Introduction to IKEA SYMFONISK Picture Frame
The IKEA SYMFONISK Picture Frame is a unique product resulting from the collaboration between Sonos and IKEA. This innovative speaker seamlessly integrates into home decor, functioning as both a piece of art and a high-quality audio device. With the ability to mount it on your wall and switch out the artwork to suit your style, it offers a versatile solution for those looking to enhance their home audio experience without compromising on aesthetics.
Design and Build Quality
The IKEA SYMFONISK Picture Frame stands out due to its clever design, which disguises a speaker as a piece of wall art. This design makes it an excellent choice for minimalist interiors or spaces where traditional speakers might not fit in aesthetically. The frame itself is slim and lightweight, making it easy to mount on most walls. The swappable art panels provide customization options, allowing users to change the look without altering the functionality. The build quality is robust, reflecting the high standards of both IKEA and Sonos.
Audio Performance
Sound Profile
The IKEA SYMFONISK Picture Frame delivers a bright sound profile, especially when the room correction feature is enabled. This feature ensures that the sound adapts to the acoustics of your room, providing a more balanced listening experience. The mid-range is well-balanced, making vocals clear and prominent. High-pitched voices and instruments come through with a bright and sparkling quality, which is ideal for genres that emphasize treble.
Bass Performance
One area where the IKEA SYMFONISK Picture Frame falls short is in its bass performance. Due to its compact size, it lacks the deep, thumpy low-bass that larger speakers can provide. This might be a drawback for those who prefer bass-heavy music genres. However, the speaker compensates with bass adjustments, allowing users to tweak the bass levels to their preference.
Directionality and Soundstage
The soundstage of the IKEA SYMFONISK Picture Frame is narrow and directional, meaning that the audio is best experienced from directly in front of the speaker. This can be a limitation if you plan to use it in a larger room or a space where listeners are spread out. When used alone, the speaker downmixes stereo content, which can reduce the immersive quality of the sound. However, pairing it with another compatible speaker can create a fuller, stereo experience.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Wi-Fi Integration
One of the standout features of the IKEA SYMFONISK Picture Frame is its integration with Wi-Fi. This allows the speaker to connect seamlessly to your home network, providing a stable and high-quality audio stream. The Wi-Fi connectivity also facilitates integration with the Sonos ecosystem, enabling users to control the speaker through the Sonos app and other compatible devices.
Voice Control
Although the IKEA SYMFONISK Picture Frame does not have built-in voice assistants like Google Assistant or Alexa, it can still be controlled using external Amazon or Google-enabled devices. This allows users to control the speaker using voice commands, adding a layer of convenience.
Usage Scenarios
As a Standalone Speaker
When used as a standalone speaker, the IKEA SYMFONISK Picture Frame performs admirably for casual listening. Its bright sound profile and balanced mid-range make it suitable for most music genres, podcasts, and audiobooks. However, the directional soundstage might limit its effectiveness in larger rooms or when listening from off-center positions.
In a Home Theater Setup
The IKEA SYMFONISK Picture Frame can also be used as part of a surround sound setup in conjunction with other Sonos speakers. When used as surround speakers, they can enhance the audio experience of a Sonos home theater system. This is particularly beneficial for those who already own a Sonos soundbar and are looking to upgrade their setup for a more immersive experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Aesthetic Design: Blends seamlessly into home decor as a piece of wall art.
- Customizable Art Panels: Allows for personalization to match home interiors.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Ensures stable and high-quality audio streaming.
- Room Correction Feature: Adapts sound to the acoustics of the room.
- Bass and Treble Adjustments: Provides some flexibility in sound tuning.
- Minimal Compression: Maintains sound quality even at maximum volume.
Cons
- Lack of Low-Bass: Does not provide deep bass, which may be a drawback for bass enthusiasts.
- Narrow Soundstage: Audio experience is best from directly in front of the speaker.
- No Built-in Voice Assistant: Requires external devices for voice control.
- Downmixes Stereo Content: When used alone, it may reduce the immersive quality of stereo audio.
Conclusion
The IKEA SYMFONISK Picture Frame is a unique and innovative product that successfully combines art and audio technology. It is ideal for those who value aesthetics and wish to integrate a high-quality speaker into their home decor seamlessly. While it may not satisfy users looking for deep bass or a broad soundstage, it excels in providing clear and bright audio for casual listening and as part of a home theater setup.
Recommendation
For those looking to enhance their living space with a stylish and functional speaker, the IKEA SYMFONISK Picture Frame is a solid choice. Its ability to blend into the decor, coupled with the flexibility of customizable art panels, makes it a versatile addition to any home. Although it lacks certain features like built-in voice assistants and deep bass, its overall performance and integration with the Sonos ecosystem make it a worthwhile investment.
If you already own Sonos products and are looking to expand your system, the IKEA SYMFONISK Picture Frame can be a valuable addition. It not only enhances the audio experience but also adds an artistic element to your home. However, if deep bass and a wide soundstage are priorities for you, it might be worth considering other options or supplementing the Picture Frame with additional speakers to create a more comprehensive audio setup.