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I noticed that my computer was playing sound out of only one speaker. The speakers are connected with a 3.5mm => 2*RCA cable, and when I inspected it, I found that the right RCA plug's inner pin was plastic (picture below). I replaced the cable with a regular cable, and now both speakers have sound.

The cable says Microlab on it, so it probably came with the speakers themselves (Microlab FC-330), though I'm not positive about that.

My question: What is the purpose of this kind of cable? Why would it be shipped with speakers?

3.5mm-2RCA

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    \$\begingroup\$ I'd guess the metal contact came off and the plastic is what is beneath it (much cheaper than a massive metal pin) and remained standing alone and without much use. \$\endgroup\$
    – Arsenal
    Commented Oct 9, 2015 at 12:46

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As @Arsenal correctly noted, it used to be a metal-coated plastic pin, and the metal broke off. I just discovered that after dissecting the cable with a knife. I also discovered that such knife can cut one's finger if one's not careful. band-aid thumb

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Curiosity has hurt a lot of people, but the knowledge gained often comes with a feeling of accomplishment offsetting the pain you went through - well done! (hope your finger will get all right again). \$\endgroup\$
    – Arsenal
    Commented Oct 9, 2015 at 13:22
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    \$\begingroup\$ It might be worth checking that the lost bit of metal has not pushed all the way through the socket and is not now lying on your motherboard. \$\endgroup\$
    – HandyHowie
    Commented Oct 9, 2015 at 13:27
  • \$\begingroup\$ Commiseration... \$\endgroup\$
    – got trolled too much this week
    Commented Oct 9, 2015 at 13:29
  • \$\begingroup\$ @HandyHowie: No, I think it will be rattling around inside the speaker. \$\endgroup\$
    – Dave Tweed
    Commented Oct 9, 2015 at 13:53
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    \$\begingroup\$ @DaveTweed Of course. Looking forward to the next question - "Why is my speaker rattling?" \$\endgroup\$
    – HandyHowie
    Commented Oct 9, 2015 at 13:59

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