Williwonka wrote,
"08-24-13: Elizabeth
You can't switch XLR cables end for end as they are different.
For RCA i have never bothered to test for which way RCA cables should go.
Also Powercables cannot be reversed..
So it boils down to some guru claiming RCA cables have a direction.
Try them See if they do for yourself if it matters to you.
Not to me so I never did bother.
(though I DO make certain both are the same way, if it matters..)
Elizabeth (Threads | Answers | This Thread)
08-25-13: Rodman99999
The crystaline structure of any metal, forms into a chevron shape when drawn(as into a wire or strand). ie: >>>>>> It is inferred that the boundaries of these crystals(and their inherent potential copper oxide) will create a sort of diode effect(direction and probably freq dependent) or internal connection impedance/capacitance, to signals passed though the wire. OCC(Ohno Continuous Casting) wire is used in the construction of many high-end cables, in an attempt to(successfully to my ears) mollify this phenomenon. (www.ingentaconnect) (audiosensibility.com)
Rodman99999 (Threads | Answers | This Thread)
08-25-13: Williewonka
Rodman99999 - ok, so if there is diode effect - it would effect one half of the signal when connected one way and the other half of the signal when connected the other way.
So would the impact be...
When the cables are connected - if the left cable is altering the top half and the right cable alters the bottom half the overall image would be distorted and the phase of the entire audible output would be shot to hell - resulting in distortion and unfocused sound
Whereas when reversing one of the cables so that only the bottom half (or top half) of both left and right channels would be effected - the resulting audio signal would have
- a near perfect top half
- a slightly distorted bottom half
- but much better phase alignment
- resulting in a significant improvement in sound
Does that sound reasonable?
Personally, I have never experienced this phenom, perhaps because I have always used occ copper in my cables, but I do appreciate that a discernible difference can be detected since so many people have reported it - it's just nice to finally understand a possible reason and what to look for.
However, I cannot see how that same reasoning can be applied to fuses
Do you have any input on that?
Thanks so much for the feedback
Williewonka (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
08-25-13: Rodman99999
I've never bothered to reverse the many Hi-Fi Tuning fuses, scattered about my system, BUT- I don't doubt that some have discerned a difference. The element/burn wire that most of our 250V miniature(AGC/MDL/etc) fuses contain, must be drawn, like any other electrical wire. If the supposed effects of the afore mentioned internal connection impedance/capacitance should cause what some are hearing, I would not be surprised. I learned long ago; even slight improvements to a component's power supply, can yield large sonic benefits. When you get down to the basics of most gain circuits(especially- the output of a power amp); that's what you are listening to(the power supply). Happy listening!
Rodman99999 (Threads | Answers | This Thread)
08-25-13: Knghifi
However, I cannot see how that same reasoning can be applied to fuses
On my VAC Sig MKIIa pre, I can easily hear the Hifi Tuning Supreme fuse directions. In the wrong direction, it sounds like out of phase. Image is fat, round, no weight ... I confirmed results with several VAC pre owners.
I asked Kevin Hayes and he said in theory, due to the design of the pre, fuse should not make a difference. I try not to think too hard and just trust my ears.
Knghifi (Threads | Answers | This Thread)
08-25-13: Geoffkait
I've said it before and I'll say it again. All wire is directional and if interconnects and fuse directionality are audible one supposes that somebody somewhere ought to get on the ball and ensure directionality for ALL wire and cable, including transformers, internal wiring of electronics and speakers, etc.
Geoffkait (Threads | Answers | This Thread)
08-26-13: Bigshutterbug
I agree with Knghifi in regards to the Hifi tuning brand fuses...no doubt there is a correct direction for them in all components I have tried. I have not heard those differences when changing direction of standard fuses.
Bigshutterbug (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
08-26-13: Williewonka
Ok - after giving this some thought here's what I believe might be happening...
Since all wire is directional and as such, has a slight rectification effect...
- In one direction that effect is operating on the bottom side of the AC that is being inverted - this might add to waveform inversion distortions
- in the other direction that effect will be operating on the top side of the AC - so now both the top side and the bottom side will be distorted
It's clear that changing direction effects the waveform of the rectified signal differently which results in degraded sound in one direction and better sound in the other - as to which way is best - all you can do is try it and see what sounds best
I agree with geoffkait - manufacturers should be taking this into account.
Since this effect is not witnessed by everyone might suggest that some designs negate the effect and others do not
I think it is clear that it is probably related to components/cables/fuses and most certainly individuals ears
At least I now have an understanding based on reasoning - that alone takes the guesswork out of problem solving
Thanks to all who participated.
I do trust my ears, but it's nice to understand why :-)
Williewonka (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
08-26-13: Williewonka
Question WRT directionality in silver cables...
Has anyone witnessed the same directional issues in silver cables?
Does it pertain to copper cables only?
Is the effect more, or less obvious with silver cables?"
I suspect a solid clue to the answer is that those cable manufacturers who track the direction of the conductor as it comes off the spool and who label the direction of the cables with arrows label the direction for both copper and silver cables. Silver and copper are both crystal structures. As to whether anyone is aware of silver directionality moreso than copper I suspect it depends on what one is listening for, the resolution of the system involved, and whether the cable has been burned in fully.
