Cable/Fuse Direction Matters?

The crystaline structure of any metal, forms into a chevron shape when drawn(as into a wire or strand). ie: >>>>>> It is inferred that the boundaries of these crystals(and their inherent potential copper oxide) will create a sort of diode effect(direction and probably freq dependent) or internal connection impedance/capacitance, to signals passed though the wire. OCC(Ohno Continuous Casting) wire is used in the construction of many high-end cables, in an attempt to(successfully to my ears) mollify this phenomenon. (http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/maney/mst/2010/00000026/00000008/art00020) (http://audiosensibility.com/blog/technology/ohno-continuous-casting-occ/)

Rodman99999 - ok, so if there is diode effect - it would effect one half of the signal when connected one way and the other half of the signal when connected the other way.

So would the impact be...

When the cables are connected - if the left cable is altering the top half and the right cable alters the bottom half the overall image would be distorted and the phase of the entire audible output would be shot to hell - resulting in distortion and unfocused sound

Whereas when reversing one of the cables so that only the bottom half (or top half) of both left and right channels would be effected - the resulting audio signal would have
- a near perfect top half
- a slightly distorted bottom half
- but much better phase alignment
- resulting in a significant improvement in sound

Does that sound reasonable?

Personally, I have never experienced this phenom, perhaps because I have always used occ copper in my cables, but I do appreciate that a discernible difference can be detected since so many people have reported it - it's just nice to finally understand a possible reason and what to look for.

However, I cannot see how that same reasoning can be applied to fuses

Do you have any input on that?

Thanks so much for the feedback

I've never bothered to reverse the many Hi-Fi Tuning fuses, scattered about my system, BUT- I don't doubt that some have discerned a difference. The element/burn wire that most of our 250V miniature(AGC/MDL/etc) fuses contain, must be drawn, like any other electrical wire. If the supposed effects of the afore mentioned internal connection impedance/capacitance should cause what some are hearing, I would not be surprised. I learned long ago; even slight improvements to a component's power supply, can yield large sonic benefits. When you get down to the basics of most gain circuits(especially- the output of a power amp); that's what you are listening to(the power supply). Happy listening!

However, I cannot see how that same reasoning can be applied to fuses

On my VAC Sig MKIIa pre, I can easily hear the Hifi Tuning Supreme fuse directions. In the wrong direction, it sounds like out of phase. Image is fat, round, no weight ... I confirmed results with several VAC pre owners.

I asked Kevin Hayes and he said in theory, due to the design of the pre, fuse should not make a difference. I try not to think too hard and just trust my ears.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. All wire is directional and if interconnects and fuse directionality are audible one supposes that somebody somewhere ought to get on the ball and ensure directionality for ALL wire and cable, including transformers, internal wiring of electronics and speakers, etc.