I have some old speakers in the house that I wanted to test. So instead of messing with the real stereo unit from the 80s, I bought a $30 stereo from Amazon, and new speaker wire.
The speakers sound okay, but there’s a hum coming from them all the time. Even with the stereo volume knob turned all the way down. Is this normal for stereo systems and I just haven’t noticed?
Cheap amps work bad with mid/high-end speakers. Cable should be shielded. Amp should be grounded well. If speakers have balanced inputs (TRS - tip, ring sleeve), I suggest to use a balanced cable. If it just TS (tip/sleeve) or RCA, then it is not balanced and it doesn’t matter what cables you will use. Your amp is most likely the culprit.