You're getting back into it - I am just getting into it. I patched Phish shows last summer and decided to take the plunge.
Here are some recs from months of reading here and what I have gone with:
Buy a deck with good internal pres. There are many out there now at GREAT values for a startup rig. While a Sound Devices Mix Pre 3 or 6 might be pricey, check out Tascam Dr-70d, Dr-701d, or what I and love2tape have gone with Tascam Dr-680mkII. Also Marantz, Zoom and other manufacturers. This tech has brought decks to the point of not needing a separate pre in your chain (some would disagree).
Go to archive dot org. Start listening to shows by typing mics you are interested in in the search bar. Play the shows, look at the recording chain, pick and choose. Do this a lot. Its the second greatest tool besides reading threads here.
Use ebay or the yard sale here to pick up some good value mics. I went with Audio Technica AT3031, Sennheiser e641, and soon will be getting Line Audio CM3 and OM1. How did I do this? Archive dot org. Its easy to read about things here and think "oh this is the one I want," but it comes down to how they sound and price.
Active cabling? If you are on a small budget just set that idea aside for now. Others can answer you questions on it, but I can tell you to stay within your budget, learn good taping technique and you will pull good tapes with gear you are comfortable with. Active setups are expensive. Don't under pay, but don't blow your budget either. Its a long life - build a locker one step at a time.