Why are some cables 'directional'?

And does the arrow point away from the source (away from the amp), to the speakers?

gelmhirst10-23-2003 2:06am

twl Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,251 posts 10-23-2003 at 03:42am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Yes, the arrow points in the direction of the signal flow. While there may be some disagreement that the actual wire may be directional, there is general agreement that the shielding employed in these cables requires a directional connection.
eldartford Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 4,262 posts 10-23-2003 at 12:06pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete The shield is terminated only at one end. This may or may not have any effect, depending on the noise environment of the system.
timo Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 610 posts 10-23-2003 at 02:33pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Twl: I disagree with your arrow directionality (i.e. "points in the direction of signal flow"). Analysis Plus tells the user to point the arrows of their ICs toward the preamp/control amp. Probably like you say, has something to do with the shielding and grounding. However, I do not believe that cables are directional re: signal only. As the current flowing through an audio cable is AC, by definition, it flows in both directions, not in one direction as in DC.