Seeking recommendations for DAC to amplifier balanced XLR cable

plugged it in yesterday and compared

Is that a fair comparison? I'm assuming a fully run in, comfortable in your system cable   Versus   a tired, jet lagged, time zone confused, where the heck am I cold cable? 

@soix  makes solid recommendations...I'd give his suggestions weight.

I did a very quick look, around your budgeted amount. Not knowing the length of the cable you need...

There is a Nordost Hemidall 2 1M XLR. 

There is a Cardas Clear Reflection 0.5M XLR ... I had the Clear Reflections in my system...a solid cable...but surpassed by SR in my system / per my preferences.

@ghjuvanni  Good on giving it a chance. Your first impressions may indeed hold.

I don't know your budget (and cable length), but I have been very happy with SR cabling after a number of comparisons with other cable manufacturers...at similar price points. Simply a suggestion. I don't like making recommendations because there are so many variables.

Depending on your budget I can offer another suggestion, but I'll wait for your response. It is what I am moving to for all of my analog cabling. 

Synergistic Research

@ghjuvanni  I've been using / exposed to their top two tiers over three generations (including the current one). You may be able to get a used top tier short length from 2 generations ago at your budgeted price...but I'm guessing here, and it may be unlikely for 500. I can't speak to their other tiers as I do not have direct experience.

There are a number of cable threads in the forum that should address your needs. I recommend perusing via the search function. It may lead to some good options and options different from those already brought up.

A number of regular posters use SR in their systems. Perhaps they will chime in.  @millercarbon  often recommends older SR cabling. It may be helpful to reach out to him.

I hope they are not an overkill

If the cable works for you and as advertised by soix, then this is something you don’t need to be concerned about.

In my experience, proper cable matching will let your components perform (shine) closer to their design limits.

Have you ordered it already?

If you haven’t, here are two I’d be personally interested in. Post negotiation, you should come close to your budgeted amount.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9b0eh-asi-liveline-interconnects-xlr-1-5-metre-interconnects

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9jg1c-ansuz-acoustics-signalz-p-1m-xlr-interconnects

Note, my ’interest’ may reflect different preferences and priorities than yours...

The site soix mentioned is a good one. I choose not to post / mention their listings here for obvious reasons, however, you should take a look to cover a wider range of what’s available in the moment.

All the best.

@ghjuvanni  Congratulations on finding the cause and getting your system back on track.

There is a lesson here for all of us. Good that you followed through in the way you did.

You just "got it."  Don't be in a rush to move on. : )