Basic Connection Questions - Very Novice User

skotshim
skotshim Posts: 2
edited October 2008 in Basic Hookup/Wiring Questions
Hi.

I recently inherited a pair of Polk LS 50 speakers. I understand that they are no longer available for sale.

My question is: Is it possible to connect these speakers with a banana cable?

Also, I want to hook them up to a Mackie Board (that I use for instruments, microphones, etc.), that has 16 inputs, two 3-prong outputs, and two 1/4 inch outputs. I want to connect the 1/4 inch outputs to my Polk speakers. Is this advisable / possible?

Thanks,
S
Post edited by skotshim on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Dennis Gardner
    Dennis Gardner Posts: 4,861
    edited October 2008
    Welcome! The Polks may have plastic plugs in the end of the posts that pop out with a blade. Many Polks have this feature to allow bananas.

    The Mackie will only work if it is a powered mixer. Since it has the XLR (3 prong) outputs, I bet it is a passive mixer (preamp) only and doesn't actually have a builtin power amp.

    Let me know what model it is and I will research it for you.
    HT Optoma HD25 LV on 80" DIY Screen, Anthem MRX 300 Receiver, Pioneer Elite BDP 51FD Polk CS350LS, Polk SDA1C, Polk FX300, Polk RT55, Dual EBS Adire Shiva 320watt tuned to 17hz, ICs-DIY Twisted Prs, Speaker-Raymond Cable

    2 Channel Thorens TD 318 Grado ZF1, SACD/CD Marantz 8260, Soundstream/Krell DAC1, Audio Mirror PP1, Odyssey Stratos, ADS L-1290, ICs-DIY Twisted , Speaker-Raymond Cable
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stebesplace
    stebesplace Posts: 57
    edited October 2008
    I don't think what you describe will connect properly. You would need some sort of intermediate until to provide power. The polk speakers are not powered, and what you really would want is a pair of Alesis or KRK or something along those lines, powered monitors that accept XLR or 1/4" inputs, or even balanced/unbalanced inputs. Otherwise, you would need to have an amp running to those speakers, and your board feeding into the amp.
    Current Setup:
    :( Yamaha AX-450 Amplifier
    :) Yamaha YST-SW216 Sub
    :) Sony DVPNC800H/B CD/DVD Player
    :) Samsung LNT2653H LCD TV
    :)polkaudio R150's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited October 2008
    Yes the speakers will work with bananna plugs. (if the speakers terminals on back look solid, just spin them all the way off, remove the cap on the post and spin them back on)

    Not 100% on your mixer, but I think you would have to go from the mixer to an amp to the speakers. Some mackie studio monitors (speakers) will work with the setup you are talking about (like the HR824's) but that is because they are powered speakers and have amps built into them. Your speakers do not have built in amps. You will have to go from the mixer, to an external amp to the speakers.

    Anything I can help with or clarify, just ask.

    Michael

    Edit - almost forgot..... Welcome to Club Polk!!!
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter