which cheap monitor pair is better?

[CEV]

Just lookin' for all of your valued opinions. I know, both pairs are probably junk, and you need to spend like $800 on monitors, but I'm lookin' to spend $200, and I found 2 that I'm considering, soooo....what's better:

SP-5B Studiophile Active Monitors
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=030223053828067193055190560362/search/g=home/detail/base_id/59391

OR

Alesis MK II Passive Monitors
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=030223053828067193055190560362/search/g=home/detail/base_id/57819

Thanks alot for any input!!

[Sojo]

If you already have a decent poweramp to use, I'd go for the passive alesis monitors.

[CEV]

what's the difference between passive and active?

[timdog]

Active monitors don't need to be hooked to an amplifier. You just run straight from the board to the speaker.

Usually they are matched with amps that are optimum for the speaker.

[CEV]

I just want to run them from my sound card for mixing, is that possible?

[timdog]

You could run straight to your speakers from the soundcard but I wouldn't want to. I'd rather run to some sort of mixer first where I could control the output. This will prevent the speakers from ever experiencing any accidental popping from the soundcard. This could possibly damage them.

You can do it, but you will need a 1/8th" plug from your soundcard to RCA stereo cables. Then possibly RCA to 1/4" adapters depending on the input of the speakers.

[CEV]

Thanks, oh wise one! I already have that exact cable - 1/8th to stereo RCA's w/ 1/4'' adapters to use for inputting into the card. I want the setup as simple as possible - but you're right..I should get a little mixer to be safe.