2 channel setup

Dustin_collman, that’s a great point.  I’ve been considering exchanging the preamp that I purchased and putting that towards an integrated amp to cutdown on the cost of the interconnects.  

IMO, I would not even consider thinking too much about cabling yet. Just get decent copper cables all throughout to start with. The most important thing to consider at your stage is deciding which speakers you like, then getting a proper/capable amp for them, and setting them up correctly. Then some basic room treatments.
Then begin evaluating your system - do you still like your speakers? Still like your preamp and amp?
Trying to evaluate different cables prior to this point is pointless. Once all of the above is met, then go buy a ticket for the cable merry-go-round and have fun.

I echo the importance of listening to a lot of speakers. A lot. If you haven’t seriously listened a dozen in your price range, you aren’t shopping well. Likewise, listen to a set of speakers out of your price range on either side to know what your money buys you and also what you are missing.

Also, your speakers dictate the wattage of your amplifier, so buy accordingly.