Balanced carries the signal on 2 wires so as to reduce noise - unbalanced carries it on one.
One signal is inverted in voltage so that it's the opposite of the other signal - the recieving device inverts one side and adds them together so the noise cancels.
Balanced requires either TRS or XLR connectors - though some TRS carry a Send/Return (effect/insert cables) and some carry the same signal on both (Y cables).
Normally you can plug either into either but you'll get varying results of quality etc.

I am finding that TRS is a better choice for hooking up monitors because of the low impedance, is this true? I need to have TRS at the FireBox side of the chain, but what should it plug to on the monitors? I am looking at TRS-TRS, but would it be better to go either XLR-TRS or RCA-TRS instead?

RCA is unbalanced, TRS to TRS is good the firebox main outs are TRS aren't they? The KRK will have a balanced TRS 1/4" input.
I have the rocket 8s. You should listen to both the 5 and the 8 the low/mid I thought was so much better on the 8s. I know they are almost $200 more but well worth it IMO unless you are planning on using a subwoofer as well.

Yeah the outs on the Box are TRS. Are you saying the 5's are not good? If you are I believe you, it's just I really desperately need a pair of monitors. My mixes always sound different when I play them on my car from my iPod. I end up having to bounce 20 different copies before it will sound good, and by then it sounds like shit on my speakers. Really very unprofessional v_v. If the 8's are really that much better then I will have to save up for a while because I am already in gear debt, and at my wage....well I'm not exactly wiping my arse with 20's. LOL.

I think you just have to be more careful with smaller speakers. Reference more. Definitely usable though.

basically I think you CAN use almost any speaker or headphone, with in reason. You do end up remixing after hearing it on other things until you get an ear for how it should sound on whatever it is you use. The better the room and the monitors the easier this learning curve is until you have spent $$$$$$$, then the tracks mix themselves and if it does not sound good on something else you can explain that its their sh#tty equipment (Humor guys, don't flame me!)

Hey just a/b them and I think you will see what I mean. The pro studios I use have two and three monitors nearfields and larger ones to get a better reference. I just found the 8s a substantial jump up in sound with a modest increase in price so to me that was a good value.

jg49 wrote: I just found the 8s a substantial jump up in sound with a modest increase in price so to me that was a good value.

That is a good value to me too, if they sound that much better. Frankly I really don't ever like to buy bottom of the line, (Any line for that matter). Here's what I currently use. Both consumer products I know I know. I reference through both and then bounce stuff to my iPod and see what it sounds like in my car on the way to places.

http://www.plantronics.com/north_america/en_US/products/computer/multi-use-headsets/audio-650-usb

Lavry Black DA11

I want to a/b the KRK's, but how would I do that? "Hey Guitar salesman, I want you to set me up two pairs of 30lb speakers so I can play 3 of my mixes through them and then leave here so I can buy them online. K Thx ur a doll"

The 8's move more air, and will give you more low end than the 5's. KRK's are good monitors for the most part. I have had a good experience with the Samson rubicons.

Guitarfreak wrote: I am finding that TRS is a better choice for hooking up monitors because of the low impedance, is this true? I need to have TRS at the FireBox side of the chain, but what should it plug to on the monitors? I am looking at TRS-TRS, but would it be better to go either XLR-TRS or RCA-TRS instead?

The best choice is to have balanced cables connecting the source and the amp. From the amp to the speakers you just need thinck wire. You are looking at powered monitors which have both the amp (or amps and crossover) and speakers in the same box. So you want balanced cables going from the Firebox to the powered speakers. Balanced cables can have either TRS or XLR at either end. TRS, XLRFemale, or XLRMale can be used interchangeably at either end (aqnd keep the cable balanced). The KRK speakers accept either an XLR or a TRS. So you would need either a TRS/TRS cable or a TRS/XLRM.

I A/B'd them at a guitar sinner store, and then again at Father Junky music, it is pretty easy they are set up. You ask them to put in your cd and they have them all switched. It is good because you can listen to things well above your price range. It gives you a better idea of where you are in the entire picture. I usually use a record label cd and one that we recorded fully mixed and some tracks we are working on (rough mix) to get a good idea of whats up. You are under no obligation to buy, if I like the guys and I have an internet price they price match. I buy enough from them in guitars alone that they can offer me some service, no foul.

jg, how are those KRK 8's working out for you?

I really like them. I find my mixes translate well, I think any set of monitors you use there is some learning curve on but these are good.

sorry to barge in... I have a Juli@ interface and was wondering what monitors I should get that would "match" it (it has the option of balanced trs or unbalanced rca outputs) and that wouldn't cost an arm and a leg...

any ideas?