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
So here comes the obvious question: Do all "directional" interconnects terminate at the amplifier - arrow pointing to the input of the amplifier?
Crystal orientation in OFC and in Ohno Continuous Casting manufacturing predicts that there is directionality in metals that may influence the sound quality.
I don't dispute that but such does not suggest directionality.
Every cables have directions. The signal behaves differently with wire directions. One direction is cleaner, natural, and more focus than another direction. I test it and use it every day. Every audio companies should know this fact.
Directions, yes, but this is not influenced by the **wire** somehow conducting better in one direction than another, its caused by the way the cable is constructed- and this only applies to certain single-ended cables which might have the shield connection at one end only. Even then, its not the cable that sounds different, it would be caused by the equipment (amps and preamp) reacting to the change in the noise floor. Some equipment is better grounded than others and this will lead to cable qualities manifesting in different ways in different systems.


Now to get very basic.

For my single ended interconnects that do not have directional arrows I just hook them up without thinking about directionality.  Is there a way determine if the shield is connected at one end versus at both ends?

If the shield is connected at both ends, does directionality cease to matter?

Does a shield need to be connected at all?

Thanks,

George

OK, time to stop messing around and pull in the big guns. what follows is what Mr. Low owner of Audioquest Cables says about wire directionality.

our products, perhaps you’ve wondered what this “directionality” thing is all about. Maybe you’ve even made the incorrect assumption that it’s the analog or digital signal that’s directional.

There is the widely accepted version of directionality: In most audio-grade shielded interconnects, as compared to standard coax, negative has its own internal conductor and the metal shield is attached to ground at only one end, thus defining the cable’s directionality. Many cable manufacturers end their exploration of directionality there, going only as far as to mark their cables for directionality based on the relationship of shield to ground, but altogether neglecting conductor directionality. Because we believe in directing noise to where it can do the least harm, we, too, believe in the advantages of controlling for the attachment of the shield. In fact, long before we controlled for conductor directionality, AudioQuest interconnects were also controlled for direction based on the relationship of shield to ground.

The definitive empirical evidence of directionality demands seeking a scientific explanation. What is the technical explanation for directionality?
Over the years, our understanding of conductor directionality and its effect on audio performance has steadily evolved, growing stronger and more complete. While we’ve always been keenly aware that directionality plays a significant role in the overall sound of any hi-fi system, we couldn’t completely explain it. This was okay: We trust our own ears and encourage listeners to do the same. The test is easy enough: Simply listen, then reverse the direction of the cable, and listen again.

In one direction, music will sound relatively flat and a little grainy, as though being forced through a screen door. In the opposite direction, the obstruction is removed and music will be communicated with a natural ease, depth, and an open invitation to pleasure. When presented with a cable whose conductors have been controlled for the correct low-noise directionality, a listener feels a sense of comfort and relief: Ahh…Music!

geoff kait
machina dynamica

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