Directional Cables. Is it a myth?

[walpurgis]

Why are so many Hi-Fi speaker cables and interconnects specifed and marked as being directional? This must be a myth. An audio cable deals with a reciprocating signal and by it's very nature should behave and measure exactly the same way in either direction. I know somebody will start on about crystal alignment and molecular structure, etc. etc., but has anybody tested the principle? Geoff.

[Tim]

but has anybody tested the principle? Geoff.

Countless times Geoff and its been discussed countless times too

Normally ends in a handbag fight, so good luck with this one fella
My two penneth, it matters not one jot what people tell you, you have to try something yourself in your own system - that's the only true test IMO and it does make a difference.

[AlanS]

My recently aquired speaker cables are marked for direction. I did not notice so installed them the "wrong way round". They are still that way and sound fine. I agree with your logic but there are others.......

and Tim they make a difference to you and some, the same is not true for every one. It is dependant on the person. It is just an opinion albeit widely held here.

[Welder]

Why are so many Hi-Fi speaker cables and interconnects specifed and marked as being directional? This must be a myth. An audio cable deals with a reciprocating signal and by it's very nature should behave and measure exactly the same way in either direction. I know somebody will start on about crystal alignment and molecular structure, etc. etc., but has anybody tested the principle? Geoff.

Some interconnects are semi balanced (earth and ground connected at one end)

[prestonchipfryer]

My recently aquired speaker cables are marked for direction. I did not notice so installed them the "wrong way round". They are still that way and sound fine. I agree with your logic but there are others.......

and Tim they make a difference to you and some, the same is not true for every one. It is dependant on the person. It is just an opinion albeit widely held here.

Have you tried them the 'right way' round to compare. They might 'sound' better that way.

[AlanS]

Have you tried them the 'right way' round to compare. They might 'sound' better that way.

and they may sound
a) the same
b) worse due to alledged directionality due to use, burn in
c) cannot decide if they are different
d) keep thinking about the non directional cables

I'll leave the possible benefit for later.

[prestonchipfryer]

and they may sound
a) the same
b) worse due to alledged directionality due to use, burn in
c) cannot decide if they are different
d) keep thinking about the non directional cables

I'll leave the possible benefit for later.

Well I don't disagree with you; it was just a thought that popped into my head. It would be interesting if you could try it and report if you found any difference.

[wee tam]

as a former "cable" maker , AEI cable division birtley , the copper conductor niether knows nor cares where it is pointing , the sheathing however is layed in one direction , does it make a difference , boubt it , unless the trapped air gets worked up and can't escape

[AlanS]

as a former "cable" maker , AEI cable division birtley , the copper conductor niether knows nor cares where it is pointing , the sheathing however is layed in one direction , does it make a difference , boubt it , unless the trapped air gets worked up and can't escape

ah but

[wee tam]

ah but

it is fun though