For most of us, the ideal home audiophile set-up comprises a source, DAC/preamp, power amp and a pair of gorgeous floorstanding speakers. But what about people without space for such luxuries, or those still living with family members who may not share their music tastes?

Why not consider building something more suited to your precise requirements by taking the head-fi option? Consider, for example, a desktop setup built around the FiiO R7 All-in-One Streaming Amplifier unit. Not only is this a source that streams music from a NAS, SD card or built-in storage, but you can also use it as a desktop USB DAC. You can also use it with speakers, headphones and IEMs if you so desire, and this is a small box that can live on a table in a bedroom without compromising floor space and still do it all. 

If you want to ensure future-proofing, something like the Bluesound Node X might be worthwhile. Not only do you get the ability to use it as a Bluetooth receiver for speakers, but it’s able to stream music from subscription services and local servers while also working with other BluOS-supported speakers to create a multi-room system. This means you’ll be able to use the Node X even after you move into a new house and finally get those speakers you’ve always wanted, along with any potential soundbar setup you might have paired with your television. 

Other great options with an even smaller footprint include the award-winning Chord Mojo 2 and the Chord Anni. While the latter is a desktop amplifier that requires constant DC power, the Chord Mojo 2 can actually pull double duty as a portable DAC/headphone amp, which makes it even better value for money when you consider that you can use it both at home and when out and about with IEMs or headphones. 

Speaking of which, headphones certainly take up much less space than a pair of speakers. While they might not be able to provide the same sort of listening experience, a good pair will still let you enjoy music and give you the option of listening out and about. If you want something that will provide a little more airiness with a more open soundstage, open-back headphones like Sennheiser’s HD660 S2 headphones might be the way to go. For a truly high-end open-back experience, we’re very impressed by the performance of the Dan Clark Audio Expanse headphones, although the price tag will likely raise an eyebrow!

Closed-back cans prevent you from disturbing anybody else in the house. There are options like Dan Clark Audio’s Æon 2 Noire and Bowers & Wilkins’ Px8 that can double up as a fantastic pair of wireless headphones with active noise cancellation for travel and offer a wired option.

For something more portable, in-ear monitors can sound good but don’t get anywhere close to replicating the sound of a speaker. In the higher price bracket, we have choices like Final Audio’s A8000 or Campfire Audio’s newest Andromeda Emerald Sea. Above this, it’s impossible not to mention the Audeze LCD-i4. While I hesitate to call it an in-ear monitor (not much of it actually goes inside your ear), it’s an option for those who have the cash to drop and want some of the best sound quality an IEM can offer. 

Another sensible consideration at the high-end price point would be to investigate custom IEMs that are moulded to the shape of one’s ears. Not only does that offer excellent passive noise isolation, but the comfort is also unsurpassed once you get used to having something fit so perfectly in your ears. There are plenty of brands like Empire Ears, Noble Audio, AAW and more, so the best bet would be to visit an audio shop near you to sample what they offer. 

Of course, there’s still the option to purchase loudspeakers – but perhaps just not full-sized floorstanding ones. Consider compact standmounters such as KEF’s LSX II, which packs a big punch in a small package. Or how about the Audioengine A2+ that comes under half the weight of the LSX II, and can fit into tighter spaces? Both these speakers also offer support for subwoofers, so one can add it on piecemeal as living conditions change instead of having to worry about finding space for a subwoofer right off the bat. 

And if you’re a vinyl person, we have you covered. Turntables can take up quite a bit of space and require a dedicated spot in the house, but Audio-Technica’s 2022 re-release of the Sound Burger is a portable turntable that’s incredibly compact and can stream music wirelessly while also offering a supplied RCA cable for wired connections to speakers.

Head-fi is a fantastic solution for space-limited audiophiles who also want fun music on the move. It’s also far more affordable than a full hi-fi speaker system, even when you add up all the parts that we’ve mentioned in this article. That said, we’re well aware that enjoying your favourite tunes on fantastic floorstanding speakers is an entirely different experience. Yet, for those of us who don’t have the room for all of it, a compact head-fi setup for the house is an excellent way to scratch that itch.

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