Directional cables - what does that really mean?


Some (most) cables do sound differently depending on which end is connected to which component. It is asserted that the conductor grain orientation is determining the preferential current flow. That might well be, but in most (all) cases the audio signal is AC (electrons going back and forth in the cable), without a DC component to justify a directional flow. Wouldn't that mean that in the 1st order, a phase change should give the same effect as a cable flip?

I'm curious whether there is a different view on this that I have not considered yet.
cbozdog
Why all the technical discussion. Just be sure arrow points toward instrument you are plugging it in too. My audioauest have arrows on cable. Arrow toward amp. Arrow toward speakers. Best sound when you do this. 

by the way, can also try look for siver($) interconnect or rca or make one diy.

i would prefer the regular, original or normal rca than directional. simpler the better.

bottom line is avoid interference, use short cables if possible, separate cables to each other and power line, turn off other signal or tv or other equipment, that is isolate the system. even cell phone. these should eliminate or reduce hum..but everything start from quality amplifier/receiver, turntable, cassette player, digital player and the speaker. and also you dont hear the normal hum while playing or hearing the music.

thanks, daniel

i am so amazed of the technical or engineering discussion. so many talented people here. they must be engineer, inventor, professor or even scientist or even astrounaut who can tell. by the way i only have glimpse of the ideas and i guess learned some basics. but am amazed of the deep technical exposition even i dont understand fully or not at all and its really fun and surprised me.

and by the way, no worry too much of the normal hum of the audio. hum of passing car, refrigerator, electric fan, etc is much louder. happy listening.

and beside, you dont hear hum when music is playing.

thanks, daniel

I mistakenly ran an interconnect in the wrong direction. It immediately swelled up and burst. There were electrons all over the floor. Took me an hour to Swiffer them all up.

To quote one anonymous engineer, "we put arrows on the cables because customers expect this". 🤣