Reddit mentions of JBL Professional ACTPACK Active Studio Monitor Enhancement Pack

I'll second this. I have the AD18 on a pair of Kef R300s and it's working well. They get louder than I can handle.

I've seen the SMSL SA50 recommended as well for smaller systems, but it has fewer input options (e.g. no USB input) and fewer features overall.

The JBL305s would be an alternative, as they have their own integrated amp. You just need to connect them to your PC, and get an optional kit like this one that comes with cables, a volume controller (pre-amp) and some foam isolation pads.

Yea, I don't have it yet but plan on buying this [active speaker kit](JBL ACTPACK Active Studio Monitor Enhancement Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I1DGYDE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_AurUAbTBTTHKG)
Its a pain to reach behind to adjust the volume on each speaker but you don't do it as often as you'd think. This is more to encourage the wife to use the system easier.

Unless you don't think the cable is going to reach you should be able to plug the turntable straight into the switch I believe.

I used these [ cables ] (Hosa CPR-202 Dual 1/4 inch TS to Dual RCA Stereo Interconnect Cable, 6.6 feet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000068O17/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_JyrUAbKADDQYB) to connect the switch output to each of the speakers

And you would need [this cable](AmazonBasics 3.5mm to 2-Male RCA Adapter Cable - 8 Feet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D5H8KO2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_8ArUAbK3ZZJAT) for the Chromecast.

So I'm looking at getting the JBL recommendation and want to make sure I would be ordering the correct things.

Speakers (2): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DUKP37C/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A25IRTXJ3Y3DFH&psc=1

JBL Active Speaker Set (1):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I1DGYDE/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A25IRTXJ3Y3DFH&psc=1

Thank you and I look forward to a response!

Looking to control my office setup's volume with an external knob. Need to see if my thought on this will work:

• PC's internal sound card
  
• 3.5mm -> 3.5mm (going to the in on)
  
• JBL Nanopatch
  
• 3.5mm -> RCA (going out of the Nano patch and into the Sub)
  
• Emotiva Audio BasX 10" sub
  
• RCA to 1/4" TRS (going out from the sub and into the 305's)
  
• JBL LSR305's
  
  or is there a better way I should be going about controlling the setup (like with a separate controls for the base and monitors)? Thank you!

So with these speakers the volume control knob is on the back. If you want a physical volume button that you can easily reach, this is your best bet. https://smile.amazon.com/JBL-ACTPACK-Active-Speaker-Starter/dp/B01I1DGYDE

Just as an FYI, these are one of the most frequently recommended speakers for the price and at sub $150/speaker this deal is excellent. If you want some other accessories for these, this starter kit is also recommended over on r/audiophile (Canadian Amazon link)

Is it better to get an all-in-one desktop solution or a more expensive modular desktop solution?
Right now I just want really good speakers for my desktop. I've been hardset on the Vanatoo T0's, which include bluetooth, usb, optical, and aux in. They're pretty much everything I need in one amazing package.

But on the other hand, I've been looking at near-field studio monitors like the JBL 305P, the Mackie MR524 and audio interfaces like the Mackie Big Knob and other DAC's. The big knob also has an input for a microphone which I might want to use for high-quality recording.

Then there's also buying a desktop amp like the SMSL AD18 paired with an actual pair of speakers.

Both the modularity and upgradability appeal to me, but the compactness of the vanatoo's is also so nice.


Any thoughts?

Look at the proposed systems above both are small enough to fit on a desktop and are fairly cheap as well.

to quote: "

In an effort to cut down on some of the repetitive questions, here are the absolutely cheapest systems we are willing to recommend.

• $110: Micca PB42X
  
• $250: JBL 305P MkII
  
  Accessories
  
  For the JBL-based setup, here are some accessories if you want to connect the speakers directly to a computer without an external DAC:
  
  
• 3.5mm TRS to 6.3mm TS cable - use this if you're connecting the LSR305 directly to a computer
  
• JBL Active Speaker Starter Set - includes the Nano Patch+ volume controller, two isolation pads and TRS to XLR cable. Use this if you want a physical volume controller to go along with the JBL speakers.
  
  For the Micca setups, you'll need this to connect directly to a computer:
  
  
• 3.5mm TRS to RCA - use this for connecting (either of) the Micca alternatives directly to a computer.
  
  If you're going for the Micca MB42X + SMSL solution, you'll also need speaker wire:
  
  
• AmazonBasics 16 AWG speaker wire "

At a minimum: A 3.5mm TRS to dual 6.3mm TS cable, but you'd then rely on controlling volume from the computer, like this.

If you want a physical volume knob, you can in addition get the JBL Active Starter Pack.