Best Cables for around $500

Gshep - glad someone else agrees.  It's kind of surprising more was not written about these back when they were first introduced - at least, I could not find much by way of reviews.  "Balanced" is a good word for them.  Also, the clarity and detail I'm hearing is not associated with any sort of edginess or harshness.  The system's sound with them installed is the most enjoyable it's ever been.  

I'm really impressed with the $150 Stager Solid Silver from DAC to amp.  No risk trial, so give it a shot. It's amazing the difference it made in my rig. 

Hi Electro - I've actually got a pair of the Stagers.  They aren't in use right now.  Not to say there was anything wrong with them.  I think I replaced them with Morrow Audio MA-4 ICs.  

Ghost, since you have the Stagers, I'll be interested in your choice. I really needed the upper frequency content they revealed. Good luck 

Hmmm....Electro - don't think I can do an A/B with the Stagers vs the Columbias.  The Columbias are XLR as are the inputs to the Taranis amp.  My pre is not balanced so I'm using a male/male XLR/RCA adapter on the Columbia coming out of the pre amp.  The Stagers are strictly RCAs.  I'm looking through my listening notes, trying to confirm I had the Stagers on the Gungnir DAC originally.  The Gungnir took a LONG time to break in and initially sounded pretty rolled off.  I might have got them to help with upper freq on the Gungnir but eventually went with Morrow Audio MA-4s in that spot.  The MA4s (especially bought used or during one of their frequent sales) are worth checking out, in my O-pinion.  He allows an in-home trial period on new, though not on used.