I've always been confused by AQ due to their huge range of cables. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with them but they create massive confusion with choice.
I do have one AQ Toslink cable which has served me very well but I'll upgrade soon.
If someone new to audio or someone who wants to move up a level I'll always recommend Cardas. Not a huge range but quite diverse and big differences between models.
There are plenty of better cables but Cardas is a reference, easy to compare other cables against due to it's house sound and easy used resale value.