Cable Asylum

Posted by Al Sekela (A) on August 03, 2006 at 16:14:40

In Reply to: Re: Wire directionality posted by zuheyr on August 3, 2006 at 08:57:59:

It is easy to conclude that something does not matter if one sets out to ignore it.

In fact, most if not all audio wire is directional. It is easy to hear the difference. Simply make an unshielded twisted-pair interconnect with both wires in the same original spool direction. Insert it between a preamp and power amp, or in a tape loop, and mute the other channel.

Listen to a recording with good treble and midrange, such as a jazz piece with robust female vocal or saxophone, and cymbals. Listen to a few seconds, then mute the amp and swap the cable end-for-end. Listen again. Do this a few times and the direction with more treble harshness and midrange hardness will be apparent. IME, this is the incorrect direction for wire.