2. cables
  3. 193109-198816

Directional wires/cables

Is there any reason to support the idea that cables, interconnects or any other kind of wiring can be considered directional? It seems that the theory is that carrying current will alter the molecular structure of the wire. I can't find anything that supports this other than in the case of extreme temperature variation. Cryo seems to be a common treatment for wire nowadays. Extreme heat would do something as well, just nothing favorable. No idea if cryo treatment works but who knows. Back to the question, can using the wires in one direction or another actually affect it's performance? Thanks for any thoughts. I do abide by the arrows when I have them. I "mostly" follow directions but I have pondered over this one every time I hook up  a pair.

billpete

Showing 6 responses by immatthewj

immatthewj
2,945 posts
 

I use Kimber Silver Streak(s)  all the way through (CDP-pre-amp) and this thread got me curious, and from the searches that I did they were saying that the heat shrinked "Silver Streak" logo around the cable should read so that the 'S' is at the end that the source is on.  I just went and checked and that's the way I have mine; I don't remember if those cables came with directions with them and that's why I had them all pointed that way, or if it was just by coincidence.

And actually I do remember, many many moons ago, hearing or reading that cables are directional, but that over time it would "learn" the other direction.  "I don't think "learn" is the term that was used, but it's the best I can think of at the moment.

 

immatthewj
2,945 posts
 

. . . and I just did a quick search on speaker wire directionality , specifically Kimber 8TC, and came up with this discussion right here on A'gon . . .

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/signal-direction

immatthewj
2,945 posts
 

The brands of interconnects with directionality, as specified by the manufacturer, that I have, have all stated that the reason for the directionality is that the shield is grounded at the source end and is floating at the destination end.

@bimmerlover , Kimber Silver Streak isn't shielded and I get the impression that there is a suggested direction for it to be used in.

immatthewj
2,945 posts
 

I am not 100% sure if cables can be directional or not, but if the manufacturer suggested a direction to install it in, I'd go with that.  

immatthewj
2,945 posts
 

I first learned how electricity works here on Agon in 2010. Oddly the thread was titled "directional cables?".

laugh

immatthewj
2,945 posts
 

You have a way with words, @jea48 .  yes

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