I think I'm on my 4th brand of NO2. Currently it's Anadrox. I have not found that magic NO2. I had the same luck as you with the Nitrix, nothing wrong with that pump, but wasn't what I had in mind when taking it
I have yet to find a reason to put more than $50 into an NO2 product because the pump is nice, but the overall workout is better. Put that money on a good steak dinner and you'll have better results.
Taurine is going to depend on your workout intensity... say 2-4 gms a day is plenty.