ELITE-5 PASSIVE: How to Set Up Rockville Passive Bookshelf Speakers

The Rockville Elite 5 Passive Speakers deliver high-quality sound and come in three finishes: Black, White, and Classic Wood. This guide will walk you through connecting them to a home theater receiver or an amplifier, as well as setting them up for a recording studio environment.

Step 1: Unboxing and Removing the Speaker Grills

The Elite 5 speakers come with removable grills that allow you to change their appearance.

How to Remove the Grill:

1. Place your hand on the grill and gently press near the tweeter section.
2. You will hear a snapping sound as the grill releases.
3. Pull the grill off from both the top and bottom.

How to Reattach the Grill:

1. Align the plastic knobs on the grill with the holes on the front of the speaker.
2. Press the grill back into place until it snaps securely.

Step 2: Understanding Impedance and Receiver Compatibility

• The Elite 5 speakers are 4-ohm speakers.
• Check your receiver or amplifier to ensure it supports 4-ohm speakers.
• If using a 2-ohm receiver, you can connect two Elite 5 speakers per channel.
• If using a 4-ohm receiver, you can connect only one speaker per channel to prevent damage.

Step 3: Connecting the Speakers to a Home Theater Receiver

1. Locate the terminals on the back of each speaker.
2. Take the included speaker wire and connect: 
   • Red wire → Red (+) positive terminal
   • Black wire → Black (-) negative terminal
3. Press down on each spring terminal to insert the wire, then release to secure.

Connecting the Speaker Wire to the Receiver

1. Find the left and right speaker terminals on the back of the home theater receiver.
2. Connect: 
   • Left speaker wire → Left channel terminals
   • Right speaker wire → Right channel terminals

If using a 2-ohm receiver, you can wire two Elite 5 speakers in parallel to each channel.

Step 4: Connecting the Elite 5 to an Amplifier for Studio Use

If you're using the speakers for recording or mixing, you will need an amplifier (e.g., Rockville RPA9).

Step 4.1: Connecting an Audio Interface to the Amplifier

1. Take two 1/4-inch cables and plug them into the Left and Right Outputs of your audio interface.
2. Plug the other ends into the Left and Right Inputs of the amplifier.
3. Ensure the Left output of the interface is connected to the Left input of the amplifier, and the Right output to the Right input.

Step 4.2: Connecting the Amplifier to the Elite 5 Speakers

1. Take speaker wire and connect: 
   • Red wire → Positive (+) terminal on the amplifier
   • Black wire → Negative (-) terminal on the amplifier
2. Press down the spring terminals on the back of the speaker and insert the wires.
3. Repeat for the second speaker.

Step 5: Powering On and Adjusting Sound Settings

1. Turn on the amplifier or receiver.
2. Set Channel A and Channel B volume knobs on the amp to halfway as a starting point.
3. If using an audio interface, adjust the Main Mix knob to control the output.
4. Play a song to test the connection and speaker balance.

Conclusion

Setting up the Rockville Elite 5 Passive Speakers is quick and easy, whether you're using them in a home theater system or a recording studio. With proper impedance matching, secure wiring, and optimal placement, you’ll enjoy clear, powerful sound for music, movies, or professional mixing.