How to Build the Perfect Work-From-Home Audio System

Looking to upgrade the audio of your home workstation? We have both some set-up advice and buying suggestions based on our day-to-day experience with products regardless of budget.

If you spend a lot of time listening to music on headphones, there are two ways to go. You can invest in a portable headphone amplifier/DAC that you can take with you when you’re not at home and want to listen to music during your commute. Or you can get something more permanent, like a desktop amplifier, that can also drive loudspeakers on your desktop.

Also, invest in speaker stands. Professional recording engineers utilize desktop loudspeaker stands to angle the drivers at their ears and the impact is not subtle; bass will tighten significantly, and the music will sound more cohesive, detailed, and transparent.

A desktop audio system creates a near-field listening situation; your listening position is much closer to the loudspeaker which will minimize the impact of the sound reflecting off surfaces like your desk, computer monitor, ceiling, and walls beside and behind you.

With that in mind, experiment with pointing the loudspeakers straight ahead or pointed directly at your listening position. The tonal balance of your loudspeakers will change as you alter the degree of toe-in. Move the loudspeakers at least 1-2 feet from the side of your computer monitor to improve the solidity of the stereo image.

The Starter Setup (Under $650)

Audioengine has been one of our favorite loudspeaker brands for many years for the simple reason that they have not strayed from their mission of offering affordable high-performance loudspeakers.