2. cables
  3. 193109-198816

Directional wires/cables

Is there any reason to support the idea that cables, interconnects or any other kind of wiring can be considered directional? It seems that the theory is that carrying current will alter the molecular structure of the wire. I can't find anything that supports this other than in the case of extreme temperature variation. Cryo seems to be a common treatment for wire nowadays. Extreme heat would do something as well, just nothing favorable. No idea if cryo treatment works but who knows. Back to the question, can using the wires in one direction or another actually affect it's performance? Thanks for any thoughts. I do abide by the arrows when I have them. I "mostly" follow directions but I have pondered over this one every time I hook up  a pair.

billpete
billpete OP
6 posts
 

Thanks

Some interesting reading. As always, some different opinions on the subject. I guess I'm in the "It's mostly BS" camp and I'll leave it at that. 

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,466 posts
 

Try them both directions and decide which sounds better to use.  There is no right or wrong way. 

avanti1960
1,504 posts
 

Some cables are directional and it isn't BS.  If they are made from solid core material and cold extruded through progressive dies, the cold forming alters the grain structure in the material and stretches them.  The grain lines up better in the direction of the extrusion and therefore the flow of current.  

yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,756 posts
 

Here ya go!

https://www.psaudio.com/blogs/ask-paul/why-do-cables-have-direction

billpete OP
6 posts
 

Interesting that he is not a big advocate but says he has heard the difference. I do understand if they are made in such a way that it's intended to be used one way or the other, that it may be more important. It is also interesting to note that he says wire should be used to coincide with the way it was extruded. Most of us will never know how it was made. His suggestion to listen and see if you can hear a difference, makes some sense. If there is anything to it in those cases (IC's without arrows), maybe we just solved how the wire was extruded. I'd be surprised if I can hear that difference but I'll sure try it. Unlike most people, I like to be proven wrong as it means that I got to learn something. I still question burn in with cables as this suggests that they will change with use. I'm pretty skeptical on that but there are folks who claim to hear them change so, who knows.Thanks for all the comments.

Bill

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