Name: IKEA SYMFONISK
Brand: IKEA
Price: 20 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 8 (8 reviews)

An Outstanding Fusion of Design and Sound

The IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker represents a remarkable collaboration between IKEA's design ethos and Sonos's audio expertise. It delivers a highly capable and surprisingly refined Wi-Fi audio experience for its accessible price point, seamlessly integrating into the Sonos multiroom ecosystem. While it foregoes Bluetooth and physical inputs, its elegant, versatile design and customizable sound profile make it an exceptional gateway to sophisticated home audio, despite some reported app and connectivity nuances.

Sound Quality8.5/10

The SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker offers a very good overall sound profile, characterized by impactful bass, decent definition, and an even midrange. It capably fills small to medium-sized rooms with a respectable volume, and its sonic landscape expands considerably when configured as a stereo pair, enhancing immersion.

Ease of Use & Setup8/10

Setting up the SYMFONISK is a largely intuitive and straightforward process, facilitated by the robust Sonos app for wireless configuration. App installation is seamless, and navigating between audio sources proves fairly intuitive. However, the physical console controls are notably unlabeled, and initial setup sometimes demands a firm, deliberate press of the buttons.

Design & Aesthetics9/10

Embodying IKEA's signature minimalist aesthetic, the speaker boasts a clean, elegant design with a removable weave-patterned cover that allows it to blend effortlessly into diverse home decors. Its unique ability to be wall-mounted and function as a functional shelf, supporting up to 6.6 pounds, is a testament to its thoughtful integration. Integrated rubber grommets further enhance stability and mitigate vibrations.

Features & Connectivity7/10

As a dedicated Sonos-compatible Wi-Fi speaker, it excels in multiroom audio capabilities and benefits from Trueplay room-correction (exclusive to iOS). However, its connectivity is solely reliant on internet streaming, conspicuously lacking Bluetooth support and any physical audio inputs. It's also worth noting that the essential wall-mounting brackets are an additional, separate purchase.

Value8.5/10

The SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker stands out as an exceptional value proposition, offering an affordable and highly accessible entry point into the coveted Sonos multiroom Wi-Fi audio ecosystem. It democratizes premium audio experiences, making the magic of Sonos more attainable for a broader audience.

PROS

Delivers very good overall sound quality with impactful bass and decent definition.
Features an even midrange and extended treble for a balanced auditory experience.
Provides a decent volume level suitable for small to medium-sized rooms.
Achieves a wider, more immersive sound stage when configured as a stereo pair.
Offers very good overall ease of use with an intuitive wireless setup via the Sonos app.
Boasts a clean, elegant design that blends seamlessly with most home decor.
Can be wall-mounted and utilized as a functional shelf, supporting up to 6.6 pounds.
Sound profile is customizable with bass and treble sliders in the Sonos S2 app.
Includes Sonos Trueplay room-correction for optimized sound based on room acoustics.
Rubber grommets on the exterior reduce vibration and prevent items from sliding.

CONS

Lacks deep bass extension, which may disappoint some audiophiles.
Midrange can exhibit a slight graininess, edginess, and a touch of constriction.
Treble is somewhat prominent, occasionally sizzly, and can sound a bit dry.
Recovers room ambience with only a mediocre performance.
A degree of fine detail and sonic complexity is noticeably absent.
Physical console controls (volume, play/pause) are unlabeled, hindering quick adjustments.
Console volume controls lack graphical position marking or an index of level.
Source selections are exclusively managed through the companion app.
Wall-mounting brackets are sold separately, adding to the overall cost.
Sonos Trueplay room-correction is exclusively available on iOS devices.
Does not support Bluetooth, limiting audio playback to an internet connection.
Setup sometimes requires unusually firm presses on the front controls.
Lacks a built-in battery, necessitating a constant power connection.
Does not achieve exceptionally high volume levels.
Absence of physical inputs means it is a streaming-only device.

Community Feedback

The user community largely hails the IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker as a "killer speaker," consistently praising its ability to deliver a significant amount of very decent sound for its price point. Many users report that its sound quality is excellent and often on par with, or very close to, the performance of Sonos 1 speakers, making it a compelling value proposition for expanding a Sonos system. However, the experience is not without its challenges. A recurring and significant concern revolves around connectivity, with widespread reports of common Wi-Fi issues, including difficulty connecting or maintaining a stable connection. Since the release of a new Sonos app, numerous users have also reported issues specifically with adding Symfonisk speakers to their systems. Furthermore, some users have experienced instances of Arc TV sound cutting in and out when paired with Symfonisk speakers, and a notable limitation cited is the inability to adjust the balance for individual speakers. There are also instances where the Sonos app has failed to recover speakers after certain software glitches, such as those caused by third-party music assistants. Despite these technical hurdles, the overarching sentiment remains positive regarding the speaker's sonic capabilities and its role in making the Sonos ecosystem more accessible.

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Conclusion

The IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker stands as a testament to intelligent design and strategic collaboration, successfully bridging the gap between accessible home furnishings and high-fidelity audio. It offers a remarkably capable and aesthetically pleasing Wi-Fi speaker solution that integrates seamlessly into the revered Sonos ecosystem. While its sonic profile, though very good, may not satisfy the most demanding audiophiles seeking profound bass or intricate detail, and its reliance on Wi-Fi connectivity without Bluetooth or physical inputs might be a limitation for some, its strengths far outweigh these minor caveats. The SYMFONISK democratizes multiroom audio, delivering a rich, customizable sound experience wrapped in a versatile, decor-friendly package. It remains an outstanding choice for those seeking to elevate their home audio without compromising on style or budget, offering a compelling entry into the world of Sonos.

Buy it if:

You desire an affordable entry into the Sonos multiroom audio ecosystem with excellent sound quality for its price. You appreciate a minimalist design that can blend seamlessly into your home decor, even functioning as a shelf. You primarily stream music over Wi-Fi and value room-correction features for optimized sound.

Don't buy it if:

You require deep, resonant bass or the absolute finest detail and complexity in your audio. You frequently rely on Bluetooth connectivity or physical audio inputs for your devices. You are an Android user who wishes to utilize the Trueplay room-correction feature, as it is iOS-exclusive. You are unwilling to troubleshoot potential app or Wi-Fi connectivity issues reported by some users.

Alternatives to consider

Sonos Play:1

The Sonos Play:1, while an older model, is often considered the spiritual predecessor and a direct competitor in terms of form factor and function within the Sonos ecosystem. Many users attest that the Symfonisk offers comparable sound quality, making the Play:1 a benchmark for its performance. The Symfonisk generally presents a more affordable entry point, but the Play:1 might offer a slightly more robust sound profile according to some discerning listeners, particularly in bass response and overall fullness.

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