It is not uncommon to find audio path direction arrows on unbalanced RCA cables. Are these always sign posts of a snake oil design, or are there practical/scientific considerations?
This topic of direction indicators on RCA cables has been discussed several times on this forum including in the Ethan Winer Null Test Thread.
I understand that an audio signal cares not at all which direction it passes through a wire...that things like "Quantum Tunneling" are pseudo-science, and that if you design cables so that the direction of the signal DOES change the way music sounds...then you are probably designing cables that purposely interfere with the original signal. Snake Oil.
On the Other Hand - Many high quality unbalanced cables have a metal foil or mesh shield around the ground and signal wires. I do not know how important RF shielding is in a home environment, but I do know that it was critical in auto sound systems (at least back when cars had distributors).
I also understand that to be effective these shields are connected to signal ground at just one end of the cable...otherwise they can amplify RF interference. The shield is designed to be connected at the source end...and a directional arrow shows which end that is.
This topic was brought up by a new user in the JDS Atom Thread. Was my response correct? I am trying to perpetuate truth rather than legacy myths.
What is important when choosing unbalanced cables in the average home. Should shielding be considered a best practice?
This topic of direction indicators on RCA cables has been discussed several times on this forum including in the Ethan Winer Null Test Thread.
I understand that an audio signal cares not at all which direction it passes through a wire...that things like "Quantum Tunneling" are pseudo-science, and that if you design cables so that the direction of the signal DOES change the way music sounds...then you are probably designing cables that purposely interfere with the original signal. Snake Oil.
On the Other Hand - Many high quality unbalanced cables have a metal foil or mesh shield around the ground and signal wires. I do not know how important RF shielding is in a home environment, but I do know that it was critical in auto sound systems (at least back when cars had distributors).
I also understand that to be effective these shields are connected to signal ground at just one end of the cable...otherwise they can amplify RF interference. The shield is designed to be connected at the source end...and a directional arrow shows which end that is.
This topic was brought up by a new user in the JDS Atom Thread. Was my response correct? I am trying to perpetuate truth rather than legacy myths.
What is important when choosing unbalanced cables in the average home. Should shielding be considered a best practice?
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