Interconnect Directionality


Have I lost my mind? I swear that I am hearing differences in the direction I hook up my interconnect cables between my preamp and power amp. These are custom built solid core silver cables with Eichmann bullet plugs. There is no shield so this is not a case where one end of the cable’s shield is grounded and the other isn’t. 

There are four ways ways to hook them up:
Right: Forward. Left: Forward. 
Right: Backward. Left: Backward
Right: Forward. Left: Backward
Right: Backward. Left: Forward. 

There is no difference in construction between forward and backward, but here are my observations:

When they are hooked up forward/backward there appears to be more airy-ness and what appears to be a slight phase difference. When hooked up forward/forward or backward/backward, the image seems more precise like they are more in phase. The difference between forward/forward and backward/backward is that one seems to push the soundstage back a little bit while the other brings it towards you more. 

What could possibly cause this? Does it have something to do with the way the wire is constructed and how the grains are made while drawn through a die? Am I imagining this? Have I completely lost my mind?
mkgus

Showing 2 responses by jtcf

The very long discussion was on the PS Audio forum.Sorry I misremembered!It is mysterious and always something new to learn:-)
If you want to make your head explode read about Iconoclast Cables.There is a long thread on AudioCircle and a couple of reviews on Audio Bacon.The three styles of Iconoclast cables are made exactly the same and measure exactly the same.The only difference is the type of copper used in each.They all sound different.The man that designs them freely admits he doesn't know why.It's fascinating reading with many charts and calculations for any science nerds that are interested :-)