Directional interconnect cables

I agree with the common ground idea, "star grounding". However, in the case of a phono pre, this kinda goes out the window:

CDP -> PRE <- AMP = common ground at the pre
TT -> Phono -> Pre <- amp = no real common ground

What Dave said....... Sometimes I think we all over analyze things and miss what we are all in this for..........

THE MUSIC.....

07-29-08: Rodman99999
It depends totally on the manufacturer. Kimber for instance grounds both ends(shields and connectors) of their cables(balanced and single-ended), and the arrow(or direction of the printing) indicates the signal flow.

If both ends are grounded in the manner you say, then it makes no frickin' difference. It's a marketing ploy. If people think the cables have to go this way, they can charge more.

Come on man, use your head, think about it....

As far as being able to hear the difference in a cable that is constructed in this matter, it's the placebo effect.

Just my opinion.

Rodmann,
I did read what you submitted. I also noticed that it was written by a Kimber salesman.

'nough said.

Rodman,
I'm not attacking Kimber, or you for that matter. I have Kimber IC's and speaker cable through out my system, except the tt -> pre. I'm just saying a cable that is terminated the same way at both ends is not directional.

And yes, I'm very familiar with that saying.......

Well, I'm convinced now.... I'm going to turn my throttle CABLES around. My HOG should run alot better......

LOL......

To try to get back to the OP's original question. It's not that the wire itself is directional. It's the assembly of the cable as a whole. Some cables have the shield terminated at both ends. Non-directional IMO. Others, have the shield terminated only at one end. In this case, again IMO, the end(s) with the shield termintated should connect to the pre-amp. This will create a single point grounding scheme.

Of course, as some others have said, connect the cables per the manufacturer’s recommendations, and enjoy the music.

Kijanki
"..... wires are diodes....."

Wires are NOT diodes. If anything, they are capacitors, either shielded or twisted pair.

I believe some people may hear a difference when the cable is reversed. This doesn't mean the cable is directional. It means the cable has burned-in in that direction and reversing it undoes all that......

I see the OP hasn't been back to his own thread..... Have to agree with Tvad's bar discussion comment......

If you hear a difference, then great. Put the damn cable in the way it sounds best, to you, and enjoy the music..

Crown on the rocks please...... No, wait, make that neat..... and a double.....