Directional speaker wires, what and why.


I've been aware for a long time that some speaker cables are designated as "directional". To a limited extent I can understand the rational behind choices based on wire size and construction, biwiring, etc. but don't understand how any conductor can have directional characteristics even in a DC circuit. I'm not denying the possibility but can someone please clarify this for me?

The only reason this comes up is that some time ago, I changed from spades to locking bananas on my wires. It was just yesterday that I noticed that my cables have arrows printed on them indicating, I suppose, that they should be hooked up with the arrows pointing toward the speakers from the amp. The cables in question, btw, are Straightwire Octave 2's.

I've experimented with speaker wires in an attempt to optimize my system but have never been able to discern much, if any, difference between them. That being the case, though, I now don't know whether these have been situated incorrectly since about 2004 when I bought them with my Martin Logan Odyssey speakers.

How can there be a directional character to a conductor and how does that affect sound?
128x128broadstone
if you really believe cables sound different depending on which way they are hooked up you are beyond help. geesus lol
03-22-14: Drusstheaxe
Drusstheaxe,

LOL, you really need to get out more often.
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I can't believe folks think speaker cables will sound the same when reversed after they have already been burned-in in one direction. You must be kidding?

To not hear the difference means your ears are bad, you don't care, or your system is not at all resolving....or perhaps you need an ear cleaning.

Come-on this is audio truths 101 stuff that can be experienced or learned very quickly.
Same with me Grannyring, I can't believe how they can sound different.
I must have a bad ears or my system not at all resolving... and perhaps I need ear cleaning.
I'm also poor student and barely can score for D- on audio 101 stuff.
You must be. Why even hang on this site? Use lamp wire and Sears 1970 electronics as it must sound the same as all this exotic, Aphile stuff you bark against.
I see nothing wrong with lamp wire. It's much better than $10k wire. Whatever makes sense is usually better than whatever doesn't by default.
Again sorry, but I didn't learn audio from dealers.