Interconnects, some have directional indicators, why?


I'm curious as to why some interconnects are directional? Is there a physical internal difference and do they generally sound better and cost more than non-directional cables? Thanks for your interest.
phd

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

The audio signal energy travels in one direction in the form of an electromagnetic wave from the source to the load.

If you accept this theory wire directionality can be better understood. It also explains how the type of dielectric used in ICs and speaker cables can have an impact on how the cable sounds in an audio system. Can people hear differences in cables? Use the AC theory of the signal traveling back and forth to explain how, why, cables sound different.


Read:

"Ralf Morrison's website has some comments on electromagnetic laws."

https://books.google.com/books?id=9tsbThJYMh0C&pg=PA5&lpg=PA5&dq=moving+electrical+energ...

Yes differences in dielectric, the way the different insulated conductors are wound/twisted together.
But not in the direction of the copper wire itself, as was stated!!

Cheers George
Good answers -Guys.
I would add that ask your local dealer/retailer as they are trained by the manufacturer on such matters and serve in a consultant way to the customer.
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