Pre-amp To Amp Interconnects

Oh I forgot to add - both companies provide cables ready-built as well

You will learn over time that ALL cables are just as important as every other piece of gear in your system. Even power cables!

for Power see http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?fcabl&1071276890&openusid&zzWilliewonka&4&&

Enjoy :-)

Do some reading and buy somewhat older models, used and you can get some very good cables at very reasonable prices. And yes you can use component video cables if you insist.

Is there a notable difference between Audioquest Diamondbacks at $90-150 compared to blue jeans or monoprice cable at $5-$30?

impossible to answer, in any given system one could be better than the other

try for yourself and return or sell the one you do not like

The best way to find your way through all the information is to set some realistic goals.
The first IMO (and yes this is just MY opinion)
Spend only a small percentage of the cost of your equipment on cables.
10% to 15% total compared to your gear.
Plenty of reasonable cables from Kimber PBJ, BlueJeans, Mogami.

The reason is if you are on a limited budget, spending your big money on the electronics or speakers will garner much more of an improvement.
So the advice is spend a little on cables, and save your big bucks for equipmnet upgrades.

Johnmadden

Here is a quote from your post:

"Just want to keep the budget low on the setup and spend it on other items that are more important!"

That's better advice than you will get 99% of the time when asking opinions from people who know "more" than you do. Yes, cables make a difference that you can hear. As your components get better and their resolution increases you will notice the difference much more. With the level of equipment you now have, your idea of upgrading real, active components is a much better choice. I haven't heard the blue jeans cable but they do look very good for the money. They should be fine for now. If you must, the AQ is also a very good choice. They sound good and work with a wide range of equipment; Very trouble free product. If it was me, I would get the blue jean cable and put the money into something that will make a much bigger difference.