Interconnects, some have directional indicators, why?

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

I don’t dispute that but such does not suggest directionality.

They thought it did Ralph, I tried to find the photo they had which seemed reasonable, but didn’t look really hard.
But the way they explained it in the pics was that normal OFC copper is just round copper molecules all touching and bunched like tiny marbles in a tube, (surface touching area between molecules is minimal)

Where as LC-OFC copper is crystals of copper arrow/rocket shaped each one’s head fitting into the one in fronts tail, yes like male female, each crystal is male and female. A bit like this >>>>>>>>>>>> So there’s far better contact area that molecules, (surface touching area between crystals is maximized)

And the directionality??, is yes the way the head of the crystal points, which could also be a bit of a wank.

Audio Technica started this, I believe Hitachi and Panasonic/Technics also maybe rebadged and sold it as well in the 80’s

But like I said very fragile cable bend it just a little too much and you break that contact area between the crystals, each time causing resistance till the break goes all the way acoss and takes out all the cystals then is open circuit baby.

Cheers George

"A difference that makes no difference is no difference"

-famous Vulcan proverb

Is this one of those?

I’m sure there is someone out there who hears a difference when crystals oriented one way as opposed to another.

Can it horror of horrors perhaps even be measured?

Make sure contacts are similarly good either way or else its all for naught.

Enquiring minds want to know.

If you’ve ever wondered about the arrows on AudioQuest cables, read any of our educational materials, or merely followed any of the online chatter regarding 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.

sorry my last post truncated the first paragraph of Audioquest's article on directionality... carry on.

georgelofi
Ralph, I tried to find the photo they had which seemed reasonable, but didn’t look really hard.
But the way they explained it in the pics was that normal OFC copper is just round copper molecules all touching and bunched like tiny marbles in a tube, (surface touching area between molecules is minimal)

Uh, the "cube" with copper atoms is a crystal lattice. They are not copper molecules although I did enjoy reading that.😬

have a nice day