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Directional speaker cables - switching direction

Some time ago I started a thread regarding speaker wire directionality and my inability to understand how it could have any affect on sound quality. The question was inspired by the fact that, after quite a few years using them with my Martin Logan Odysseys, I discovered that the cables (Straightwire Octave 2) had arrows printed on them. Not surprisingly the opinions expressed were pretty strong on both sides of the argument but those supporting directionality were the most vociferous and in greater numbers, one to the point of being downright insulting. In no case, though, was an explanation given by those supporting the importance of cable direction for how this phenomenon occurs except that it should be obvious that when a cable is broken in in one direction only someone with an uneducated ear would be unable to discern the difference.

Even though I still don't get it I'm not taking the position that there is no validity to the directional claim; if there truly is I just don't understand how. This leads me to my two part question. I haven't been using the Octaves for a few years but now, because of cable length issues, I want to put them back in my system partly to avoid the cost of new quality cables.

IF, then, the directionality theory IS valid and I don't recall which way the arrows originally pointed or which direction they were "broken in" do those in support of directionality think I should install them with the arrows pointing toward the speakers
128x128broadstone
jea48
4,453 posts
 

Jea48 - interesting quote. I thought it was interesting that they found a way to measure what they were hearing. I would guess that they used that measurement for future designs. What they heard could be measured
12-26-14: Mceljo

Ya, "they" found a way. Just remember why "they" looked for a way in the first place.

As long as manufactures put arrows on cables to show signal flow direction and say try the cables in both directions for what sounds best in my system I will follow their directions. It's nice to know the theory why but in the end all I care about is how the cable affects the sound of my audio system.

If somebody is hell bent on proving the theory why cables are directional then that person should by all means find a way to measure the differences.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Great Post Jea48, the more I read what you have to say, the more I respect you, I enjoy your post, cheers.
scvan
99 posts
 
Jea48,

That was a good article. What I picked up from it was that over 40 years ago he heard something on caps and couldn't measure it at that time.

The ability to take measurements and analyze data has improved dramatically over the last 40 years.
Any of us can quickly do a frequency response curve of our system at home that is probably much more accurate than could be done then. The hardware costs very little and the tools to do so are now free.

I think the simplest thing that can be done is simple measurements of signal into a system from a source versus what is being output by a speaker (of course you can measure at any point in the system). If you can hear something you didn't hear before it is probably something that was picked up by a mic during recording and should be able to be picked up by a mic again. With modern computers it is pretty easy to compare these signals and find A X B differences and inaccuracies in the signal.

There may be some not so well understood principles in audio reproduction, but if we can hear it I contend that is can be measured, maybe not understood, but at least measured.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Anyone see the irony? Noel Lee of Monster Cable talking about hearing the difference between capacitors.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
The most important thing in this hobby is keeping an open mind. Which can be rather challenging when one considers some of the things that have come down the pike such as wire directionality. Demagnetization of CDs. Demagnetization of cables. The Green Pen. Mpingo disc. The Intelligent Chip. Holographic foils. The Red 'x Pen.
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