Toslink optical cables: Audioquest Optilink 3 vs Glass?

Thought I'd check back in and I agree with @agisthos on the strand count. I had the Lifatec before I got the DH Labs and to my ears, the DH Labs outperformed the Lifatec for my CDP use even with less glass thread count. 

During my research, I came across a site that broke down the number of strands and how much light/signal they can pass accurately and too many strands weren't any better than lesser count ones and sometimes performed worse. It was very technical but it convinced me.

For TV listening, I ended up using the Lifatec as the Uniqueperformance Toslink from Amazon had that "you're on the set" sound which sounded too sterile. On a home improvement show, it sounded like you were in an open, drywalled room with voices bouncing off the walls in a sterile manner. The Lifatec retained all the detail and air w/out the etch and sterility of the Amazon brand. It's very close to the DH Labs when it comes to TV use but not for CDs.

It all depends on what you're hooking what up to. 

All the best,
Nonoise

I haven't compared the AQ to anything but have tried a couple touted here and found the DH Labs Glass Master Toslink to rule the roost.  At $235 for one meter It's comfortably under your maximum and the way I see it, you'll be rolling the dice and keep moving sideways when you can just get one of the best out there and be done with it. I got mine at a nice 20-25% discount during a holiday sale and they have occasional sales of different cables throughout the year. If you can wait and be patient, you can get a great cable at a great price. 

If you can't wait and want glass fiber instead of polished plastic, this one from Amazon was my go to until I got the itch for something better. 

All the best,
Nonoise