KLE Innovations RCA connectors are the best on the market right now in my opinion.
Even their Copper Harmony model outperforms most other brands and at $115 AUD (around $80US) for a set of four their price is what I consider reasonable.
I have compared them to Furutech, WBT, and Neotech and the all of the harmony line performed better
For just $135 AUS - you can get the Silver Harmony which is a better product and the lowest in the product line I care to use
I have reviewed all of the models and now only use the Absolute Harmony, but they are outside of your budget
They are really easy to attach to heavier gauge wire and provide excellent sound on any cable. But they do take around 120-180 hours burn-in to sound their best.
Here are my reviews
http://image99.net/blog/files/category-klei-copper-harmony-rca.html
http://image99.net/blog/files/category-klei-silver-harmony-rca.html
All of the Harmony Line can also be used on Digital cables with no problems - something the plugs from other brands cannot be used for.
Since you are into DIY - also take a look at my Interconnect design
http://image99.net/blog/files/category-002ahelix-interconnect-cable.html
They outperform most commercially available cables such as those from Kimber, Cardas and Nordost. And that is what I have heard from other DIYers that have tried them.
If interested - I have also used the same Helix design to build power and speaker cables
http://image99.net/blog/files/category-002ahelix-power-cable.html
http://image99.net/blog/files/category-002ahelix-speaker-cable.html
If you have any questions - just ask :-)
Hope that helps - Steve
Even their Copper Harmony model outperforms most other brands and at $115 AUD (around $80US) for a set of four their price is what I consider reasonable.
I have compared them to Furutech, WBT, and Neotech and the all of the harmony line performed better
For just $135 AUS - you can get the Silver Harmony which is a better product and the lowest in the product line I care to use
I have reviewed all of the models and now only use the Absolute Harmony, but they are outside of your budget
They are really easy to attach to heavier gauge wire and provide excellent sound on any cable. But they do take around 120-180 hours burn-in to sound their best.
Here are my reviews
http://image99.net/blog/files/category-klei-copper-harmony-rca.html
http://image99.net/blog/files/category-klei-silver-harmony-rca.html
All of the Harmony Line can also be used on Digital cables with no problems - something the plugs from other brands cannot be used for.
Since you are into DIY - also take a look at my Interconnect design
http://image99.net/blog/files/category-002ahelix-interconnect-cable.html
They outperform most commercially available cables such as those from Kimber, Cardas and Nordost. And that is what I have heard from other DIYers that have tried them.
If interested - I have also used the same Helix design to build power and speaker cables
http://image99.net/blog/files/category-002ahelix-power-cable.html
http://image99.net/blog/files/category-002ahelix-speaker-cable.html
If you have any questions - just ask :-)
Hope that helps - Steve