How To Connect Krk Monitors To A Preamp

KRK monitors are active speakers, meaning they have a power amplifier built into them. This means that they do not need to be connected to a separate amplifier. However, if you want to connect KRK monitors to a preamp, you will need to use the line outputs on the preamp and send them through a balanced converter, along with XLR cables to connect the converter to the monitors. Alternatively, you can use RCA to 1/4-inch phone plug cables, but this will result in an unbalanced connection. It is important to note that connecting KRK monitors to a preamp is not a straightforward process and may require additional adapters or cables.

Connecting KRK monitors to a turntable

Step 1: Check Your Turntable's Connections

Before you begin, it's important to identify the input and output connections on your turntable. Most turntables have RCA outputs, but some may have different connections. Standard RCA connections are colour-coded, typically red for the right channel and white or black for the left channel.

Step 2: Choose the Correct Cables

To connect your KRK monitors to your turntable, you will need the appropriate cables. The specific cables you need will depend on the connections available on your turntable and monitors. Here are some common cable options:

• RCA to XLR cable: If your turntable has RCA outputs and your KRK monitors have XLR inputs, you will need an RCA to XLR cable.
• RCA to TRS cable: If your KRK monitors have 1/4-inch TRS jack inputs, you will need an RCA to TRS cable.
• RCA to 3.5mm adapter: If you are using a laptop or computer as an intermediary device, you may need an RCA to 3.5mm adapter to connect to the headphone jack.

Step 3: Connect the Turntable to the Monitors

Once you have the necessary cables, you can proceed with the connection:

• Connect the RCA outputs of your turntable to the corresponding inputs on your KRK monitors using the RCA cables or adapters. Ensure that the colours match (red to red and white/black to white/black) for correct stereo sound.
• If you are using a mixer, connect the RCA outputs of the turntable to the RCA inputs on the mixer. Then, use the appropriate cables to connect the mixer's outputs to the inputs on the KRK monitors.

Step 4: Power On and Adjust Settings

After establishing the physical connections, power on your equipment and adjust the settings:

• Ensure that the power switch on the KRK monitors is in the 'on' position. The power light is typically located on the front or rear panel of the monitors.
• Adjust the System Gain pot on the monitors to the appropriate level. For KRK monitor models E8B, VXT, and ROKIT2, set the System Gain pot to +6 dB. For other models, refer to the user manual.
• Verify that the signal source, such as a mixing console or CD player, is turned up to a level that can properly send a signal to the monitors.

Step 5: Test and Troubleshoot

Finally, test the setup and troubleshoot if necessary:

• Play some music on the turntable and ensure that sound is coming through the KRK monitors.
• If there are any issues, check the connections and cables again to ensure they are secure and not damaged.
• Refer to the KRK monitors' user guide and troubleshooting tips if you encounter any problems with the sound quality or monitor functionality.

Using a preamp with KRK monitors

KRK monitors are active speakers, meaning they have a power amplifier built into them. This means that you do not need to connect them to an external amplifier or receiver. However, if you want to use a preamp with your KRK monitors, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, make sure that your preamp has a "pre-out" or "line-out" option. This will allow you to send an unamplified signal to the KRK monitors, which is what they are designed to receive. Connecting a speaker-level signal to the KRK monitors can cause serious damage. If your preamp does not have a "pre-out" or "line-out" option, you may be able to use the "tape out" option, but this will bypass the volume control on the preamp.

Another option is to use a balanced converter, such as the ART CLEANBoxPro, to connect the preamp to the KRK monitors. This will allow you to use the preamp's volume control, but it will result in an unbalanced connection. Unbalanced connections can be susceptible to picking up radio interference and can affect sound quality.

If you are connecting the KRK monitors to a turntable, you will need to use a phono cable (usually red and white) and plug it into the RCA sockets on the back of the monitors. Make sure to turn the volume control on the monitors all the way down before connecting the turntable. If your turntable does not have a built-in preamp, you will need to buy an external preamp to use with it.

When setting up your KRK monitors, make sure that the power cord is plugged into the IEC socket on the rear panel of the active speaker and into an AC mains power source. Check that the power switch on the active speaker is turned on and that the power light is illuminated. You may need to adjust the System Gain pot to the correct level for your monitor model.

In summary, while it is not necessary to use a preamp with KRK monitors, it is possible to do so by using the "pre-out" or "line-out" on the preamp, or by using a balanced converter. Just be sure to avoid sending a speaker-level signal to the KRK monitors to prevent damage.

KRK monitors and a Yamaha receiver

When connecting KRK monitors to a Yamaha receiver, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the Yamaha receiver is designed to work with unpowered speakers, while KRK monitors are active speakers with built-in power amps. This means that there is no ideal way to connect these two pieces of equipment.

One option is to use the line outputs on the Yamaha receiver and connect them to a balanced converter, which can then be linked to the monitors using XLR cables. However, this will result in an unbalanced connection, which may not provide the best audio quality.

Another option is to use RCA to 1/4-inch phone plug cables to connect the Yamaha receiver directly to the KRK monitors. This method skips the converter and also results in an unbalanced connection, but it is still a workable solution.

It is worth noting that the KRK monitors have individual volume controls, which may be inconvenient when using the Yamaha receiver's line outputs, as the volume and tone controls on the receiver may be bypassed.

Some users have suggested that the Yamaha HS5 or HS7 models are better options for mixing and provide a clearer sound than the KRK monitors. The Yamaha HS8 model is also mentioned as a good choice, but it can be too harsh in the high-frequency range for some users.

Ultimately, the choice between KRK and Yamaha monitors depends on personal preference and the specific needs of the user. It is recommended to test and try out different options to see which pair works best for the individual.

KRK monitors and a smart TV

To connect KRK monitors to a smart TV, you'll need to determine the type of connections available on both devices. In the case of a Samsung smart TV, it has a digital optical output. The KRK Rokit 8s have an analog input.

To connect the KRK monitors to the smart TV, you'll need to convert the digital optical signal from the TV to an analog signal that the monitors can understand. This can be achieved by using an optical-to-analog converter, such as a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter).

One option is to use a source switch box, which allows you to connect the Focusrite and KRK monitors to the TV. You may also need adapters or cables with different plugs to match the connections on your devices.

Another option is to use an optical-to-RCA DAC, which converts the digital optical signal from the TV to an analog RCA signal. However, this option may not allow you to control the volume through the TV, and you may need to adjust the volume on each monitor individually.

Alternatively, you can use a receiver with preamp outputs, but these tend to be more expensive. You can connect the line-level preamp output from the receiver to the XLR input of the monitors.

It's important to ensure that the connections between the devices are secure and that the cables are not damaged or wired incorrectly. If you're using an unbalanced output to a balanced cable conversion, ensure that the shield is connected to the unbalanced ground of the source and the correct pins on the XLR or TRS jack.

Additionally, make sure that all audio equipment is using the same ground point and is not connected to the same circuit as devices like light dimmers, neon signs, TV screens, or computer monitors, as this can cause interference.

By following these steps and ensuring compatible connections, you can connect your KRK monitors to your smart TV to enhance your audio experience.

Troubleshooting KRK monitors

If you are experiencing issues with your KRK monitors, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to try and resolve the problem.

Firstly, check the power cord connections. Ensure that the power cord is securely plugged into both the IEC socket on the rear panel of the active speaker and the AC mains. Verify that the AC mains are active by using an AC tester or by plugging in a lamp with a working lightbulb. The AC mains may be controlled by a light switch or power strip suppressor, so ensure that these are in the 'on' position.

Next, verify that the power switch on the active speaker is turned on. Check the power light, which is often part of the triangle contained in the 'KRK' logo, to see if it is illuminated. If it is not, turn the power switch off and check the A/C mains fuse(s). The fuse is located directly below the power receptacle. Refer to the user guide for further guidance.

If the fuse appears blown or burnt, replace it with the spare fuse provided. After replacing the fuse, turn the power switch back on. If the new fuse blows upon powering up the monitor, the unit will need to be returned to the dealer or KRK for servicing.

If your monitor suddenly stops working, turn the monitor level down or off, and check if the amplifier's back plate is hot. If it is hot, the unit may have overheated, and the protection circuitry may have shut the system down. Turn the monitor off and wait 30 minutes for the back plate to cool down. Then, turn the power switch back on and increase the volume to check for normal operation.

If you experience changes in sound quality, try moving the speakers or listening area to a different position, as changes in the room or listening position can affect low frequencies (bass response). Additionally, disconnect the signal cable at the input of the monitor and adjust the System Gain or volume control to the minimum setting. With the power on, place your ear close to each driver (tweeter/woofer) and listen for any noise while slowly increasing the System Gain setting. If there is no sound, one or more of the drivers may be faulty, or there may be an issue with the electronics.

If your monitor is hissing, humming, or making other loud noises, ensure that all connections between the signal source and the monitor are secure and correctly wired. All audio equipment should use the same ground point, and excessive hissing may be due to an incorrect gain setting before the speaker connection. Verify that the source signal is not noisy by connecting it to a set of headphones.

Frequently asked questions