So without checking the back of my Focusrite 2i4 audio interface for an S/PDIF out, I bagged a Focusrite VRM box off eBay for a steal on a whim but can't see an obvious way to connect the two.

The 2i4 has a couple of paired RCA unbalanced line outs and one pair of balanced line outs and the VRM box has a single coaxial S/PDIF input. I can't see a S/PDIF out on the 2i4 so I think I'm basically stuffed.

Don't tell me I need a converter... 😂

Anybody any experience of using these virtual reference monitors and the best way to connect them? I knew I should have checked the back panel on the 2i4 first.

Andy

I had one, "a dust collector".  It needs the S/PDIF.  I tried it on my PC's S/PDIF out and it worked there too, but obviously that was with a mixed down project that was 16 bit 44.1Khz wav file. 
 
I tried to sell it and couldn't.  It wound up cannibalized for the headphone jack for a Roland Octa-Capture that had a defective headphone jack (they used the exact same jack).  

Thanks for that - oh well - at least it was cheap. Now I know why #liveandlearn 😂

It was a good idea, but it was limited on the number of speakers that it emulated.  

The 6i6 is the first in the line up with SPDIF,  one of the reasons I bought that model.  So hang on to it and then your next interface you can make sure you have SPDIF.

The only solution I can think of is a small mixer that has a spdif output.  Two I know of were made by Edirol (discontinued).  They pop up on Ebay every now and then.  The smaller one, the M10MX, usually goes for around $50. If you can find one cheap, it would solve your problem.
 
Or, you can sell the 2i4, and grab a 1st gen 6i6 (which has the spdif out) for around $150.

If you have FireWire and inclination, another option is to sell both and get a Saffire PRO 24 DSP. They are discontinued, but had the VRM built in so are not a PITA to set up. Guitar Center lists one in excellent condition for $139.99. I am not sure if any other interface had the VRM internally.

I have and use the VRM box. It's great! Fantastic add to the tool set. Nice selection of types of monitor situations.

Best when used with a unit that has SPDIF. The Scarlett 6i6 is the lowest model in the line that has SPDIF.

Thanks all for the suggestions. My old Saffire interface was firewire and had SPDIF. I sold it when I 'upgraded' to a 2i4 and thought I wouldn't miss SPDIF as I had (a) never used it and (b) had no real idea what it was, how it worked or why I might want to use it.

Such is life. I'll probs stick the VRM box back on eBay at some point and try to recover my losses.

Andy