From the vintage of your equipment, I cannot say with any
authority that different speaker cables, upgraded patch cords between
your gear and two channel sound card nor replacing the "bare wire
speaker connectors" with 5 Way Binding Posts, would make ANY 
difference. I would not believe that the "hum" in your system
is being caused by the type or gauge of wire nor termination.
        With that said, I believe I would still go ahead and
replace the "bare wire speaker connectors" with a good quality
spade lug or 5 Way post. This change is very inexpensive and simple
to execute with a minimum of time and tools.
        Were I to get the bug and change speaker cables I wouldn't 
go to anything more exotic than something like the Tara Labs Klara
cable at $.79 (US) per ft. I have an old Dynaco Amp that I just love.
It is far from the best amp available, and even was a mid priced
amp back in the 70s when it came into being. But it has a wonderful
warm sound and it sits and plays in a place of honor in my office,
where I listen to it for hours on end. 
        When I first acquired the amp I was like a little kid at Xmas
and almost had the lid off before I got it in the house. I was 
horrified to see the wiring and quality of wire used in its'
manufacture. Yet it sounds great. What would I gain by putting
really primium grade cables on the outside when the inside looks
like a Radio Shack odds and ends sale? Probably nothing.
        I ended up using Monster Interlink 200 balanced patch
cords and original issue Monster Cable speaker wires, and
doubt anything else would sound better. What is outside will
not improve what is inside.
        My main system is a different story. I heard a difference
that I liked between the Monsters and the Tara Labs that I finally 
selected. But my individual pieces of equipment and speakers all
have excellent wiring, terminations and binding posts. So cable
upgrading seemed more logical.
        Cables and terminations are a very hot topic among engineers
and some of our "golden earred brethren". I have spent many hours reading
both sides of the subject. And as a result I am more confused than when I 
started. I just go with my ears and to hell with everyone else.
        Guess that isn't really much help, but if you get tired of that
"vintage" equipment, give me a shout.
Cheers, John
--- Maximus/2 3.01
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