When powering on devices in a system, which device should be turned on last?

When powering on devices in a system, the monitor speakers should be turned on last. This practice helps prevent any potential damage to the speakers caused by a power surge or unexpected noise from the audio interface or computer during startup.

By waiting to power on the speakers until the system is fully booted and initialized, you reduce the risk of hearing loud pops, crackles, or transients that can occur when audio devices power up. These noises can not only be jarring but can also potentially harm the speakers or other connected components if they are powered on at the same time as the other devices.

Turning on the monitor speakers last ensures that they only receive a clean audio signal after the computer and audio interface have successfully established their connection and are ready for use, thereby maintaining the integrity of the audio output and protecting the equipment.