Interconnects, some have directional indicators, why?

@jea48 so-- if the electrons flow easier one way then the other (a reasonable interpretation of the first paragraph), what happens? Do they not all make it back on the return cycle?

Obviously the answer is ’No.’, as an excess of electrons would occur at the receiving end, which would mean that there would be a negative DC voltage generated. Since that doesn’t happen, we can assume with a great degree of accuracy that the electrons are in fact flowing either way with equal ease.

Interconnect cables are not diodes. The reason they might be directional has to do with how the shield is arranged. Usually you want the shield grounded at the source only. While its not as good as balanced operation for low noise, its better than just a regular shield with single conductor inside.

So I think we can consider the quote from herman to be debunked.

Crystal orientation in OFC and in Ohno Continuous Casting manufacturing predicts that there is directionality in metals that may influence the sound quality.

Usually you want the shield grounded at the source only.

I believe the RF should be dumped into the ground of the least sensitive to RF end, being the poweramp.
But hey! 6 of one 1/2 dozen of the other.

Cheers George

atmasphere

@jea48 so-- if the electrons flow easier one way then the other (a reasonable interpretation of the first paragraph), what happens? Do they not all make it back on the return cycle.

to which atmasphere replied,

"Obviously the answer is ’No.’, as an excess of electrons would occur at the receiving end, which would mean that there would be a negative DC voltage generated. Since that doesn’t happen, we can assume with a great degree of accuracy that the electrons are in fact flowing either way with equal ease."

In any case electrons - unlike the audio signal - are not flowing very rapidly. The velocity of electons in copper wire is what, about a meter an hour? 

Then atmasphere continued,

"Interconnect cables are not diodes. The reason they might be directional has to do with how the shield is arranged. Usually you want the shield grounded at the source only. While its not as good as balanced operation for low noise, its better than just a regular shield with single conductor inside."

That's only part-true. The wire itself is directional so even cables without shields are obviously directional. Did my previous post fall on deaf ears? Hel-loo! 

Finally atmasphere said,

"So I think we can consider the quote from herman to be debunked."

Or not.

Did my previous post fall on deaf ears

Yeah, it’s just a reputation thing, I wouldn’t loose sleep over it.

Cheer George