The reason I spent so much is that I'm runing a lot of fusing, and have rewired everything power related under the hood. Add in 5 sets of RCA's and some optical cable, and you can easily hit 600 - and I went with Stinger's cheapest line (except for their Expert RCA's)
As for wire....you can get good results from knukonceptz....generally, it's all the same. I like the following companies:
Singer
Monster
Streetwires
Tiff
Lightning Audio
Phoenix Gold
IXOS is a great line, but expensive...then you get into super expensive like Kimber or MIT....
I think any of the mid line companies make good stuff. What you are looking for is nice connectors, well machined brass pieces, high strand count in wires, and most importantly....something that fits your install needs. And guess what...looks is a big part too.
I wouldn't put too much stock in what power wires you use...hell, some people get theirs from welding supply stores.