inexpensive XLR cable for a tape deck?

The cheapest will be to go to a local music store and get a mic cable. Should be under $20.

Van den Hul The Second is a terrific balanced cable, inexpensive if you order it new from Highfan on Audiogon direct from Holland (see for sale listings under Van den Hul): about $140 for a meter pair, I think.

How about Purist Audio Elementa? Should be under $100.00 used but not easy to find.My 682ZX sounds(and records)great with Maximus(unbalanced).

Canare star-quad with gold-tip Neutrik XLRs. Markertek will
make you a 3-ft pair for $13 + shipping.

I have my whole system wired with DIY ICs and speaker cables
based on Canare cable: L-4E6S (star-quad) for analog ICs,
DA-206 for 110-ohm AES/EBU digital ICs, LV-61S for 75-ohm
S/PDIF digital ICs, and 4S11 for speaker cables.

My motto: can't go wrong with Canare. Check out their
gorgeous F-10 RCA plug. Almost a work of art.