2. cables
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Directional cables - what does that really mean?

Some (most) cables do sound differently depending on which end is connected to which component. It is asserted that the conductor grain orientation is determining the preferential current flow. That might well be, but in most (all) cases the audio signal is AC (electrons going back and forth in the cable), without a DC component to justify a directional flow. Wouldn't that mean that in the 1st order, a phase change should give the same effect as a cable flip?

I'm curious whether there is a different view on this that I have not considered yet.
cbozdog
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,483 posts
 
What was told to me is that the metal (copper, silver) is drawn in one direction that is accounted for.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Audioquest advertises highly polished surfaces of their solid core conductors for some of their high end cables.. Does that eliminate the problem? 🤔


DRAGON CONDUCTORS: SOLID PERFECT-SURFACE SILVER (PSS)Perfect-Surface Technology applied to extreme-purity silver provides unprecedented clarity and dynamic contrast. Perfect-Surface Silver (PSS) is AudioQuest's highest-quality metal. Solid conductors prevent strand interaction, a major source of cable distortion. Extremely high-purity Perfect-Surface Silver minimizes distortion caused by the grain boundaries that exist within any metal conductor, nearly eliminating harshness and greatly increasing clarity compared to OFHC, OCC, 8N and other coppers.
andy2
1,555 posts
 
I can't wait for Part 2.  I got enough money for all the booze in the world lols.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Better start drinking now, Scooter. Part 2 is coming. Don’t have an aneurism. 😳
tobor007's avatar
tobor007
135 posts
 
teo_audio
" As Mr average Joe blow will demand the full 'functional for them explanation'. And that just can't happen."

Mr average "Joe blow" may be a member of the Flat Earth Society and use the same argument. Him being steps ahead of the rest of the pack and all. Further more, there are plenty of intelligent, long term audiophiles (not Joe Blow) who think most of the arguments (above gauge and good quality basic cables) is not relevant as it relates to human hearing. However, by all means buy the the appropriate level of items that do make a difference in your system. 
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