For cables, I would see if any Radio Shack's are still open in your area. They are going out of business(or so I hear), so you will likely find a good price on the Auvio brand of cables. I've used a few of them, their 1/8" to dual RCA is on my computer audio system as we speak. Any decent OFC(oxygen free copper) of 16 gauge or larger speaker cable will do(I assume the runs are fairly short, 8 ft or less?) Don't worry about connectors, bare wire will be fine.
For a noob, the most important thing should be simply to HAVE sound. Get a decent set-up that works, worry about making it better AFTER you listen for awhile, and find out where the weak links are. It's all about the quality of the signal that reaches the speakers, and not necessarily how much power you have driving them. And speakers are the most important link in the chain. Cables are waaay down on the list, unless you just have crap. Your Luxman won't know the difference between $3 interconnect cables and $300 cables. I spend about $30/pair, myself. Not the best, but not the worst, works for me. This is one hobby that is definitely 'all about you,' whoever you are. YOU are the one who has to listen to it. And good only lasts until you hear something better. Welcome to the addiction....
