Who makes budget speaker cables which are truly “good” or “exceptional” in quality?

I have used several “budget” cables including Monster XP-Ci, Blue Jeans Belden and Canare, Transparent, Kimber 8VS, and Audioquest including X-2, FLX/SLiP 14/4, Type 4, Type 6, Rocket 33 and Rocket 44. The last two may not be some people’s idea of budget at over $15/ft, but if this qualifies as “budget speaker cable” +1 for creekmaster’s Rocket 44 suggestion because the Rocket line to me sounds very neutral with good tone and soundstage definition.  And AQ FLX/SLiP 14/4 used as a double internal run (two wires per each terminal) was pretty good for applications where I needed long runs of wire on a budget.  No major shortcomings.

None of the other cables sound “bad” persay but they lack the detail, clarity, tone and soundstage of better and more expensive wires.  The Monster cable listed above has lovely tone and midrange, but roles off highs in direct proportion to length.  The Signal cable suggestion in this thread is interesting because I think they use decent connectors.

Also speaking of speaker cable connectors, +1 to the suggestion from @terry9 to skip terminations altogether if you can.  Why put another connection in your line if you don’t have to?  If you must use connectors, Pangea from Audio Advisor make some nice sounding copper/gold plated banana plugs.

You generally get what you pay for, but as others have said here, you need to try some different wires to see what works in your system.  You may find a $.50/ft cable sounds better than, or at least as good to you in your system as a $50/ft cable. Or not.

good luck,

kn

In my forever changing systems at this point today my favorite speaker cables are:
Kimber kable tc-12.
LAT International SS-3000 Signature bi-wire.
Analysis plus oval 12.
(I have oval 9 I haven't tried yet)
All my interconnects are diy shielded silver plated copper Aviation wire and shielded canary (shield grounded on sending end only).
I've tried a bunch, transparent, MIT, audioquest, monster, ECT, ECT.
When I got my analysis ovals I was pretty happy until I borrowed a couple pair of LAT INTERNATIONAL cables from a friend (a blue pair and the ss-3000 Signature).
Holy shot what a difference between the oval 12 and the signatures. I insisted on buying the LAT signatures and been loving them since. 
Last month I bought some Kimber tc-12 cables (beautiful) thinking I would step up to another level in sound. Although they sound different I'm not sure it's better. I'm really happy with both and don't think I will part with either pair anytime soon. 
That's just my honest opinion on this subject. Although I'm forever changing and trying new stuff and open to whatever. It's just a fun hobby. 

One more for Clear Day double shotguns. Paul is a great guy to deal with, and his cables are amazing for the money. 

I use JW Audio, which are 12 gauge OFC pure copper. They sound strong and clear and I think I payed around $80 for an 8' pair. Super performance at real world prices, if your not one who has to have silver in their set up. They are a bit stiff and stubborn to install so you probably wouldn't want any woman or children around when doing so.

All the best
JP:)

Kimber 12TC