I would suggest that you view your cable and interconnects as tweeks, using them to get the change the components sound to fit your own needs. I don't know what kind of Monster you bought but it ain't so bad that you have to appoligize for it. I found that you get the biggest bang for your buck, sound wise, from speaker cable and that is where i would start. I have never heard as large a difference between 1 meter lengths of interconnect (long lengths of interconnect - big difference). Its like any trip, know where you want to go before you start.
cable suggestions for new system
ok,it took me close to forever to save my pennnies, infinite patience scouring the classifieds and finally I've put together my first 'audiophile' quality system: Simaudio Moon I5, Rega Jupiter2000, Joseph Audio RM7si signatures.To start with I bought monster (no smirks please!) to tide me over until I get a good feel for my new system. Eventually I'll want to experiment with cables/ICs; suggestions, comments...!