Good post, and expresses exactly my feelings on the matter.
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My post was meant to be slightly sarcastic - to which the correct response would have been to ask if I checked for directionality of the cable itself, before I fitted the connectors. I did not, as I don't believe in cable directionality. In most cases any markings on the cable: manufacturer's logo or cable type tend to run from the source end to the load, but not always. With some of my cables there is no marking whatsoever on the outer sheath.
Even shielded two conductor cables wired in a so-called 'semi balanced' arrangement, which as you correctly point out, requires the end in which the screen is connected to the return to be at the 'source' end, doesn't say anything that the cable itself has directional properties.
Agree 100%, and good post Gaz.
This forums one of the better ones for that, and that kinda nonsense from people is one of the worst parts of the hobby to me.
Though speaking as a “Subjectivist”, I’d put forward that it works both ways?
I’d never argue with someone over what they are hearing in their own system with their own ears, I’d just have no opinion of my own until I heard the kit for myself.
Not gonna tell anyone they are wrong in what they hear, but as you say, easy to cross the line and put the emphasis on other people must hear the same thing (If their kits up to snuff, ears golden enough etc)
I'm always very careful to say that I'm sure people genuinely believe they've heard an improvement with whatever they're talking about. I sincerely doubt anybody would intentionally come on a forum saying a product had improved their system unless they believed that to be the case.
I'm a great believer in expectation bias and am certainly not immune to it myself having been caught out in a blind tasting of cola drinks when I found my favourite brand was actually my least favourite when I didn't know what it was.