Are you looking to spend 200 inclusive for speaker and interconnect? I use Analysis plus oval 9 speaker cable which you can find used for around $200, and that would be a major step up from the Monster stuff, IMO. In terms of interconnects, you could stay in the same line and get an AP copper oval for about 100, but there are a lot of choices in this price range, assuming you're going used. AudioAdvisor.com (no affiliation) has some demo stuff that might fit the bill.
Enjoy,
matt