2 issues: 1. Its your money and you can spend it however you like but I think you are making a mistake with the Nordost. I'm not suggesting that it is not a good cable and/or you should not use it. That said, I think it is extremely foolish to buy active components based on what cables you have.If there was ever a wrong way to do something, this is it.
2. I had the 10x5 in my VPI and thought it was great for the money. I also had the low output 20 and it was a very big step up in sound quality. I know you have a $1500 budget but you might be happy with a 20 or something similar and may not need to spend that much. I would listen to a few things first before making a decision. If you call Ultra Systems/The Cable Company (fatwyre.com) you can arrange to try anything you like out of their lending library.
2. I had the 10x5 in my VPI and thought it was great for the money. I also had the low output 20 and it was a very big step up in sound quality. I know you have a $1500 budget but you might be happy with a 20 or something similar and may not need to spend that much. I would listen to a few things first before making a decision. If you call Ultra Systems/The Cable Company (fatwyre.com) you can arrange to try anything you like out of their lending library.