Best Cables for around $500

Finally hooked up with Joe Abrams and in the process of ordering MIT Shotgun 3.3 XLR cables. Can't wait.

In the interim, I have been tweaking my system (W4S DAC2, W4S STI 500 and Magnepan 1.7s). I am blown away how small changes in the system have made some dramatic improvements in the sound and how sensitive my system is to the changes.

Tried three digital cables (Silver Serpent Digital, Audioquest inexpensive digital and Xindak). I was just frustrated with the system sound using the Silver Serpent and Audioquest digital cables. When I hooked up the Xindak I heard another level of clarity. It really has opened up my system. I would never have believed that there would be such a difference of three relatively inexpensive digital cables.

Another very surprising impact to the system was switching the W4S STI-500 from a fairly heavy APC UPS conditioner to a $50 dollar version. I don't know what the SPC UPS conditioner was doing, but had no depth to the music and clarity suffered. Can't believe going to the cheap model actually sounded better. Tried going directly into the wall outlet. Sound was very clear through the wall outlet but without depth. Best of the three choices was the $50 simple filter and surge protector.

I also have tried a number of ridiculously inexpensive tweaks that have all contributed to better sound from my system - total cost of all three tweaks is less than $100. Will share these on another thread.

Resurrecting this old thread rather than start a new one.  Using it as a vehicle for a few remarks about Audioquest's Columbia XLR interconnects with 72V dbs system.  I'd been very skeptical about the value of AQ cabling...suspected it was a lot of hype; yet was very curious to try some given how many knowledgeable A'gon members praise it.  A recent sale at Music Direct provided an opportunity too good to pass up.  Got a new 1 meter pair of Columbia XLRs for $200.   (expect they are discounted because AQ has replaced the River series with the Element series; Water has replaced the Columbia).  Music Direct's 60 day return policy certainly also helped with the decision.  I replaced a well-broken in 1 meter pair of Cabledyne Copper Reference ICs between pre-amp and amp with the Columbias.  GOSH what a pleasant surprise.  Pretty much out of the box I noticed improved clarity and tighter bass.  I know Colorado & Niagara (Earth & Wind in the new lineup) are supposed to be better, but for "only" $200 I am very pleased.  Listening to music now is like watching Koi swim in a crystal clear pool.  The change is remarkable.    

From among the O.P.'s list I would take the Antipodes Komako. A great product,  and a bargain at the used prices I've seen over the past few years. 

I have been quite happy with MAC Mystic XLR since 2011. Open, detailed, neutral with nice bottom end punch.

Ghost,  You are not kidding about the Columbias.  Well balanced cables for a reasonable cost.