That's the title of a YouTube video just posted by Gene Dellasala.
And once again he debunks all of the snake oil regarding cables, particularly speaker cables.
Here is the link to Gene's video:
And once again he debunks all of the snake oil regarding cables, particularly speaker cables.
Here is the link to Gene's video:
We're talking here mainly about audio, and especially about speaker cables.
And some cables apply shielding connected to one end, to prevent ground loops.
Speaker cables are obviously bi directional, after all, wire is wire.
Phono/XLR/Jack cables are bi directional.
Phono/XLR/Jack cables are bi directional.
Yes, and then the manufacturer put an arrow label on them. That started the folklore and confusion and much gnashing of teeth ;-)
Jan
Can't say I have ever seen a commercially available cable with the screen connected to only one end. It is usual to wire the internal chassis sockets with a screen and use a ground lift switch, if required.
Most of the folklore on speaker cables is sheer nonsense. I use regular domestic electrical wiring (2.5 to 4 sq. mm) for speakers, and it all works as expected, no problems.
However, it's true that twisted pair cables reduce (not eliminate) inductance, but there's still nothing much to gain as the inductance and resistance of the voice-coil is often several orders of magnitude higher.
However, it's true that twisted pair cables reduce (not eliminate) inductance, but there's still nothing much to gain as the inductance and resistance of the voice-coil is often several orders of magnitude higher.
You know, half of the period goes one way and the other halftone other way. So the signal transferred is both ways. Ponder that and think about a directional cable - if one exist. For the signal - it has no meaning. For other functions of the cable, like shielding and impedance, yes there could be a difference seen from the different sides. For a pure 2 pole cable there is no difference - the thing you buy per feet/m on a roll - no. They will look the same from both ends.
Twisted pairs was mentioned - they look/measure the same from both ends... just wanted to add that.
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Twisted pairs was mentioned - they look/measure the same from both ends... just wanted to add that.
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It added substantial value for a few people that trust the manufacturer over technical information they don't understand who want a special sophisticated cable and see paying lots of money as confirmation of those special sophisticated characteristics. A printed arrow and a marketing story is a tiny cost to get all that added value although, obviously, only for a few non-technical people.
Why the gnashing of the teeth? The modern world is tooled up to exploit people's stupidity and a few well off people paying too much for some fancy cables is in no way a problem. It is only natural that stupid people should be separated from their money although one might wish it to go to more worthwhile recipients. In comparison here in the UK we are suffering some serious consequences of stupidity substantially and needlessly damaging the lives of millions. Obviously this is an inappropriate place for a discussion on the topic but the perspective in terms of what should lead to gnashing of teeth rather than a wry smile is.
That is the proper way. Or at least use a small capacitor to one of the ground pins. Which should bypass the ground lift switch too IIRC.
Put sticky labels on each end of your left speaker cable: L1 and L2.
Put sticky labels on each end of your right speaker cable: R1 and R2.
Now perform four listening tests, in your room, using your choice of music
Whichever combination sounds the best to you, is the one to use. It is unimportant what Gene Dellasala says, and it is unimportant what anyone says. You prefer what you prefer, regardless of the opinions of others.
Put sticky labels on each end of your right speaker cable: R1 and R2.
Now perform four listening tests, in your room, using your choice of music
- Amp-->L1-->wire-->L2-->LeftSpkr _ _ and also _ _ Amp-->R1-->wire-->R2-->RightSpkr ;
- Amp-->L1-->wire-->L2-->LeftSpkr _ _ and also _ _ Amp-->R2-->wire-->R1-->RightSpkr ;
- Amp-->L2-->wire-->L1-->LeftSpkr _ _ and also _ _ Amp-->R1-->wire-->R2-->RightSpkr ;
- Amp-->L2-->wire-->L1-->LeftSpkr _ _ and also _ _ Amp-->R2-->wire-->R1-->RightSpkr ;
Whichever combination sounds the best to you, is the one to use. It is unimportant what Gene Dellasala says, and it is unimportant what anyone says. You prefer what you prefer, regardless of the opinions of others.
I have - ones intended for the connection between a car audio head unit and external aftermarket amp. Some installations will have an alternator whine that will not go away any other way (besides using $65 transformers). I’ve never seen a ground lift switch on a car amp. Better ones have differential inputs that still work right with the shields connected on both ends - but the next model down in the line might not. They try to design everything to be plug and play, rather than jack with it for hours. It’s hot enough and your body is in a position it would rather not be for long enough anyway.
That assumes there is an audible difference to pick from.
I would not be so sure.
Also: test should be repeated several times, to see whether the same combination is picked up often or not, beyond coin flipping probability.
Also: cable swapping should be done by another person, not shown to listener.
Only then results can be trusted.
Well, wave propagation direction and current polarity are two different things, but I agree wire directionality is snake oil. Most audio BS lives because people like to think they understand what's going on. They make some change and assume the result is because of the deliberate changes, and not an unseen, unintentional difference. Speaker wire "differences" are often the amplifier instabilities, because many amps are marginally stable. Or they moved the speaker an inch or two. This applies to many things. People blame issues on the wrong thing as often as they get it right. And some people have to be certain about everything, especially the 2-digit IQ crowd.
If you do that experiment, they will all produce exactly the same results. There will be no difference sonically. There can't be any.
However, if you have been brainwashed by others to believe there can be a difference you will likely perceive one.
And that is the unfortunate part of this misconception. It causes people to spend and waste a great deal of money to satisfy their nagging doubts.
That is exactly what Gene is trying to help people avoid. So contrary to your claim, videos like this are very important to debunk the large amount of snake oil that exists on the Internet.
hehe. Great question. Problem is there's a little thing called reasoning. Smart people use it, others not so much.
The adage: Some are wise, some otherwise holds as true as it did when first uttered.
The adage: Some are wise, some otherwise holds as true as it did when first uttered.