Frankk - I certainly understand your hesitation to sink a bunch of money into a cable without being very confident that it's going to work in your system. I have done that, only to be disappointed. For what it's worth, I believe a used pair of GG Revelation MKii's would be in the price range you're looking for. I have not heard them personally, but the folks over on the GG thread describe them as having a strong family resemblance to the Raptures.
As far as other suggestions, I'm afraid I can't be of much help. My experiences are limited, and I have always found choosing cables difficult and a little frustrating. I have read good reviews of some of the Audio Metallurgy gold cables, which are in the price range you mentioned, but I have no first hand experience with them.
As far as other suggestions, I'm afraid I can't be of much help. My experiences are limited, and I have always found choosing cables difficult and a little frustrating. I have read good reviews of some of the Audio Metallurgy gold cables, which are in the price range you mentioned, but I have no first hand experience with them.