Opinions on lower priced digital that can compete

First hand, the Wireworld STarlight 5 is probably the most known and super smooth perfect balanced sounding digital cable, not to mention it is literally the top choice for projectors, and HDTV stuff, including Coax and HDMI video..

Everything Zu I have heard in the upper end product is extremly neutral and pure as well. Their Coax digital I would honestly say is going to be the best on anybodys list for 100 to 200 bucks..

I also like the Cardas Lightning 15, but in your case this will be added depth, and a good amount of bloom around vocals, so for the best priced Zu would be the best bet like you have on your list.. Plus they are easiest to get, and return, with huge audition times no questions asked direct from the factory... All these cables I have owned above, not the one I will talk about below.. The stereovox

Stereovox I mostly read either people think they are perfect for the money, but can admit they are also a bit steril in general on a lot of equipment.

Tplavas, what were your thoughts on the Signal Silver?

In response to the "make your teeth hurt" comment...I run a DAC-1 with a Stereovox HDXV and have found it a great match. Kid, if your setup causes such discomfort I think there are some issues elsewhere in your system. The Stereovox is not a tone control, I have found it to be extremely neutral overall and the price is attractive.

A used Audiodyne Datalink is a great cable for minimal dollars. Otherwise the Pure Note Paragon is nice for around 175 bucks. These cables are not edgy like most digital cables, IME.

Tonyptony,

I found it to be a bit too 'dry', and the overall presentation to be 'smaller' and 'farther away', if that makes any sense. Of course, I could say the same about the Discovery digi-cable, to a lesser degree.
It has alot to do with what your digital gear sounds like as well. I've heard some 'reference' level digital cables that can make a transport sound like a mid-fi DVD player.