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Interconnects, some have directional indicators, why?

I'm curious as to why some interconnects are directional? Is there a physical internal difference and do they generally sound better and cost more than non-directional cables? Thanks for your interest.
phd
mihorn
104 posts
 
2channel8
A lot of theorizing. Very little empirical reporting.
+1. 
jea48
I think if you guys that have experimented with fuse direction and can hear a difference it is hard to justify if one believes AC current flows back and forth though the fuse. If that was the case then the fuse would have to act as a diode in one direction to hear a difference. What other reasoning can you use?
There are many ifs. May be AC doesn't backs and forth through the fuse. May be the fuse doesn't act like a diode. I don't have the answer for your question. It is just what it is. I am not guessing nor theorizing about the wire or fuse directionality. I am living with it in everyday life for many years.

I believe few people know about the wire directionality and they are hush about it. They don't want you or more people to know about it. This is a big deal for some people and can help many companies and DIYers.
Alex
almarg's avatar
almarg
8,673 posts
 
The issues of fuse directionality and cable directionality involve numerous factors that are different, and discussions of the two issues should not be commingled IMO. Some of those differences are:

1)A fuse has just one conductor, while an audio cable has two or more.

2)The lengths that are involved are vastly different. Most cable parameters, and arguably most cable effects, are proportional to length.

3)An audio cable conducts an audio signal. In the majority of applications a fuse does not.

4)The nature of the contact surfaces that are involved in the two cases is very different.

5)If all wires are directional to a degree that is potentially audible it would seem expectable that the directional effects of a fuse wire would be swamped by the directional effects of the vastly longer associated wiring. In the case of a mains fuse that would include the wiring in the power transformer, the AC wiring within the component, the power cord, and arguably even the AC wiring inside and outside of the house.

6)Regarding empirical evidence that has been asked for in some of the posts above, in recent fuse-related threads Ralph (Atmasphere) has cited experiments he has performed which have determined that the same effects resulting from changing the direction of a fuse can be accomplished by rotating the fuse in its holder. And probably even more effectively. In both cases dimensional imperfections in the fuse and its holder result in differences in contact resistance, and consequently voltage drop is measurably and audibly affected.

FWIW my comments on fuse directionality have been provided in various recent fuse-related threads. See for example the first of my posts dated 10-28-2016 near the middle of this page.

Regards,
-- Al

marqmike
676 posts
 
Thanks posters. For the most part this is a very nice civil, well mannered discussion that everyone can share some sincere views without attacking. 
It makes it informative and pleasant at the same time.  For me anyway. Thanks to you good posters. 
If this whole site could just stay that way.  
mihorn
104 posts
 
5)If all wires are directional to a degree that is potentially audible it would seem expectable that the directional effects of a fuse wire would be swamped by the directional effects of the vastly longer associated wiring. In the case of a mains fuse that would include the wiring in the power transformer, the AC wiring within the component, the power cord, and arguably even the AC wiring inside and outside of the house.
The fuse is a weakest link. In a garden hose, only narrowest part of hose counts to pass the max water. A weakest link is very sensitive. What has happened in the weakest link is amplified huge later. A sound system is only as good as its weakest link.
6)Regarding empirical evidence that has been asked for in some of the posts above, in recent fuse-related threads Ralph (Atmasphere) has cited experiments he has performed which have determined that the same effects resulting from changing the direction of a fuse can be accomplished by rotating the fuse in its holder. And probably even more effectively. In both cases dimensional imperfections in the fuse and its holder result in differences in contact resistance, and consequently voltage drop is measurably and audibly affected.
     Ralph doesn't believe in the wire diretionality. All wire directions in his set up are mixed up. A fuse direction is not significant in an improper set up. Also, the reason he doesn't believe wire directionality is because he has never heard the difference. I can't say why he hasn't heard the difference in his long career in an audio industry.
FWIW my comments on fuse directionality have been provided in various recent fuse-related threads. See for example the first of my posts dated 10-28-2016 near the middle of this page.
     I guess they've never heard the difference either. Probably this directionality tests are done in their trusty equpments which all wires in and out are mixed up.
I am writing this to help important people like them. It is no shame not knowing this info.

    I have a sound set up with relatively correct directions. I make and use my own power cords, speaker and IC cables. Anyone can hear any change in a signal chain. Also, I make my own speakers which is a most important element of all components.
Hearing is believing!

Alex/Wavetouch Audio
jea48
2,944 posts
 
The fuse is a weakest link. In a garden hose, only narrowest part of hose counts to pass the max water. A weakest link is very sensitive. What has happened in the weakest link is amplified huge later. A sound system is only as good as its weakest link.

You are still thinking current flows through the fuse. It does not. You cannot use the garden hose analogy when describing what goes on with the workings of a fuse. Weakest link? Yes, only because if more energy passes through the fuse than it is designed to handle it will melt the link and open the circuit. Does the fuse restrict/limit the amount of energy needed for the piece of equipment to operate as designed?  Good question..... My guess is no.

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