A data reading system including a lower base section with a generally horizontal surface and a vertical section extending perpendicularly from the lower housing section. The vertical section includes a front face with a first scan window through which a data reader is operable to read encoded data on an item. The data reading system further includes a speaker system having a speaker grille laterally spaced apart from the first scan window on the front face of the vertical section. The speaker system may emit a sound or other message to confirm that the encoded data was (or was not) properly captured by the data reader. The data reading system may further include a second scan window on the front face of the vertical section. In such instances, the speaker grille may be positioned between the scan windows on the front face of the vertical section.