For component interconnect cables, a good alternative is Blue Jeans Cables. They use Belden 1694a cable and Canare Connectors. They list various lengths, but if you call, they will make the length to your specs.
Lotsa research led me to them. The quality of the materials and the workmanship is excellent. They are a bit more expensive than Radio Shack, but a lot less expesive than Monster Price Cables.
For speaker wire, Home Depot is tough to beat. Find the bulk section and have them cut it for you. Less expensive than 50' or 100' prepackaged rolls.
