Directional interconnect cables

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.

07-27-08: Mofimadness said:
"I totally agree with Narrod. This is the correct orientation of directional cables"

Maybe you missed the rest of the thread. It can vary by maker, so you need to find out from the maker.

Dave

From reading the responses, it seems like the biggest question has to do with the direction between the amp & pre, so let’s take a look at a balanced cable orientation. Even w/o arrows, an XLR cable is oriented female > male, which indicates flow from the pre to the amp, or source to load. Furthermore, when pin 1 is ground, #2 is hot (+) & #3 is cold (-), it is the AES Standard.

I believe the general consensus is that the drain wire is connected at the source end when used w/2 conductors and the direction of this cable becomes source to load.

I think most folks adhere to the flow of music to follow direction, however, if there is an appreciable improvement in quality by placing the cables in the other direction, by all means that is what someone should do