Q: Many hi-fi speaker and interconnect cables now claim to be directional-that is, they produce a better sound connected one way than the other, even though they are physically symmetrical. Is there a scientific explanation for cable directionality?
A: As the music signal is always on alternating current and its wave shape is virtually symmetrical above and below zero, the movement of electrons has to be equal in both directions in a cable, and also drain equally to earth. But if a cable offered less impedance in one direction, distortion of the wave shape would be caused by partial rectification - conversion of alternating current into direct current.
I have never seen a technical explanation offered in support of directionality in cables. Superstition is rife in hi-fi circles. Listening evaluations have proved more effective than sophisticated measurements, so subjectivity is considered respectable. People who pay hundreds of pounds for a ...
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