Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the IKEA SYMFONISK bookshelf speaker, a cool collaboration between IKEA and Sonos. This isn't just your average speaker; it's a piece of furniture that doubles as a sound system. We'll check out its features, sound quality, setup, and how it stacks up against other smart speakers.

What is the IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker?

The IKEA SYMFONISK bookshelf speaker is a Wi-Fi speaker designed to blend seamlessly into your home decor. It combines IKEA's knack for functional design with Sonos's audio expertise, offering an affordable entry point into the world of multi-room audio. More than just a speaker, it’s designed to fit into your shelving units, be mounted on a wall, or simply sit on a table. It's all about flexibility and blending tech with your living space.

Design and Build Quality

Let's talk looks. The SYMFONISK bookshelf speaker sports a minimalist, Scandinavian design. It's a rectangular box, available in either black or white, with a fabric front. The build quality is decent for the price. It feels sturdy enough to withstand everyday use, but it's not going to blow you away with premium materials. The speaker is compact and can be placed horizontally or vertically, giving you plenty of options for placement. It’s designed to disappear into your existing decor rather than stand out as a statement piece. The simple design ensures it fits well in any room, from a modern apartment to a cozy home office. The fabric front gives it a soft, approachable look, while the clean lines keep it modern and sleek.

The speaker's dimensions are approximately 12 inches wide, 6 inches high, and 4 inches deep, making it easy to slot into most bookshelves. On the back, you'll find the power port and an Ethernet port for a wired connection, which can be useful if your Wi-Fi isn't the strongest. The speaker also has mounting holes, allowing you to attach it to a wall or even use it as a shelf with a maximum load of 6.6 pounds. This versatility is one of the speaker’s key selling points, making it a practical addition to small spaces or rooms where you want to minimize clutter.

Sound Quality

Now, for the most important part: how does it sound? The SYMFONISK bookshelf speaker delivers surprisingly good audio for its size and price. The sound is balanced, with clear vocals and a decent amount of bass. It's not going to compete with high-end audiophile speakers, but it's more than adequate for casual listening, background music, or enjoying your favorite podcasts. The speaker fills a small to medium-sized room quite well, providing a pleasant listening experience without distortion at higher volumes.

The speaker features a two-driver design, with a tweeter for high frequencies and a mid-woofer for the mids and lows. This combination allows for a full sound range, making it suitable for various music genres. Whether you're into pop, rock, classical, or electronic music, the SYMFONISK holds its own. The bass is punchy without being overpowering, and the highs are crisp without being harsh. The overall sound signature is warm and inviting, making it easy to listen to for extended periods.

Features and Connectivity

Being a Sonos product, the SYMFONISK bookshelf speaker comes with a suite of smart features. It connects to your home Wi-Fi network and integrates seamlessly with the Sonos ecosystem. This means you can group it with other Sonos speakers to create a multi-room audio setup, control it with the Sonos app, and stream music from a wide range of services, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more. The Sonos app is intuitive and easy to use, allowing you to adjust the volume, skip tracks, and create playlists with ease.

The speaker also supports Apple AirPlay 2, so you can stream audio directly from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. This is a great feature for those who prefer Apple's ecosystem and want a quick and easy way to play music. Additionally, the SYMFONISK can be paired with other Sonos speakers to create a stereo pair, providing a wider and more immersive soundstage. This is a fantastic option for those who want to enhance their listening experience and create a more dynamic audio setup.

Setting Up the IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker

Setting up the IKEA SYMFONISK bookshelf speaker is super easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Download the Sonos App: If you don't already have it, download the Sonos app on your smartphone or tablet. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
2. Connect to Power: Plug the speaker into a power outlet. The speaker will automatically power on.
3. Open the Sonos App: Launch the Sonos app and follow the on-screen instructions. The app will guide you through the process of connecting the speaker to your Wi-Fi network.
4. Add the Speaker: The app will detect the new speaker. Follow the prompts to add it to your Sonos system. You may need to press the button on the back of the speaker to initiate the connection.
5. Customize Settings: Once the speaker is connected, you can customize its settings, such as the room name, EQ settings, and more. You can also group it with other Sonos speakers to create a multi-room audio setup.

Tips for Optimal Placement

• Bookshelf Placement: If you're placing the speaker on a bookshelf, make sure it's not obstructed by books or other objects. This will ensure the sound is clear and unobstructed.
• Wall Mounting: If you're mounting the speaker on a wall, use the appropriate hardware and ensure it's securely attached. Consider the height and angle of the speaker for optimal sound projection.
• Tabletop Placement: If you're placing the speaker on a table, use a non-slip surface to prevent it from moving or falling. Experiment with different positions to find the best sound.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, let's break down the pros and cons of the IKEA SYMFONISK bookshelf speaker.

Pros

• Affordable Price: One of the most attractive features of the SYMFONISK is its price. It's an affordable entry point into the Sonos ecosystem, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
• Good Sound Quality: For its size and price, the SYMFONISK delivers surprisingly good sound quality. The sound is balanced, with clear vocals and a decent amount of bass.
• Seamless Integration with Sonos: The SYMFONISK integrates seamlessly with the Sonos ecosystem, allowing you to create a multi-room audio setup and stream music from a wide range of services.
• Versatile Design: The speaker's versatile design allows it to be placed horizontally or vertically, mounted on a wall, or used as a shelf. This makes it a practical addition to any room.
• Easy Setup: Setting up the SYMFONISK is quick and easy, thanks to the intuitive Sonos app.

Cons

• Basic Design: While the minimalist design is appealing to some, others may find it too basic. It's not a statement piece and may not stand out in a room.
• Limited Bass: While the bass is decent, it's not as powerful as some other speakers in its price range. Bass heads may find it lacking.
• No Bluetooth: The SYMFONISK relies solely on Wi-Fi for connectivity. It does not have Bluetooth, which may be a drawback for some users.
• Plastic Build: The build quality is decent, but the plastic construction doesn't feel as premium as some other speakers.

Alternatives to the IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker

If the IKEA SYMFONISK bookshelf speaker doesn't quite meet your needs, here are a few alternatives to consider:

• Sonos One (Gen 2): The Sonos One is a step up in terms of sound quality and features. It has a more powerful sound, built-in voice control, and a more premium design. However, it's also more expensive.
• Amazon Echo (4th Gen): The Amazon Echo is a smart speaker with built-in voice control and a range of smart home features. It's a great option for those who want a speaker that can do more than just play music.
• Google Nest Audio: The Google Nest Audio is a smart speaker with a focus on sound quality. It has a balanced sound and integrates seamlessly with Google Assistant.
• IKEA SYMFONISK Table Lamp Speaker: Another option from the IKEA SYMFONISK line, this speaker combines a table lamp with a speaker, offering both light and sound in one device.

Who is This Speaker For?

The IKEA SYMFONISK bookshelf speaker is perfect for:

• Budget-conscious music lovers: If you're looking for an affordable way to get into the Sonos ecosystem, this speaker is a great starting point.
• Small to medium-sized rooms: The speaker is ideal for bedrooms, offices, or small living rooms.
• Those who value simplicity and versatility: The speaker's minimalist design and versatile placement options make it a great fit for any home.
• Anyone looking to expand their Sonos system: If you already have Sonos speakers, the SYMFONISK is an easy and affordable way to add more sound to your home.

Final Verdict

The IKEA SYMFONISK bookshelf speaker is a fantastic entry-level speaker that offers a great combination of sound quality, features, and affordability. While it may not compete with high-end audiophile speakers, it's more than adequate for casual listening and background music. Its seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem, versatile design, and easy setup make it a winner. If you're on a budget and looking for a simple, reliable speaker, the SYMFONISK is definitely worth considering. So there you have it, guys. Happy listening!