you could always go the jaycar option, i've heard that the jaycar splits run with the best of them (well, in the ~$400 range) and for around $200 for kevlar they're great value, i've listened to them myself & they're quite good..
but yeah, if you wanna go brand names and your going to an audio shop, definately avoid splits in your price range..
but you know, if you wander around 2nd hand dealers, you can pick up top quality goods within your price range.. and most of the time the gear has hardly been used, if at all