which direction do this cable go?

If there is an arrow the arrow pionts in the direction of the signal flow. It really should not matter though. Once you've used them a while they will settle in to which ever direction you use. Once you've used them I would keep the direction the same from then on however.

The tape side of your cable is the ground side, so for example your cable from your cd player to your preamp, the tape side of your cable would be on your preamp side , and from your preamp to your amp , it would be on your amp side. hope this helps.

Iv'e heard that when in doubt the signal should flow in the direction of the lettering on the cable. I agree with Tigger, it will settle into which ever direction you use.