Directional cable question

I have actually found the opposite. I had installed an IC with the arrows in the wrong direction for probably a month and found it by chance when I was adding a new IC for another component to the mix. Once I reversed it to the manufacturers markings, it really did perform much better sonically. I never would have believed that direction could make a difference, but it did!

I had a similar experience with my Apogee Wyde Eye digital cable. I unknowingly installed it backwards and my system suddenly sounded dull and lifeless. After checking connections I realized the mistake, and as soon as it was installed properly the sound was restored to normal.

i find that reversing the direction improves the sound. it reduces the imbalance in frequency response.

i also find that when breaking in cables which have no arrow, i prefer reversing the direction of the cable flow, relative to the signal flow occuring during break-in.