I agree about the radio shack mics. No output, it seems and high handling noise...or whatever.
I disagree strongly on the cable issue. I bought about a dozen of the $4.99 guitar cables (with the yellow heat shrinked ends) and use them all the time. They are a little skinny, but sound as good [to me] as $35 gtr cables.
Also, on that success...I just bought a half dozen of those $2.99 mic cables with another order of other stuff. They aren't so skinny comparitively, and I've tested them out side by side with a good pre amp and mic(s) with other cables and they work just fine. Admittedly the connectors look a little cheap as compared to the "good" stuff, but they click in solid and work. Since the cables are in a home setting, they don't get abused nearly as much as ones on a gig, for sure. But, I have no complaints. I pretty much use cheap cables on a lot of stuff too. I don't subscribe to the "Monster Cable" theory...even after A/B comparisions. Maybe my ears are crap, but then why spend money if I can't hear the difference?