Some of this stuff is so simple and so easy to get to the truth.
Not being an engineer, or designer, or even producer of bulk wire, but just an end user and former electrical & electronics worker and technician and audio hobbyist for some decades, I’ll bite.
The ONLY directional cabling I know of are those with the little T former IMP matching boxes, and power cords.
Though, Power Cords especially. Why?
Because you can not reverse the ends. They don’t fit. Even if you push really hard!!
As for all other cables, SE/XLR IC, speaker wires, USB, Ethernet, HP cables, barring termination issues, and UNLESS there is an arrow printed on the exterior of the cable jackets, they MUST be bi-directional cables.
(Hint – if no cop is seen, use cables in either direction)
If an arrow is adorning the exterior of a cable, I’ll simply abide by the implied wishes of the maker… until it gets removed and later re inserted, then its anybody’s guess which way one or both wires wind up being connected….. and BTW…. I’ve yet to hear either alterations or degredations to the audio.
Nearly ALL connecting and speaker wires are bi directional for one simple reason. Cost.
Does anyone know exactly how much it costs for cable makers to have itty bitty microscopic signs made up for the electrons so they’ll know which way traffic should flow?
Its immense! And, there must be many of them posted all along the lengths of the conductors!
You will need “This way” signs on one side of each conductor, and “Wrong way’ signs on the other side of every conductor. Although there is an argument for having only one of each at opposite ends of each conductor.
It could run a cable manufacturer into bankruptcy! Although it opens the door for a brand new industry and more jobs.
Naturally people would simply transition from making tiny scarecrows and Elvis manikins for Ant farms as the onset of miniature crows infesting current ant Farm crops are at all time lows.
Of course, even proper signage won’t always keep traffic flowing properly. There will always be those electrons that are texting and driving or watching Youtube on their cell phones. Usually, it’s the more immature electrons who transgress.
Don’t believe me…. As is always the case here… try reversing one or both supposed directional cables and listen for yourself over the course of a few days or a week!!!
Why not? They are your wires, right?
