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cable directionality

I've always heard that single-ended, directional interconnects (e.g., AudioQuests) should be installed with the arrows pointing away from the source. Is that really true, though? It seems like it actually doesn't have much to do with signal travel, but with grounding: normally, the shield is connected to ground at the end the arrow points toward. Therefore, it seems that the cables should actually be installed with the arrows pointing toward the system ground (normally the preamp). This makes a difference (or does it?) for the cables between the preamp and power amp. What about directional speaker cables? Should the arrows point back toward the preamp, too?
ezside
tvad
9,467 posts
 
just to confirm your conclusions, I also point my Purist single ended IC's toward the preamp and think it sounds best that way too.
Nsgarch (System | Threads | Answers)

No. My single ended Purist ICs are installed with the arrows pointing AWAY from the preamp and TOWARD the source (digital player). This is what I thought you were describing in your post above, but apparently I misread your instructions.

Mine sound best the way I have them installed. I tried them the other way today.
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,517 posts
 
I'm going to have to try all my single ended Purist IC's pointing toward their sources, and I'll let you know.

I use XLR's for the DAC and the preamp/amp connections though, so that only leaves the outboard phono preamp and the old tube tuner that are connected with single ended IC's ;-)
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I'm in the market for a used pair of Venustas XLR, in the event you know of any available...

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