Hey guys, I recently bought KRK RP5's and am trying to hook it up to the PC. Instead of using the onboard sound, I was thinking of using the Go-Vibe Petite USB Headphone DAC that I already had. But would it be able to run the RP5's adequately? Also, what would be the best way to connect the RP5's to the DAC? The RP5's come with balanced TRS and unbalanced RCA input and heard that balanced was better? I would appreciate your input, thanks!
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KRK RP5 Studio Monitor Setup
- .Sup
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Balanced would be best but your Petite will work fine too although Rokits deserve something better.
Ok thanks, so TRS (balanced)->3.5mm? This is better than RCA->3.5mm, correct?
And about the Petite, yes, I know I should be amplifying them with something better, but I'm trying to do best with what I already have for now.
Thanks for your input!
On a related note to this, I recently purchased the KRK RP5's to replace my logitech z5500's... Now im sadly missing the warm bass the sub on the z5500's produced... Im trying to decide between:
1) Swapping the RP5's for the RP8's
2) Keeping the RP5's and going for the 10s sub instead
3) Swapping for the RP8's AND getting the sub... However, with the addition of the sub will I even notice the difference between the 5's and 8's???
- Mad Max
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It's not becasue that is balanced to unbalanced. What would be better is a balanced DAC then TRS->XLR or XLR->XLR.
Go for RCA->3.5mm if your source is not balanced.
- Borgbox
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I figure the OP has already resolved his issue, as this thread is a few months old, but I do want to say to OP that the rp5s are Active monitors; That is to say they already each have their own amp built in and do not require an external amplifier. As far as the Go-Vibe (which is no longer in production) is concerned, I worry the single stereo headphone out will not suffice for the monitors as each requires its own dedicated L/R channel input.
To answer your question, I have the Rp8s and I really don't know what I would do with the 10s. These put out plenty of bass and sub bass for me (in my untreated room, up against a wall; which increases bass reflections) so my suggestion is to switch out to the rp8s and give them a trial and if you still are unsatisfied then you can invest in the 10s. I read that with the rp5s the 10s has a bad crossover frequency which may notch some of the upper bass, which shouldn't happen with the rp8.

On a related note to this, I recently purchased the KRK RP5's to replace my logitech z5500's... Now im sadly missing the warm bass the sub on the z5500's produced... Im trying to decide between:
1) Swapping the RP5's for the RP8's
2) Keeping the RP5's and going for the 10s sub instead
3) Swapping for the RP8's AND getting the sub... However, with the addition of the sub will I even notice the difference between the 5's and 8's???
- ThumperSD
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Madmax is correct. Any cable that is balanced (TRS/XLR) on one end and unbalanced on the other end (RCA/TS/3.5mm) is unbalanced. The entire cable has to be balanced and you will need a balanced DAC/interface such as the EMU 0404.

On a related note to this, I recently purchased the KRK RP5's to replace my logitech z5500's... Now im sadly missing the warm bass the sub on the z5500's produced... Im trying to decide between:
1) Swapping the RP5's for the RP8's
2) Keeping the RP5's and going for the 10s sub instead
3) Swapping for the RP8's AND getting the sub... However, with the addition of the sub will I even notice the difference between the 5's and 8's???
#3 is not necessary. #1 or #2 is fine. I would personally go with #2.
Edited by ThumperSD - 3/26/11 at 11:39am
- ThumperSD
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doublepost
- JRG1990
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your best option if you have the space is to keep the rp5 and get the sub.
- matthewh133
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There's no chance in hell you need the RP8 with a sub. The RP8 have a tonne of bass as it is. Stick with the RP5 and get the sub. I have the sub with my RP6's and love it, no doubt the 5's would be as good with the sub.
Hey guys, been away from head-fi for a while. I'm using balanced->unbalanced right now so I'll opt for XLR->XLR. I ended up getting a focusrite saffire for a really good price on ebay and is supposed to be better than the emu 0404. Thanks for all of your help!
hey there im interested with the focusrites which one did you get btw?
- lazysleepyboi
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from what i've read about the KRKs the 5 or 6 works better than the 8 in terms of mids and highs. For monitors you generally are going for a clean accurate sound so 5 or 6 is generally recommended. The 8 may produce a good enough bass for most people, but using the krk k10s is better because all of the lows go to the sub and the two monitors are doing only mids and highs. Perfect harmony would go with the 6's and then go with the sub.
I was thinking about going with forcusrite before, but head-fi has changed me. I'm now going for audiophile equipment over DJ equipment that i joined this forum for =/ guess only time will tell if that decision was worth it. I hope you're happy with the forcursrite, it's an amazing piece of equipment
oh i see, ill see about the rokit 6s and 10s more if theyll produce better bass and overall music enjoyment as the 8s. so confusing but then again i dun have enough money yet
well mostly im going for NFB12, maverick d1 or waiting for fiio e15 but ill see, wat ever is the best bang for the $$ cuz i just want to listen to good music and watch good movies, im not doing any monitoring and stuff.
http://www.lexiconpro.com/product.php?id=154
- KRK RP5 Studio Monitor Setup
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