I use Better Cables s-video and home made canare rca (component and audio) cables. I believe a good video cable can make a difference but the source makes a bigger difference. Basic cable? Unless its something I'm not used to, you could probably use a 4 dollar cable. If you are talking sat, or even more important dvd and hdtv I think investing in at least a $20 (component $40) or more a cable would make a difference. As far as monster goes, I would choose AR for about half the price, its almost identical. Another option is this route,
http://www.bus.ucf.edu/cwhite/theater/diycable.htm ,
which is not only fun it saves a ton of money if you go the fancy cable route and have enough cables to make.

And if you get REALLY serious, here is an even better step by step process without pictures.
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?postid=720443#post720443

[This message has been edited by Jed M (edited July 01, 2002).]