Directional interconnect cables

From reading the responses, it seems like the biggest question has to do with the direction between the amp & pre, so let’s take a look at a balanced cable orientation. Even w/o arrows, an XLR cable is oriented female > male, which indicates flow from the pre to the amp, or source to load. Furthermore, when pin 1 is ground, #2 is hot (+) & #3 is cold (-), it is the AES Standard.

I believe the general consensus is that the drain wire is connected at the source end when used w/2 conductors and the direction of this cable becomes source to load.

I think most folks adhere to the flow of music to follow direction, however, if there is an appreciable improvement in quality by placing the cables in the other direction, by all means that is what someone should do

I should say, the common ground comments are only relevent to unbalanced interconnects. It's not an issue with balanced and you may connect most either way.

Going "with the flow" when your ICs are meant to have a common ground would generally be a mistake. Whether it costs you SQ or not will depend a lot on the grounding of your system and house in general.

So, to sum up, with balanced ICs it will not matter, but with unbalanced you should do as your manufacturer advises.

Dave

>>It's not an issue with balanced and you may connect most either way.<<

Huh????

A balanced cable has a male and female end so it must be connected accordingly.

There is no choice to make.

"Either way", it doesn't matter where the ground is, smartee.

Dave

Lupinthe3rd, I think the bottom line is to check the instructions that came with the cable or check with the manufacturer. It's quite possible different brands will have the arrows pointing in opposite directions.