FEATURE Directionality: It’s All About Noise that inevitably creates a directional, chevron-like pattern in the Metal Drawing Dies conductor’s internal grain structure and a non-symmetrical overlay of grains at the conductor’s surface. While most are either unaware of conductor directionality or have chosen to ignore it, we have learned to use conductor directionality to our advantage. A conductor’s asymmetrical surface structure causes a directional difference in impedance at noise frequencies and very high interference frequencies. Due to skin-effect, such high-frequency energy travels almost exclusively on the If you’ve ever wondered about the arrows on AudioQuest surface of a conductor, giving significance to the directional cables, read any of our educational materials, or merely difference in impedance at these frequencies. Because all followed any of the online chatter regarding our products, energy will always take the path of least resistance, when perhaps you’ve wondered what this “directionality” thing is a cable is oriented so that the high-frequency noise— all about. Maybe you’ve even made the incorrect assumption whether from a computer, radio station, cell tower, etc.—is that it’s the analog or digital signal that’s directional. “directed” to ground, or to the end of the cable attached to There is the widely accepted version of directionality: In most audio-grade shielded interconnects, as compared to standard coax, negative has its own internal conductor and less vulnerable equipment, the dynamic intermodulation and associated ringing generated in the active electronics will be greatly reduced. the metal shield is attached to ground at only one end, thus defining the cable’s directionality. Many cable manufacturers end their exploration of directionality there, going only as far as to mark their cables for directionality based on the relationship of shield to ground, but altogether neglecting conductor directionality. Because we believe in directing noise to where it can do the least harm, we, too, believe in the advantages of controlling for the attachment of the shield. In fact, long before we controlled for conductor directionality, AudioQuest interconnects were also controlled for direction based on the relationship of shield to ground. This success story of Mike’s HH Scott 357 is in contrast to the many people who are pieces of art, and before the world of 24-hour Twitter feeds, FM tuners were portals from the outside world into a family’s Over the years, our understanding of conductor directionality bring in similar units and ask why they and its effect on audio performance has steadily evolved, should pay $275 to restore a receiver that growing stronger and more complete. While we’ve always living room. Noise-Dissipation System, Dielectric-Bias System, JitterBug USB filter, been keenly aware that directionality plays a significant role in Niagara 1000, and Niagara 7000—all work toward the proper dissipation they picked up at a thrift shop for 25 bucks. This Scott 357 receiver now resides the overall sound of any hi-fi system, we couldn’t completely of noise to enable cleaner, clearer, more naturally beautiful music. Great question. If the unit holds no sentimental value of evenings with Mom and explain it. This was okay: We trust our own ears and encourage safely at Mike’s home. His Acoustic Research EB-101 turntable is plugged into the listeners to do the same. The test is easy enough: Simply listen, Our efforts toward the proper dissipation of noise are not then reverse the direction of the cable, and listen again. limited to our analog and digital cables, but extend to other Dad, then the receiver might just not be that AudioQuest products, as well—most recently evidenced in moving magnet phono input. Simple tinned In one direction, music will sound relatively flat and a little our Niagara 1000 and 7000 Low-Z Power Noise-Dissipation into you. A good tech will lay out what you’re grainy, as though being forced through a screen door. In the Systems, in which every single link in the conducting path getting into. And a good tech will dissuade speaker wire goes from the receiver to his opposite direction, the obstruction is removed and music has been properly controlled for low-noise directionality. you from dropping a chunk of change into a Klipsch 1.5 speakers which are actually will be communicated with a natural ease, depth, and an open invitation to pleasure. When presented with a cable As always, the proof is in the listening. unit that will be hard to resell. The best tech on a bookshelf between Hemingway and whose conductors have been controlled for the correct The unpleasant, strained sound that occurs when conductors will try his or her utmost to give you the context of a piece no matter what you paid for it go between Mozart on 98.1 FM and the Salinger. He uses the warm metal knob to low-noise directionality, a listener feels a sense of comfort have the wrong orientation is the result of noise entering and relief: Ahh…Music! and causing misbehavior and intermodulation in an active But the definitive empirical evidence of directionality circuit. The more relaxed, full-bodied sound of correctly and hopefully help you understand and give new Denon DL110 stylus hovering above demands seeking a scientific explanation. What is the oriented conductors is the product of less high-frequency the proper respect to a piece of audio history no matter what shape it is in. Amplifiers that allows Patsy Cline to come to life. Now his turntable platter. A simple, stylish setup technical explanation for directionality? interference—conductor directionality fully acknowledged and put to its best use! In order to fabricate copper or silver into a strand or conductor, it must first be cast and then drawn through a die—a process Ahh…Music! and receivers found on the shelves of thrift he can pour whatever drink he pleases, stores, relatives’ attics, and estate sales even if it is just a nice cup of Earl Grey. l AUGUST 2016 21
LIVE MUSIC LIVE MUSIC <strong>Guns</strong> N’ Roses July 1 and 3, 2016 Soldier Field Chicago, Illinois By Bob Gendron Aconcert shirt sold at merchandise booths inside Chicago’s Soldier Field immediately signaled <strong>Guns</strong> N’ Roses’ first tour in 23 years with original members Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan wouldn’t be a facsimile of its record-setting-long trek in the early 90s. With “NOT IN THIS LIFETIME MTHRFKR!” emblazoned on the back, the souvenir channeled a similar design available during the group’s 1991-1993 Get in the Ring excursion—a shirt that printed the vulgarity out in uncensored fashion. The (slightly) more political correct offering wasn’t the only aspect around the band reflecting change. 22 TONE AUDIO NO.78 AUGUST 2016 23
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