Low-cost I/C's

You might want to check BlueJeansCable.com.

Products from Mogami and Signal Cable offer terrific value IMO.

However, I don't think they meet your $40 threshold.

I have no financial interest in either company.

Zu Cable Oxyfuel

I second the comments by Audiofeil and Drtmth58.

Keep in mind that the short length you are specifying will minimize most cable effects and cable differences.

Although keep in mind also that increasing the length to 3 feet would broaden the range of available choices. If you want to do that, you might consider pro-oriented cables such as those sold by B&H Photo Video under the Comprehensive and Pearstone brand names, including this one for $30:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/408214-REG/Comprehensive_X3A_2RCA3_XHD_Series_Stereo_2.html#features

Regards,
-- Al

I think you have been given some very excellent advice from both Audiofeil and Almarg.