I enjoy reading posts like this, which delve into personal setups and the intentions behind them. However, I found this a bit puzzling:

> While not an absolute requirement, integrated speakers would be a nice option on the monitor so I wouldn't have to buy separate ones and find a place for them on my desk.

For such a methodically constructed workspace, especially one that goes out of its way to avoid fan noise, I'd assume the OP would have wanted at least middling audio quality. I wouldn't consider myself an audiophile, yet I've never used a computer monitor's onboard speakers by choice. Almost any other solution would likely be superior to whatever microscopic "speakers" are crammed into that 21.5" monitor...