I use King Cobras for my main connections. I fell into a pile of AudioQuest cables -KCs and Black Mambas- at a price I couldn't say no to, though, from what you're saying, likely more than what you paid. Cabling isn't something I give much thought to, but I thought they did sound better than the cables I used at the time, rather doubt they'll ever be replaced unless another spectacular deal falls in my lap.
The directional stuff sounds silly, but I installed as directed and have never felt the urge to dick around with them again.