Introduction
In recent years, the collaboration between IKEA and Sonos has brought innovative products to the market, blending high-quality audio with functional home decor. One standout product from this partnership is the IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker. Designed to seamlessly integrate into your living space, this speaker offers a unique combination of style and sound quality. This review delves into the features, performance, and overall value of the IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker, providing a comprehensive overview for potential buyers.
Design and Build Quality
The IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker features a sleek, rectangular design that can easily blend into various home decor styles. Available in both black and white, it offers versatility in placement and can even double as a small shelf when mounted on the wall. This mounting capability is a significant advantage for those looking to save space or add a functional piece to their room. However, it’s important to note that the wall-mounting brackets are not included in the box and must be purchased separately.
The build quality is robust, with a sturdy exterior that feels durable. The speaker’s minimalist design is aesthetically pleasing and understated, making it suitable for any room in the house. Whether placed on a bookshelf, mounted on the wall, or positioned on a desk, the IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker can complement your interior design while delivering high-quality sound.
Connectivity and Compatibility
One of the notable features of the IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker is its Wi-Fi connectivity. Unlike many other speakers in its price range, this speaker does not support Bluetooth, which might be a drawback for some users. Instead, it relies entirely on an internet connection to play audio. This can be a limitation if you prefer the convenience of Bluetooth streaming from various devices.
The speaker is compatible with the Sonos S2 app, which offers extensive control over the device. Through this app, users can adjust the bass and treble settings to fine-tune the sound according to their preferences. Additionally, the app includes the Sonos Trueplay room-correction feature, which optimizes the speaker’s sound based on the acoustics of the room. However, this feature is only available on iOS devices, limiting its accessibility for Android users.
Sound Quality
Overall Performance
The IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker delivers a bright sound profile that excels in certain areas while falling short in others. Its balanced mid-range ensures that vocals and lead instruments are clear and present in the mix. This makes it well-suited for genres that rely heavily on vocals and acoustic instruments, such as pop, rock, and classical music.
Treble and Bass
The treble range of the IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker is overemphasized, which can sometimes lead to higher-pitched vocals and instruments sounding harsh. This might not be ideal for listeners who are sensitive to high frequencies. On the other hand, the speaker struggles with reproducing low-bass frequencies. As a result, it may not provide the deep thump and rumble that fans of bass-heavy music, like EDM or hip-hop, typically enjoy. However, the Sonos S2 app allows users to adjust the bass and treble settings, providing some level of customization to address these issues.
Volume and Distortion
While the IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker cannot achieve extremely high volumes, it performs admirably at the volumes it can reach. There are few compression artifacts present at maximum volume, meaning that the audio remains clean and clear even when played loudly. This is a testament to the quality of the internal components and the design of the speaker.
Features and Functionality
Sonos Ecosystem Integration
One of the major advantages of the IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker is its integration with the Sonos ecosystem. This allows users to create a multi-room audio setup, syncing multiple speakers across different rooms for a cohesive listening experience. The Sonos S2 app provides seamless control over all connected devices, making it easy to manage your audio system from a single interface.
No Battery, Speakerphone, or Voice Assistant
The IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker lacks some features that are common in other modern speakers. It does not have a built-in battery, which means it must be plugged into a power source at all times. Additionally, it does not support speakerphone functionality or include a built-in voice assistant. These omissions might be deal-breakers for some users, particularly those looking for a more versatile and portable audio solution.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Bass/Treble Adjustments: The ability to tweak the bass and treble settings via the Sonos S2 app provides a level of customization that can enhance the listening experience.
- Few Compression Artifacts: The speaker maintains clean audio at maximum volume, ensuring that the sound quality remains high even at louder levels.
- Integration with Sonos Ecosystem: Seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem allows for a versatile multi-room audio setup.
Cons
- No Bluetooth Support: The lack of Bluetooth connectivity may be inconvenient for users who prefer wireless streaming from various devices.
- Harsh Treble at Times: The overemphasized treble range can make higher-pitched vocals and instruments sound harsh.
- Limited Low-Bass Reproduction: The speaker struggles to reproduce deep bass, which might be disappointing for fans of bass-heavy music.
- Additional Costs for Mounting Brackets: The wall-mounting brackets are not included and must be purchased separately.
Performance in Different Settings
Home Office
In a home office setting, the IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker can be a great addition. Its compact size and sleek design make it easy to place on a desk or shelf without taking up too much space. The clear mid-range ensures that vocals in podcasts and conference calls are easy to understand, making it a practical choice for work-related audio needs.
Living Room
For a living room setup, the IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker can serve as both a functional and decorative piece. When paired with other Sonos speakers, it can create an immersive audio environment for watching movies or listening to music. However, for those who enjoy bass-heavy audio experiences, the lack of deep bass might be a drawback.
Bedroom
In a bedroom, the IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker can provide a soothing audio experience for relaxation or sleep. Its ability to adjust the bass and treble settings means you can tailor the sound to your liking, whether you prefer a more subdued or bright sound profile. The speaker’s design also allows it to blend seamlessly with bedroom decor, especially when mounted on the wall.
Customization and App Features
The Sonos S2 app is a powerful tool that enhances the functionality of the IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker. Here are some of the key features:
Sound Customization
The app’s bass and treble sliders allow you to customize the speaker’s sound profile. This is particularly useful if you find the default settings too bright or lacking in bass. By adjusting these settings, you can achieve a more balanced sound that suits your preferences.
Trueplay Room Correction
The Trueplay room-correction feature is a standout aspect of the Sonos S2 app. By analyzing the acoustics of your room, Trueplay can adjust the speaker’s output to ensure optimal sound quality. This feature is only available on iOS devices, which is a limitation, but it can significantly enhance the listening experience for those who can access it.
Multi-Room Audio
Integration with the Sonos ecosystem means you can easily set up a multi-room audio system. The app allows you to control multiple speakers from a single interface, making it simple to sync audio across different rooms or play different tracks in each room.
Comparisons with Other Speakers
Sonos One
The Sonos One is another popular speaker from the same manufacturer. Compared to the IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker, the Sonos One offers built-in voice assistants (Alexa and Google Assistant), which adds a layer of functionality. However, it is also more expensive. If voice control is important to you, the Sonos One might be a better choice despite the higher price.
Amazon Echo Studio
The Amazon Echo Studio is known for its impressive audio quality and built-in Alexa functionality. It supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, offering more versatility in how you can stream your audio. However, the Echo Studio is significantly larger and more expensive than the IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker. If space and budget are considerations, the SYMFONISK might be the better option.
JBL Link Music
The JBL Link Music is a more affordable alternative that offers both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. It also features Google Assistant for voice control. While it provides good sound quality for its price, it doesn’t integrate with the Sonos ecosystem, which could be a downside if you’re looking to build a multi-room audio system.
Recommendations
Best Use Cases
The IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker is best suited for users who value design and integration with the Sonos ecosystem. It’s ideal for those who want a speaker that can blend seamlessly into their home decor while providing good sound quality for casual listening. Here are some specific recommendations:
- Home Office: For clear vocals in podcasts and conference calls.
- Living Room: As part of a multi-room audio system or a standalone speaker for casual music listening.
- Bedroom: For a soothing audio experience and customizable sound settings.
Who Should Consider Other Options
- Bass Enthusiasts: If deep bass is a priority, you might want to consider alternatives like the Amazon Echo Studio or the Sonos Sub.
- Bluetooth Users: Those who prefer Bluetooth connectivity for convenience should look at options like the JBL Link Music or other Bluetooth-enabled speakers.
- Voice Assistant Users: If built-in voice assistants are important, the Sonos One or Amazon Echo Studio might be better choices.
Conclusion
The IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker is a well-designed, functional speaker that offers good sound quality and integrates seamlessly with the Sonos ecosystem. While it has some limitations, such as the lack of Bluetooth connectivity and limited low-bass reproduction, its strengths in design, customization, and multi-room audio capabilities make it a solid choice for many users.
This IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker Review highlights the key features, pros and cons, and performance in various settings, providing a comprehensive overview for potential buyers. Whether you’re looking to enhance your home office, living room, or bedroom with a stylish and functional speaker, the IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker is worth considering.