I completely agree with Shadorne's comments.
I would add that I believe that the reason many (but not all) cables are specified with a directionality is that the shield is only grounded at one end. Depending on the overall configuration of your particular system, in terms of grounding, signal return paths, ac return paths, ac neutral, the impedances and/or leakage paths between all of these to the chassis of each component, etc., all of which obviously is difficult to analyze, it is conceivable that your particular system may require a grounded shield on both ends of the cable, or, perhaps less ideally, the reverse orientation that you found worked satisfactorily.
Regards,
-- Al
I would add that I believe that the reason many (but not all) cables are specified with a directionality is that the shield is only grounded at one end. Depending on the overall configuration of your particular system, in terms of grounding, signal return paths, ac return paths, ac neutral, the impedances and/or leakage paths between all of these to the chassis of each component, etc., all of which obviously is difficult to analyze, it is conceivable that your particular system may require a grounded shield on both ends of the cable, or, perhaps less ideally, the reverse orientation that you found worked satisfactorily.
Regards,
-- Al