

Audio Art Cables.

Second Audio Art... smooth, detils aren't omitted, for the $$$? Super.

also Goertz Micro Pearl, but shielding is almost non existant, quite straight forward sound without edgyness or stridency. Nice. Formerly Stereophile recomended component. I got a pair and they're quite nice.

AA & GMP are very different sounding cables, BTW. Both should be in your budget.