I'm using Audioquest Type 4 pre made cables with banana plugs on both ends for my main and center speakers, only because I got a really great deal on them.
www.audioquest.com/star-quad-speaker-cables/type-4
For my rear surrounds I'm using Axiom Audio in wall speaker wire with self installed banana plugs at both ends. In-wall cable was really my only option, without breaking the bank. my surrounds are mounted high on the back wall. The cables run up the front wall, through the vaulted attic and down the back wall to the speakers.
www.axiomaudio.com/in-wall-speaker-wire
If your looking for a great value on pre made cables with banana plugs check out Emotiva's cables. They have two lines.the less expensive USS line.
shop.emotiva.com/collections/interconnec.../uss-2-speaker-cable
... and the slightly more expensive X Series
shop.emotiva.com/collections/interconnects/products/xss
Both look great and perform great without all the expense and hype. If I did not get such a great deal on the Audioquest I would be using these.

Generally, unless you change your speakers regularly, bare wire or large spades are best. Banana connectors are great if you are changing speakers all the time, but they are more costly than (and many not as good as) nothing, or a good spade. FYI, we always use spades on our high-end 2 channel systems at annual trade shows.

Regarding sub placement, yes, the "sub crawl" is the accepted method, although most of the time it ends up placing the sub somewhere you don't want it.

A few suggestions/comments:

1. Corner placement is to be avoided (this was the solution to low powered subs of the past, 6dB of gain with corner placement means 1/4 the necessary amp power);
2. Place the sub as close to the center front of the room as possible and out just a bit from the wall if possible;
3. If using multiple subs, left and right of center placement, out of corners, is best;
4. If multiple LFE-only subs, one at the back of the room and one at the front (again, out of corners) is also a good setup for non-peaky bass response in the room;
5. A good room EQ system can mean a much wider choice of acceptable sub locations

Thanks for the links and info. I will check these out

Helps a lot with the sub placement info. I will try and figure out a good compromise. I think that I can put it fairly close to the center of the room. I also have the option of putting one on each side as you recommend if I decide to get a second sub. Thanks to all!