Building first 2 channel system, need cable advice

No - there is absolutely no difference as to an inexpensive cable and an expensive cable. If you are using shielded cables the only thing important is that the shield envelopes the conductors - foil is generally a better way to achieve this than braid but should not add anything to the cost. You can build your own cables. A decent seller of this stuff without the hype and ripoff is Blue Jean Cable. As to speaker wire - blind a/b tests demonstrate that no one can tell the difference between different speaker wire - My choice would be something large such as #12, just to lessen I squared R drops but even this is overkill. Of course I am making the assumption that you are using less than 100 ft runs to each speaker, if you are running the wire out to speakers in the barn, 1000 ft away, then it pays to look at t-line effects. As to spending more for biwiring - this is better termed buywiring - there is no benefit to that practice. Don't fall into the wasteful habit of buying into snake oil. There are plenty of places to spend money in this hobby, put the money where it matters - speakers by far the most important, followed by amps, with preamps a distant third and sources way down the line, and of course one can always purchase more music.

I would definitely look at Omega Micro inter connects and speaker cables. I recently switched from MIT Shot Gun S-1 to Omega Micro Planer line and what an amazing difference in the performance of my system. Mapleshades which is a less expensive line also has some unique sound charateristics that you might really enjoy given the high performance capabilities of your speakers. I have found that smaller wires with little or no jacket or insulation around them really can produce some outstanding results. Good luck with your search. Herman

Use signal cables also inexpensive and no silliness. If you want to try a different type of conductor try vampire wire OCC long crystal copper in a Zip cord . The other to consider is silver. Silver has a particular sound to it. The sound is frequently desribed as quick but can be harsh with treble. The Silver Signal cable or better is the Homegrown silver cables are the no nonsense cables. Home grown's best is called silver lace cable, it moves you out of cheap category but they have less expensive all silver conductor styles.
Keep in mind that most cables are built with commercial wire from Belden and Mogami if you avoid Chinese wire.
A few are still making their own like Van den Huls or are special OEM .
Yes cables sound different, but don't get stuck on them avoid a long sales schtick. Cables represent the highest percentage of B.S. that gets pawned off to audiophiles. The costs can be absurdly high to the point where it is obscene and in my vioew a very real sin. If you can throw 10,000 at an interconnect please think of a worthy charity and give them 9,000. The remainder will still net a sense of investing in an IC will provide esteem and is still mostly snake oil anyway.