Back in 2018, Swedish furniture manufacturer IKEA announced a collaboration with Sonos that would culminate in a joint speaker series.
The first model appeared a year later and the Symfonisk range has since been expanded to include two more models: In addition to a classic shelf speaker, there is a combination of lamp and speaker as well as a picture frame with an integrated speaker.
While the modern technology from Sonos inside the speakers is intended to provide the best possible sound in the home, the design is noticeably based on the typical simple curves of IKEA furniture.
All the more reason to take a closer look at the three Symfonisk variants and check whether they are worth buying, and not just for IKEA lovers.
IKEA picture frame with Sonos speaker
The picture frame from IKEA and Sonos is primarily aimed at all those who want to use a modern speaker but don’t want it to be visible in the room.
Alternatively, the pictures with integrated speaker can also serve perfectly as rear speakers for a surround system.
The idea behind this special picture is ingenious, but it also has its pitfalls: The picture itself has been designed in such a way that it is permeable to sound.
However, this also means that different images and motifs cannot simply be used. Instead, the speaker is offered with a pre-mounted motif.
However, it is possible to buy additional sound-permeable pictures from IKEA or to print your own motifs at Unisk-Design.
The entire device is quite large and, with dimensions of 57 x 41 x 6 centimetres (W x H x D), requires some space on the wall. The whole thing also weighs 3.76 kg.
It is also very important to mount the speaker/image mix correctly on the wall – including the rubber feet included in the scope of delivery.
Very few people will have a socket in the wall where the picture is to hang. That’s why the power cable hangs down on the wall as shown in the picture.
If you don’t like this, you can also place the picture on a sideboard to hide the cable better.
Typical Sonos sound in a new setting
In terms of sound, the Symfonisk picture frame scores with a 35 mm tweeter and a 94 mm mid-woofer, both of which are strongly reminiscent of the performance of the Sonos One.
The bass is pleasantly dynamic without being overpowering or even causing the entire wall to shake. The mids and highs are also pleasing, with the highs in particular standing out with a really good accentuation.
A double-edged sword is the maximum volume, which is somewhat lower than that of the Sonos One.
This makes sense for a picture frame, of course, because a high volume would quickly lead to strong vibrations, which would not only have a negative impact on the sound if it were mounted on the wall, but could also disturb the neighbors.
On the other hand, the speaker is more suitable for background music and will probably not be able to fill the next party with sound. However, anyone who can live with this will be convinced by the good idea and the strong implementation.
IKEA lamp with Sonos speaker
This model combines a modern table lamp with a high-quality Sonos loudspeaker and scores with its attractive design.
The light source itself is mounted on the top and provides a pleasantly diffuse light thanks to a glass shade.
However, there are several shades for the new generation in different shapes and colors (white, black, grey), which are either made of glass or plastic and are compatible with the speaker-lamp combination.
This allows users to choose the design ideas that suit their home ambience.
While the light source is attached to the top, the speaker forms the “base” of the structure and is visually reminiscent of a rounder Sonos One.
Thanks to its decent width and comfortable weight, the appliance offers a stable stand. However, it also requires quite a lot of space.
Lots of bass in all directions
The Sonos speaker with integrated lamp passes the sound test without any problems and scores points above all with a really strong radiation that is convincing even in larger rooms.
The sound is really powerful and the bass in particular surprises with great dynamics and a lot of pressure. Especially when the speaker is positioned close to the wall and can therefore generate additional resonance.
The Symfonisk lamp also performs well when reproducing voices. Anyone who enjoys listening to podcasts or radio plays will definitely be satisfied.
Sonos shelf speakers from IKEA
As with the lamp, the second generation of the Sonos bookshelf speaker is now available on the market, although it is no different from the successful first generation, at least in appearance.
Both IKEA and Sonos are also holding back on further details, so we can only speculate about what technical advances have been used inside the WiFi speaker.
The second generation is still equipped with a rectangular design, which on the one hand appears simple and unobtrusive, but at the same time can be integrated into any ambience precisely because of its simplicity.
The dimensions remain at 31 x 10 x 15 centimeters (H x W x D) and, like its predecessor, the Symfonisk speaker can be positioned both horizontally and vertically, which gives it additional flexibility in use.
Especially when placed on a shelf, it can be perfectly positioned next to books or files.
It is also possible to attach it to the wall using a simple bracket – both horizontally and vertically. However, this is not included in the scope of delivery and must be purchased separately.
Sonos quality for 99 euros
From a sound point of view, the Symfonisk bookshelf speaker really does offer the typical Sonos sound – but at a much lower price, which you can’t even achieve with regular models using tricks.
The model scores with a crisp bass that does not have to give way even with particularly bass-heavy pieces of music. The treble is also well accentuated and doesn’t blur into an unattractive mishmash, even at high volumes.
If you want to criticize at a high level, you’ll mainly find what you’re looking for in the mids. If you listen very carefully, you will get a dynamic and dominant bass and clearly audible highs.
However, the mids disappear and are partially hidden in the background. This may hardly be noticeable in everyday listening, but audiophiles will notice it nonetheless.
In terms of sound performance, the IKEA model is best compared with the Sonos One, which is more than twice as expensive. This is a really decent performance that IKEA has brought to the market in conjunction with Sonos.
IKEA & Sonos – Conclusion
All three Symfonisk variants benefit noticeably from the built-in Sonos technology: the sound is always good and the connection to existing speakers via the Sonos app works quickly and easily.
If you have problems with the WLAN connection, you can also connect one or more devices to the router via LAN cable, which guarantees a more stable connection.
The ideas behind the products are also really good and if you are looking for a speaker that can also be used as a piece of furniture, then this is the one for you.
The low prices in particular should also convince all those who were previously put off by the Sonos prices. This is because no compromises have been made in terms of quality.
Lars Grudzinski has been working as a sound and lighting technician since the 90s, was a DJ for electronic music, has a large collection of vintage speakers, and has been working for various radio stations in Germany for 20 years. At home, he enjoys high-quality home theater products such as soundbars and projectors and has installed an extensive Sonos system in his own home.