directional arrows on interconnects

On some shielded designs you will see directional arrows which corresponds to fact that the shield is connected only at one end. In this way, the sheild is not responsible for carrying the return signal, hence it functions as a true shield. The directional arrows would therefore denote which side the shield is grounded at (usually at the source end).

Frankly, other than in the above case, I've never heard a single plausible explanation for why directionality matters in non-shielded designs.

Hi Bob,

Actually, in the past I have tried listening to analogue cables plugged in both ways. It's this kind of behavior that makes my non-audiophile friends question my sanity :)

In some rare cases (like some van den Hul cables that were shielded in the manner described in my earlier post) I did notice a qualitative difference when swapping ends. In general, I found a subtilely lower noise floor and a resultant improvement in clarity one way versus the other, which I speculate is due to optimizing the grounding of the IC's shield relative to the source and destination components. But this was in a certain case that concerned cables with specific characteristics: they were not only shielded, but also had an asymmetrical construction from end to end.

I can't say I've ever heard a significant or demonstrably repeatable difference with non-shielded cables, although I don't pretend to have done any serious experimentation or have extensive experience in this regard. In the end, I guess I've resorted to trusting my ears that the directionality of cables in these cases was of no audible significance (and yes, I acknowledge the limitations of my own hearing and my system).

Please note that I'm not disputing anybody who says that they can hear a difference. I'm just saying that I couldn't in many cases, and particularly in the cases of the non-shielded designs I've tried. This is one of the reasons why I'm yearning for a "plausible explanation" of the phenomenon, to see if there's an objective rationalization that can cut through the "he said, she said" anecdotes. I do thank you for offering Duncan's diode theory, which is interesting to mull over. However, taking the devil's advocate stance, I have to express some skepticism that most (dare I say "any") manufacturers whose cables carry directional arrows have done any of the following:

1. Tested their raw conductors for diotic characteristics.
2. Ensured that the orientation of all the internal conductors used in their cables are aligned with respect to their diotic properties.
3. Tested the diotic effect of their finished cables before applying the directional arrows.

To Rcrump

PS: Thanks also for the tip regarding stage height. I'll have to go back and try it. The funny thing about this hobby is that despite my rationalist, objectivist leanings, in the end it tends to go out the window and I will try almost anything just to see for myself if it works.

Cheers.

To Rcrump and Ridgestreetaudio,

Thanks Bob and Robert. I'm glad to see that you both employ a methodology for determining and labelling directionality on your cables. Despite my personal beliefs as an objectivist, I am certainly not militant about it and I accept that others have different views and methods that work for them. Whether your methodology is based on objective measurements or subjective trials is not as important, in my mind, as the fact that your methodology is consistent and repeatable. And for that, you both should be applauded.

To GregM,

I know what you mean, and can sympathize. I personally believe that there's little magic in audio and that the more we approach it as a science and try to educate ourselves on how and why things work, the smarter we become as consumers.

Impedance matching is a good example of a parameter that if understood and scrupulously adhered to, would go a long way to prevent component mismatches and "bad synergy". It amazes me when people select gear without regard for impedance matching, based solely on anecdotal evidence that the individual component(s) had at one time sounded "good" in a stranger's system. Thus equipped, they might try to mate a passive preamp to an amplifier with an input impedance of <10K Ohms, using a 1m length of IC with unknown capacitance. Then when the results are a rolled off treble and lack of dynamics, they'll grasp at straws seeking one particular component to blame. Or they'll simply brush it off as "bad synergy". The latter is true or course, but there is a perfectly logical explanation for it, if one tries to seek it out. The issue to me is not simply a debate between the merits of subjectivism versus objectivism. Rather, I see it as a willingness to be open minded and to learn, and to use all methods and sources of knowledge at your disposal to become an educated consumer and listener. Like in the case of cable directionality. Some hear it, even though I couldn’t in most cases. I don’t have all the answers for why it happens they way it does, but I’m doing my best to learn. However, I do admit that in the absence of scientific evidence to the contrary, I will trust my ears. And I'll point my cables in the direction that sounds best. :)