I myself would suggest not going lower than the Cobra. I tried the VTX cords and they were decent, but while it can give you the Shunyata sound, it will be less obvious how good the line is that if you go with a Cobra Zi-Tron, or Python Zi-Tron, both above your price level (well, new anyway. Used Cobras go for around $750).
Whoa! I take that back. I just went to Shunyata's site, and they now have a Viper Zi-Tron. I haven't heard it, so I can't say what it sounds like, but Music Direct - where I buy many of my audio components - does have a money-free 30 day guarantee (which is why I buy from them!), so if you don't like it, you can call and just say that it doesn't elevate your system to the level you want it to be at.
This must be a pretty recent addition to the lineup (maybe past 2 months or so). I have all Shunyata power cords and I peruse the site once every couple of months, so it can't have been out that long. Give it a try. You have nothing to lose!
Whoa! I take that back. I just went to Shunyata's site, and they now have a Viper Zi-Tron. I haven't heard it, so I can't say what it sounds like, but Music Direct - where I buy many of my audio components - does have a money-free 30 day guarantee (which is why I buy from them!), so if you don't like it, you can call and just say that it doesn't elevate your system to the level you want it to be at.
This must be a pretty recent addition to the lineup (maybe past 2 months or so). I have all Shunyata power cords and I peruse the site once every couple of months, so it can't have been out that long. Give it a try. You have nothing to lose!