It's important to note that
stereo plugs (2-channel) are distinguishable from
mono plugs (1-channel) by the number of
black stripes on the end of the
plug itself. If it has a thick and
thin line (thicker towards the end), it's
stereo. If it has only one line, it's
mono.
Often, when dealing with
1/4-inch stereo plug jacks, you're either using a nice pair of
headphones, or you're rigging your stereo system to do something wierd (or maybe that's just me). For instance, I have my computer audio hooked into my (large)
stereo system, and it is connected thus:
1/8-inch stereo plug output from sound card >>
1/8-inch stereo plug male via wire to 1/8" female >>
1/8-inch to 1/4-inch stereo plug adapter >> 1/4" to RCA 2-channel adapter >>
RCA wire to badass stereo system.
Since there are a lot of adapters in there, it's important for me to not all stereo adapters, noting my little stripes.