I owned anticables before. I no longer use them.
The length is a key detail you left out. That can drastically affect the cost of any cables since you are stating you want to spend $500 or less.
But, without knowing the length, here are my recommendations:
Supra Classic 6.0 (inexpensive but very, very good) and can be auditioned; these have been recommended by the maker of Merlin speakers for use with his speakers
Kimber Kable 8VS- inexpensive, but very good and can also be auditioned
I have used both of these cables before.
Also, depending on the length, although I don't own them yet, I recommend the Chord Odyssey 2. As long as your length is not too long you can afford them. I don't own a pair yet but I will soon; I expect them to be outstanding. You can get a 3 meter pair with banana terminations for $425. You might be able to borrow a pair of these from the Cable Company lending library to try out.
If you are impatient and want something good without waiting to audition cables, I'd go for the Supra Classic 6.0.
