Directional interconnect cables

Dcstep has it correctly. Arrows indicate the end of the cable that has the shield connected (except for Purist Audio cables, which apparently have it backwards), and the arrows should point to common ground (the preamp).

I disagree! On my MIT cables, the arrows point to the end with the box, which goes downstream. My interconnects even have a marker that has an arrow that says signal flow, pointing in the direction of the arrow (which puts the network box downstream). Maybe it's best to check with the manufacturer.

Yes, check with your manufacturer. On some the arrrows will only serve to connect them consistantly if they're undone or moved. If there is no grounding theme, then the electrons don't give a rip which way they run; however, once the cable is burned-in, then the dielectric sets into a charge that will impact the sound of the cable, which is probably 90% of the "burn-in" effect. While even touching it or moving it can impact the charge, reattaching consistantly will reduce the time needed to settle in.

Analysis Plus and several other makers do indeed ground at one end. For these it's important to attach to a common ground.

Dave

I totally agree with Narrod. This is the correct orientation of directional cables.

This topic comes up about every three months, and there has never been a consensus.

Nor will there be a consensus three months from now.