Cable Question ??


O.K. Guys. Help me out here. I am fairly new to high end audio and you guys are really great for offering help. I understand that interconnects are directional. What I am still confused of is which way to point the flow of the damn things. All my components are seperates so do ALL arrows point toward the preamp (Except the Amps)?
bmccormick
CORRECT...ALL DEVICES CONNECTED TO THE IMPUTS ON THE PRE-AMP SHOULD SHOW ARROWS TWORD THE PRE-AMP. THE AMPS WOULD BE CONNECTED TO POINT AWAY FROM THE PRE-AMP.
All arrows point towards the equipment they're going to. CD point towards DAC. DAC points towards Preamp. Preamp points towards amp. And so on.
All the above is true with the exception of nordast cables. You have to point the arrow toward the component you are using. I don't know why this is.
One reason for cables directionality is that one end has an extra outer ground shield connected to the plug shell, while the other end doesn't (both ends will still have two connections for the signal, whether there is an extra shield or not.) The performance, especially hum/noise, will be better in one direction than the other. If you aren't happy with the cable performance, try it the other way, especially if you are doing things like changing three wire plugs to two wire plugs. If you insist on doing this, be advised 120 volts through you does not make for a pleasant listening experience.
Some cables are not directional. Some Van Den Hul models and others. If you are not sure e-Mail the manuafacturer, they are usually very helpfull.
I hooked them up as you all directed and all seems well. As far as the 120 volt trick, I think I'll have to pass on that one for now. Thanks