Connecting KRK Rokit RP5 studio monitors

[FeuerFrei]

I will be purchasing a pair of KRK RP5 active studio monitors for use as computer speakers. Each features a single unbalanced RCA input, plus a 1/4" TRS and XLR balanced inputs. I could run a simple 3.5mm>dual RCA Y-cable from my Audigy 2 soundcard, but I'd prefer to use the balanced inputs.

Could someone please point me to the proper cable? I'm not sure which ones split a 3.5mm stereo signal to a left+right XLR or 1/4" TRS.

Don't think this would work because it sums stereo to mono instead of splitting out separate channels. :frown:

 

[The Bakery]

The cables you were looking at are fine.

Every stereo source has a left and right channel, all those cables do is break the stereo
signal into two mono channels, left and right Any cabling that has a tip, ring,sleeve (TRS)
will break a signal into respective left and right channels.

If the stereo plug has 2 plastic rings on it, that indicates that there is a connection for separate
mono channels, left and right - output to each left and right speaker, collectively making a
stereo signal.

I don't believe I have ever seen a stereo to XLR y cable, though. But the balanced TRS 1/4
connections are fine.

Btw - Nice monitors for just "computer speakers" - make any music?

 

[Rubycon]

Use a ART cleanbox and a short mini 8 to RCA cable from your soundcard to it. You will have the cleanest signal possible in this way as the balanced (XLR) cables can be long if you wish.

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[FeuerFrei]

Many thanks for the advice.

I guess I'll go with the 3.5mm -> ¼" TRS cables I linked to then, since they'll maintain channel separation, provide a balanced connection, and cost under $8.

The CleanBOX would be overkill I believe.

I'm just looking for quality small speakers on a budget. Not producing mixes or anything.

 

[AlienCraft]

Originally posted by: FeuerFrei
Many thanks for the advice.

I guess I'll go with the 3.5mm -> ¼" TRS cables I linked to then, since they'll maintain channel separation, provide a balanced connection, and cost under $8.

The CleanBOX would be overkill I believe.

I'm just looking for quality small speakers on a budget. Not producing mixes or anything.

Technically speaking, that is not a balanced connection, since it is connected to an unbalanced output with no conversion save for tieing the low side to ground.

 

[FeuerFrei]

Originally posted by: AlienCraft

Originally posted by: FeuerFrei
Many thanks for the advice.

I guess I'll go with the 3.5mm -> ¼" TRS cables I linked to then, since they'll maintain channel separation, provide a balanced connection, and cost under $8.

The CleanBOX would be overkill I believe.

I'm just looking for quality small speakers on a budget. Not producing mixes or anything.

Technically speaking, that is not a balanced connection, since it is connected to an unbalanced output with no conversion save for tieing the low side to ground.

Hmm. That's why I threw that assertion in there. Had doubts as to whether it was truly balanced and guessed someone would speak up if I was wrong.
I guess you can't get a true balanced connection directly from a sound card.

 

[coaster831]

For short runs, balanced isn't going to improve your sound quality. A balanced signal helps reduce interference introduced in the cable run (mostly apparent over long runs, like 20+ ft). As long as you use a decent shielded cable, you'll be fine.