Opinions on lower priced digital that can compete

Great input from the gang here, as I expected. :-) There are a bunch of good folks on the 'gon. To help further, I have two places where I need a decent digital cable. The first will go from my Marantz DV9500 to my heavily modified EAD mutlichannel processor. Purpose is to support 90% movies and music DVDs, and 10% SACD MC music (I would normally use the direct analog inputs to the EAD for SACD MC).

The other place is (maybe a bit more audiophile-esque) from my Proceed PDT-3 to my (again, heavily modified ) EAD DSP-7000 Mk.III D/A.

Hope this helps.

Ultimately, as Audiofeil mentioned, you're going to have to make some choices and listen for yourself. None of us can provide any definitive answers.

Buy used. Listen for yourself. Keep the one you like and sell the rest. Zero sum game.

The VH Audio Pulsar was my first digital cable and I think for the money it is a great value.

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?