polk audio vs klipsh

[psx3man]

Ok first of I am very new to this home audio stuff I was at bestbuy looking at speakers and wires and banana plugs and i asked the guy the difference between the speaker wire he said go with 16 gauge on the polk bookshelf speakers same with the klipsch. second are these brands any good and does the wire really make a difference the generic to say monster or another brand for speakers altogether. and im looking at getting the onky 606 or 705?