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
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 above quote is from Audioquest and shows how its the shield connection that is causing the directionality, despite their awareness of how the crystals initially align in their wire.

We've built amps with Audioquest wire before. At the time of installation, Audioquest made no mention whatsoever about directionality.

The idea that a wire can be directional has many of the same problems as that of a fuse being directional. In both cases one is faced with the same problem: if the wire or fuse is directional then it conducts better in one direction that another, ergo its acting like a diode.

If that is the case then we will see a DC voltage (either positive or negative depending on which way the 'diode' is connected) at the output of the wire or fuse and since no such voltage appears, we can only assume that in fact the wire or fuse is not in fact a diode.

Generally when things act like diodes that aren't supposed to, its where there is a connection and not somewhere in the middle of a conductor. Crystal radios work on this principle. Special solders (known as 'eutectic') are used to minimize diode effects in the solderjoint (and also to prevent cold solderjoints which are sort of the same thing).

I have to assume that Geoff used the quote above to make the point of the shield being the driver behind directionality in cables. If that is not the case and somehow Audioquest was trying to make a point about wire being direction and nothing else than this paragraph isn't their best marketing. But that isn't how it reads to me.



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mapman
geoffkait@mapman, i suggest you get some Spock ears. you could probably use them.

to which Mapman responded,

"We all probably do actually.

I’d bet anything they would have a clear and huge effect on what anyone hears. Unless deaf to start with. Unlike orientation of copper crystals in wires. My dog told me so. For now I will merely just cup my hands behind my ears and enjoy. Try it you’ll like it."

Would you believe Spock ears was my very first product, but it was overcome by events. i wish i had some NOS I could send you. 😃

I actually don’t like hands behind the ears as it exaggerates certain frequencies in an unnatural manner but what’s intriguing is that you would assume I never heard of it. 😩

atmasphere
"I have to assume that Geoff used the quote above to make the point of the shield being the driver behind directionality in cables. If that is not the case and somehow Audioquest was trying to make a point about wire being direction and nothing else than this paragraph isn’t their best marketing. But that isn’t how it reads to me."

I wish i could say kudos to your detective work but alas, I’ve already explained all that as did Mr. Low from Audioquest. And you assume wrong. Remember, when you Ass-u-me something you make an ass out of me and Uma Thurman. 😬

Methinks there’s a good possibility you’ve psyched yourself out on this whole fuse and wire directionality thing. I for one don’t see what all the fuss is since any yutz with ears should be able hear the difference in direction of any fuse or any unshielded cable. You guys are making this much more difficult than it has to be, not that I mind. It’s kinda fun. 😃

mihorn wrote,

"One has to listen 10~20 seconds (depends on the length of cable) for signal to find the way."

whoa! what! hey! did you forget to put a smiley face?