Directionality Assurance
All Supra cables are constructed with attention to consistent and equal
‘direction’ in all the conductors. Simplistic electronics theory says
there is no ‘directionality’ in conductors, but assumes conductors
are perfectly isomorphic. It also ignores the inherently directional nature of
signal and energy flow. Yet electricity could not be sold without ‘energy
flow directionality’. [1] In reality, practical conductors are drawn many
times - not cast. This creates highly elongated crystal structures. This in
turn creates a physical (mechanical) directional feature or ‘axial
polarity’. Annealing and also ‘burning-in’ processes can reduce
the ‘strength’ of the ‘drawing imprint’, but only to a
degree. All conductors in Supra cables are consistently arranged to point
‘forwards, in the direction (left to right) implied by the legend (text)
printed on the cable jacket. Directional consistency is ensured in two ways.
First, direction of the conductors to be used in each cable is known from the
spooled direction of the conductors received from the copper wire factory. That
is a reliable method because an efficient manufacturing process is consistent
and omits random re-spooling steps.
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Forward
Thinking Technology
Second, the ‘directionality’ of conductors is now able to be
measured, and Supra cables are the first in the world to benefit from a
spectral technique developed by audio consultant Ben Duncan [2] in conjunction
with Jenving Technology AB. This employs some special test conditions which
better approximate audio equipment’s real-world usage than standard, pure
signal sources. Test results show typical increases in harmonic (noise) levels
0.5dB when cables are connected so the conductors’ drawn direction opposes
the signal flow direction. In real use the noise difference, which is some dB
below the main signal, could be much greater. From this, a reduction in such
noise (‘more clarity’) is what’s expected, and it is also one of
the things that is heard in practice - when optimum conductor orientation is
discovered.
Experiences of Directionality
In ‘high-end’ audio, ‘Directionality’ means: ‘a cable
used for audio signal transmission offering better sound quality (in various
ways) when connected a particular way round.’ To those sensitive to the
sonic changes, this is repeatable, over spans of time, or in different systems.
In other cases, if the less good direction were chosen, it too may approach the
preferred direction after burn-in, i.e. a period of use, simple ageing, or even
cryogenic treatment. Such ‘burn-in’ processes involve annealing of
the metal.
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Some pundits
say that ‘directionality’ (in cables) can be heard even on the low
quality ‘curvy plastic’ low/mid-fi audio equipment sold in
high-street shops. On an higher vector, a US high-end enthusiast/ researcher,
Doug Blackburn, suggests it is possible that when audiophiles say they hear
sonic changes after changing polarity (by swapping conductors at one point -
not by swapping ends as with conventional directionality*) that they’ve
actually heard directionality instead. That’s because purely digital
(‘software’) polarity reversals mysteriously don’t have the
sonic attributes associated with analogue signal polarity reversal.
*Here, directionality effect being heard is in the
connected parts (eg. long inductor wires), rather than in the preceding
connective conductors.
Information
[1] For background, refer to extensive insights in ‘Black Box’
column, by Ben Duncan, originally in Hi-Fi News& Record Review, reprinted
73 part compendium 1994-2000 available from:
www.hifiaccessoriesclub.com or
www.proaudioaccessories.com
[2] Ben Duncan Research:
www.benduncanresearch.com
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