View Full Version : Cable - which direction??
andy76
29-12-2000, 5:35 PM
Just bought some QED Qunex 2 interconnects which I know are directional as there is an arrow on them - what deduction http://www.wvip.co.uk/ubb/smile.gif
BUT!
Which way should they go??
I am assuming the arrow points to the signal direction - ie -points FROM DVD player TO amp?
IS this correct?
Andrew
General Skanky
29-12-2000, 5:48 PM
Correct.
The thing is, that the signal causes the electron structure to flow in said direction, and therefore creates the characteristic sound you will come to love.....
And I can fly to the moon. http://www.wvip.co.uk/ubb/smile.gif
It's physics and the like, but just trust your ears, if you put them in the other way round, it will only be a mildly different sound and not a critical error.
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Douch!!......Wot's da madder, da CIA got you pushing too many penzils?
Work: www.hughes-tv.co.uk (http://www.hughes-tv.co.uk)
cyberdudelion
29-12-2000, 6:37 PM
Originally posted by andy76:
I am assuming the arrow points to the signal direction - ie -points FROM DVD player TO amp?
IS this correct?
Andrew
This is correct. Don't know why but I take some things for granted. Nice cable QED Qunex 2. Use it from my CD Player to my amp.
Stuart M. Robinson
03-01-2001, 2:46 AM
Andy,
Cables aren't really directional (any of them), the arrow is only there to indicate at which end of the wire the ground is tied to the product chassis. It's common practice to connect the shield to the emitting component to reduce the likelihood of a ground-loop.
Stuart M. Robinson
SMR Group – http://www.smr-group.co.uk/
Stuart Wright
03-01-2001, 8:00 AM
The arrow indicates the suggested vertical flow of electrons. To ensure minimal resistance, always ensure the source end of the signal is higher than the destination end. Since electrons are negatively geotropic, they prefer to grow downhill.
So you always make sure the arrow points North - even if this means putting your DVD player in the garden shed.
Sorry, but I think the idea of directional cables is nonsense.
andy76
03-01-2001, 4:57 PM
Thanks for all those 'interesting' views!
I think the general thoughts is that cables are not directional.
To be honest I take it with a pinch of salt too, but if the manufacturers want to suggest it then I thought I would see if there is a difference.
On the other hand, if they are NOT directional, why do the manufacturers and certain hifi mags suggest they are??!
Andrew Farmer
There is a simple rule that I use for direction stuff with cables. Once I have run a cable in, it will always be used the same way round, source one end, distination the other. Companies mark their cables to help you remmember which way you had them connected, and sometimes they run them in for you as well.
Rick
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'I am just a figment of your imagination.'
MiB 1997
Work Site: The Sound Gallery (http://www.soundgallery.co.uk)
Home Site: WD A.V. (http://www.wdaudiovisual.co.uk)
General Skanky
03-01-2001, 5:50 PM
Spot on!
Spectre has swallowed a Physics O Level Manual, but is correct, as is Stuart, as is Retro.
However, try reversing them, hear the difference????????????
I never can.
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Douch!!......Wot's da madder, da CIA got you pushing too many penzils?
Work: www.hughes-tv.co.uk (http://www.hughes-tv.co.uk)
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[This message has been edited by General Skanky (edited 03-01-2001).]
[This message has been edited by General Skanky (edited 03-01-2001).]
I can't hear the differance except on really expesive stereo only gear, Linn etc.
It's all in the electron flows...
Rick
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'I am just a figment of your imagination.'
MiB 1997
Work Site: The Sound Gallery (http://www.soundgallery.co.uk)
Home Site: WD A.V. (http://www.wdaudiovisual.co.uk)
Hi,
This is a bit side-tracking but does anyone know where in the UK (especially London or in the South East), I can buy a Acoustic Research Toslink. In the US based websites there selling it for $13 (see http://www.avconnect.com/ ) + shipping. I want it want it for similar price but I want to avoid shipping costs.
People on the net say the cable gives good perform for what you pay.
Thanks in advance
[This message has been edited by YJ (edited 03-01-2001).]