I'm very happy with Acoustic Zen Absolute 0.5m XLR that I bought used for $600. Foam Teflon, oversize tubes, 7N zero crystal silver (with 1% copper), 6.1pF/ft 20nH/ft - it doesn't get better than that, at least for the price. Very clean, open, dynamic and neutral. It is 20% more than you're willing to spend and is not easy to find it in 0.5m (1m runs at $800 used) but don't think twice, when you see it for sale.
Interconnect Help
Anyone know of an interconnect that brings out the highs or would help make guitars more prominent? I really like the way my system sounds, but it is a tad recessed in the treble area, not annoyingly so but enough I notice at times. So I am wanting a little better treble extension but also don't want the dry etched sound either. Anyway,if any recommentation under 500.00 (only need 1.5 feet or so) I would appreciate it.