A stacked dual monitor setup has numerous advantages. It takes up less desk space, is easier on the neck, and keeps everything symmetrical. However, setting up this configuration requires some extra effort and hardware to get just right.
To achieve a stacked monitor setup, there are several approaches you could take. You could get a single tall arm with dual mounts, mount the top monitor directly to a wall, or try a dual arm system. However, the author recommends combining two different Vivo arm mounts, one of regular height to hold the ultrawide and an extra-tall mount for the regular 16:9 display.
Looking at it from the side profile, you can understand why the author needs the flexibility and control of two separate arm mounts. The main ultrawide monitor is positioned just high enough so that the top edge is 55cm from the desk and is angled slightly up towards eye level. The top monitor is angled down, overlaps with the lip of the main monitor to reduce the bezel, and is also pushed out forward slightly to minimize the gap between the two. It’s all these little adjustments that make this setup almost impossible with other mounting solutions.
The author recommends these monitor arms if you’re trying to create your own stacked monitor setup. However, there are some things to know about them that keep them from being perfect. Firstly, from a cosmetic standpoint, the Vivo branding on the base of the stand is not ideal. Also, the base looks slightly different between the two models, which is a little annoying. But if that bothers you, you could always just buy two extra-tall stands so they would match perfectly.
The assembly of the arm mounts is simple and just connects together with hex screws. The necessary Allen keys are also included, and there are even slots in the cable management clips to hold them when you’re done. The clamp comes with a couple of small rubber gaskets that keep it from scratching the desk. And securing the clamp in place is easily done by hand. The author also likes to add a piece of wood to help stiffen the desk and prevent the clamp from scratching the bottom.
Adjusting the height and position of the monitors on the arms is also pretty standard. The height can only be adjusted once you loosen a screw, but the rest of the motions can be adjusted on the go and tightened or loosened as necessary. However, the author’s biggest complaint about these monitor arms is the Vesa mounting solution. There’s no quick-release mounting bracket here, so you’re basically just hanging the monitor directly on the arm with a couple of screws and washers. It’s not the easiest mounting system, especially if the back of your monitor is out of reach, but it’s secure enough once everything is in place.
In conclusion, these Vivo arm mounts allow the author to position their monitors exactly where they want them to be, and they stay there. Overall, this is a perfect monitor configuration for an ergonomic and space-saving setup.