Directional Interconnects

[TrexT]

I might buy some of these directional rca cables and was just making sure I got this right. The way I see it is the arrows should always point away from the source. From CDP the arrow points to Preamp. From Preamp the arrow points to amp. Is this correct? :scratch2:

[RichPA]

I might buy some of these directional rca cables and was just making sure I got this right. The way I see it is the arrows should always point away from the source. From CDP the arrow points to Preamp. From Preamp the arrow points to amp. Is this correct? :scratch2:

That's correct, in the sense that it is what the manufacturer means for you to do. But what makes the cable directional is just that the outer shield is connected at only one end, and it is fine to use the cable in whichever direction yields the lowest noise (assuming there is any difference at all).

[Celt]

Correct. The deal on most of the directional cables is they have three conductors, using the two inner wires for the hot and ground and then connect the outer braid to the "source" plug. This helps to reduce EMI and RFI.

[TrexT]

I've heard of directional cables only working in one direction. Matter of fact I remember it was a RS product and it had little plastic barrel things on each cable. Put it on backwards and you won't hear anything.

[Celt]

I've heard of directional cables only working in one direction. Matter of fact I remember it was a RS product and it had little plastic barrel things on each cable. Put it on backwards and you won't hear anything.
Yeah, but they used magic mirrors with theirs! :D

[wineslob]

Sometimes the cables will use a floating ground, and I have heard a slight difference in some.

[Dusty Chalk]

I've heard of directional cables only working in one direction. Matter of fact I remember it was a RS product and it had little plastic barrel things on each cable. Put it on backwards and you won't hear anything.They better work! Last I heard, electricity flows in both directions on an A/C line, even if it is audio signal levels.

[Donkey!]

:scratch2:

[KB9KXH]

audio frequency signals are ac and move in both directions, if the cables were directional they would only carry dc.