2. cables
  3. 153145-82576

Directionality of Loudspeaker Cables

Hey Folks...seasoned listener, non-engineer here...

When an amplifier sends current to a loudspeaker, the positive current is sent from the amplifier TO the speaker, then the ground RETURNS the negative electrons TO the amplifier, thus creating a circuit?  If this is correct, when one considers directionality for loudspeaker cables, the preferred direction for the cable itself, when possible (it is for me now) -- would you not point the returning negative cable FROM the loudspeaker to the amplifier? 

I recently installed a set of the wonderful Verrastar Grand Illusion Evo Series speaker cables...4 individual ribbon cables that are clearly marked for proper direction. I won't trouble you with the details, but swapping cables out ain't easy for me.  Almost all of my speaker cable upgrades have been single runs containing both + and - inside the solo cable, but now, I once again have the opportunity to test the theory.  In my excitement to install the Verrastars, I'd forgotten about this tweak from 20 years ago. 

I welcome any and all feedback, hopefully enough positive, to motivate me to swap them around.  Thanks, and More Peace.  Pinthrift
pinthrift

Showing 1 response by gregm

gregm
3,411 posts
 
@pinthrift
I'll end with a question. Are all loudspeaker cables sold today marked directionally, and if so, why? Thanks again, Pin
Many cables sold today are marked directionally, mainly for two reasons:
a) because (purportedly) cables become directional through the production process and /or their use (i.e. flow of current) and the marked direction is an easy reference for the user; b) because the shielding, when present, is connected on one end only, and that determines the directionality.
More to discover