Now i've had my ears tested and the top out at L-10kHz, R-11kHz (age!) i've given up expensive hi-fi and love the range of mass market fidelity offerings at great prices. Sonos is good.
They sound way better than they should for $200 as a Stereo Pair. I can't think of any other speakers for the price that sound this good, even forgetting about the Sonos capabilities.
This is a good overall review on the various functions of the speaker but I would have loved to actually hear various types of music on it. I am aware that it would sound completely different in real life, but you can make get an idea on how clear or in fact bassy it may sound. It has helped me though when you said it's not very bassy, as low bass is exactly what I need. Thank you.
I bought one today as a result of watching this review. My limited experience with the speaker so far is impressive. The materials and build quality for a $99 speaker is superb; it feels of quality. And sound quality as well as volume are pretty good. I bought one to test before investing in a second to pair and mount above my tv to use while watching movies. The Airplay functionality was the selling point for me. Great review.
Derek Noll i bought one as well last week for testing, and I’m not impressed at all, I mean JBLs Bluetooth speaker that are smaller for a similar price sound way better and are way stronger imo. I mean it’s kinda ok for the toilet, that’s where I use it now. But this thing is never gonna go into my living room, I’ve got a play 5 in my living (my living room is quiet small) and if anything I will probably buy more play 5s used for around 300€ than this ikea / Sonos crap for 100€
Is it a maximum of two as individual setups, or two as part of a surround system? I.e., I am looking to buy three for three separate rooms; is this possible?
@@bramvanhoof94 Very welcome! I have a bit of issue when I use Spotify, sometimes it doesn't work for a while but it starts working again in a minute or two, I don't know why, though, hope you don't have to go through it!
@@bramvanhoof94 I'm pretty sure it's from Spotify app, it started happening probably 6 months ago or so. I often need to try a few times until the Spotify app is connected to the speakers. Even if it appears connected, I sometimes need to do so from Sonos app, sometimes more than once. It works but a bit annoying. Sonos Radio, iHeart and tried RUclips Premium/Music (still free trial, so I don't have to deal with ads also!!) last week, all the others that can be controlled from Sonos app don't have such issue.
Not the easiest to setup but once done mine works well. I find it better if you stream through airplay using the iOS home app, which requires the 8 number PIN hidden on the back of the speaker. I prefer this instead of using the Sonos app which affects your original app using experience. Be aware of the permanent “ON” light which might disturb your sleep.
As an aside, the wall mount bracket doesn’t actually have any screws for mounting the bracket to the wall. IKEA sells a small kit for mounting things to the wall that has a variety of screws that’ll work with the $20 bracket.
@@AppleInsider nope isn't odd, on one of the ikea webpages they explain this, because there are a lot of different wall types out there and they wanted to keep it simple, so as not to sell 10's or more of different screws and plugs for say wet walls, plywood, concrete, plaster, you name it, so as to keep it ikea-priced too so to say. and that seems rather logical if you ask me. also it's mentioned in the booklet/instruction manual as follows: "As wall materials vary, screws for fixing to wall are not included. For advice on suitable screw systems, contact your local specialised dealer." (link: www.ikea.com/us/en/assembly_instructions/symfonisk-speaker-wall-bracket__AA-2143848-1_pub.pdf )
This is a common thing with Ikea products, they don’t tell you that this certain product needs brackets and you have to go back to Ikea to pick it up. But one thing is that whatever you need I.e. nails, bracket, they are free, just wish they tell you beforehand.
AppleInsider ahh that’s good they tell you! The Ikea products I have bought didn’t and had to make another trip. But thanks for letting us know, good stuff!
If t doubles up as a stand to keep curio items on, I wonder if it goes deep at all. Because bass will cause the things on top of it to rumble and slide. What's the spec on the lowest frequency it produces?
Yes, of course they work with Sonos Arc. I bought them, and it works with the app and everything. Why would you think it wouldn’t work Bryan? Idiot. SMH
Oh wow! I got at Tuesday the advertisement e-mail about the speakers. I’m surprised that (unlike HomePod which is not yet sold in my country) the IKEA product is rolled out in several countries at the same time! Wonderful! Thank you for a great review!
Took so long explaining how it works with iOS.... But nothing for Android? Do I assume it just won't work with Android or that no one can be bothered to test it with Android?
How do you link them to a vinyl player as I'm considering buying these as my set up as I want to have a speaker on each side then interlink them together which will play the same sound. I would really appreciate some guidance.
what thing you didn`t meantion is that there is a 1-2 second delay on this speaker. So when you hit Play button, you will hear the music after 1-2 seconds. This goes the other way, if you want to stop the music and you hit STOP button, the music will keep playing for another 1-2 seconds.
+Troy Asher I'm would like to connect a couple to my TV as well. It doesn't matter where the tv gets its signal, but since Symfonisk doesn't have bluetooth, you couldn't (as far as I can see) connect this without an additional Sonos product like Playabase/Playbar/Beam ($400-700). If you have a AppleTV, you should be able to use it with AirPlay. I can't figure out if it would be possible to use a HDMI-to-ethernet adapter though.
Not sure of an affordable option, but the $349 Sonos Connect will allow you to transmit audio from stereo or tv equipment to these and other Sonos speakers
Bengt Mossing they do NOT sound the same as the Sonos one. The Sonos one has a waaaaay deeper sound and the middles are less hollow. The price for the speaker / Sonos network is great though.
Consider the price. They sound excellent, $200 for a stereo pair beats any other pair of $200 powered speakers out there that I'm aware of - then add on the value of the Sonos ecosystem. Unbeatable value.
Are there any limitations with using Siri and this speaker ? I’ve been holding off on getting a smart speaker (home pod too expensive) but I am an Apple user and I don’t want to have to use another voice assistant other than Siri
3 times in the first 60 seconds he tells us what he's going to be "checking out" in this video. Guess what dufus, i already know, i read the title, that's why i clicked.
This speaker is not for me, I hate the idea that I can't use a close-range Bluetooth connection with my favorite audio app and personal audio file collection. You are forced to use their app (vendor lock-in by Sonos in this case) over Wi-Fi on your phone, which gives me an uneasy feeling, since you can't really know if they are snooping on your audio listening habits or scanning you audio file collection or more. I rather stay with traditional cabled connections and Bluetooth for wireless, don't wan't all that so called smart stuff for basic audio listening.
This speaker is not for me, I hate the idea that I can't use a close-range Bluetooth connection with my favorite audio app and personal audio file collection. You are forced to use their app (vendor lock-in by Sonos in this case) over Wi-Fi on your phone, which gives me an uneasy feeling, since you can't really know if they are snooping on your audio listening habits or scanning you audio file collection or more. I rather stay with traditional cabled connections and Bluetooth for wireless, don't wan't all that so called smart stuff for basic audio listening.
This speaker is not for me, I hate the idea that I can't use a close-range Bluetooth connection with my favorite audio app and personal audio file collection. You are forced to use their app (vendor lock-in by Sonos in this case) over Wi-Fi on your phone, which gives me an uneasy feeling, since you can't really know if they are snooping on your audio listening habits or scanning you audio file collection or more. I rather stay with traditional cabled connections and Bluetooth for wireless, don't wan't all that so called smart stuff for basic audio listening.
This speaker is not for me, I hate the idea that I can't use a close-range Bluetooth connection with my favorite audio app and personal audio file collection. You are forced to use their app (vendor lock-in by Sonos in this case) over Wi-Fi on your phone, which gives me an uneasy feeling, since you can't really know if they are snooping on your audio listening habits or scanning you audio file collection or more. I rather stay with traditional cabled connections and Bluetooth for wireless, don't wan't all that so called smart stuff for basic audio listening.
This speaker is not for me, I hate the idea that I can't use a close-range Bluetooth connection with my favorite audio app and personal audio file collection. You are forced to use their app (vendor lock-in by Sonos in this case) over Wi-Fi on your phone, which gives me an uneasy feeling, since you can't really know if they are snooping on your audio listening habits or scanning you audio file collection or more. I rather stay with traditional cabled connections and Bluetooth for wireless, don't wan't all that so called smart stuff for basic audio listening.
i heard this in ikea and my ears just couldnt get enough of it for 100 its really good
Yes and the bass is so good 🥰
Now i've had my ears tested and the top out at L-10kHz, R-11kHz (age!) i've given up expensive hi-fi and love the range of mass market fidelity offerings at great prices. Sonos is good.
They sound way better than they should for $200 as a Stereo Pair. I can't think of any other speakers for the price that sound this good, even forgetting about the Sonos capabilities.
Pioneer SPBS21lr sounded 1000x better
No audio test?
This is a good overall review on the various functions of the speaker but I would have loved to actually hear various types of music on it. I am aware that it would sound completely different in real life, but you can make get an idea on how clear or in fact bassy it may sound. It has helped me though when you said it's not very bassy, as low bass is exactly what I need. Thank you.
Got a pair of these last week; they are excellent; especially with the beam!
Can you use both at the same time ?
@@studentstyle1636 Hey yes! I use a pair of the bookshelves as surrounds for my beam! Works like a charm!
I bought one today as a result of watching this review. My limited experience with the speaker so far is impressive. The materials and build quality for a $99 speaker is superb; it feels of quality. And sound quality as well as volume are pretty good. I bought one to test before investing in a second to pair and mount above my tv to use while watching movies. The Airplay functionality was the selling point for me.
Great review.
Derek Noll i bought one as well last week for testing, and I’m not impressed at all, I mean JBLs Bluetooth speaker that are smaller for a similar price sound way better and are way stronger imo. I mean it’s kinda ok for the toilet, that’s where I use it now. But this thing is never gonna go into my living room, I’ve got a play 5 in my living (my living room is quiet small) and if anything I will probably buy more play 5s used for around 300€ than this ikea / Sonos crap for 100€
Does it need to be assembled? 😅
Duhh, its IKEA
@SavageArfad do you know what whoosh means
I wondered how good they would be. Thanks for such a timely review!
What!! he said nothing about the sound, oh you wonder what you could place on top of them right ?!
@@pnb3876 At 5:55 he talks about how they sound.
@@SwedishRamblings
5:55 lol ok! wow you would be a sales persons dream 💭
@@pnb3876 Yes, from that point and a bit onwards. Not sure why you're acting so rude. You said something incorrect, I corrected you.
@@SwedishRamblings your correct I was being rude, I apologise
Is it a maximum of two as individual setups, or two as part of a surround system? I.e., I am looking to buy three for three separate rooms; is this possible?
Two as a stereo pair (or rears in a surround sound setup). You can group as many as you want in the Sonos app and send audio to them all.
I like mine, an unexpected plus is that Symfonisk makes Airplay 2 work with old Sonos Play 1 by grouping with It
This commend made me buy one! Thanx
@@bramvanhoof94 Very welcome! I have a bit of issue when I use Spotify, sometimes it doesn't work for a while but it starts working again in a minute or two, I don't know why, though, hope you don't have to go through it!
@@hidekigomi Is this problem occuring while listening to Spotify using the Spotify app, or through airplay 2?
@@bramvanhoof94 I'm pretty sure it's from Spotify app, it started happening probably 6 months ago or so. I often need to try a few times until the Spotify app is connected to the speakers. Even if it appears connected, I sometimes need to do so from Sonos app, sometimes more than once. It works but a bit annoying. Sonos Radio, iHeart and tried RUclips Premium/Music (still free trial, so I don't have to deal with ads also!!) last week, all the others that can be controlled from Sonos app don't have such issue.
@@hidekigomi have the issues been resolved?
Can this be paired to an Apple HomePod
Not the easiest to setup but once done mine works well. I find it better if you stream through airplay using the iOS home app, which requires the 8 number PIN hidden on the back of the speaker. I prefer this instead of using the Sonos app which affects your original app using experience. Be aware of the permanent “ON” light which might disturb your sleep.
I bought mine 3 years ago and I haven't been able to connect it. I'm so annoyed
i am looking for pairing two of them with my Beam. Is that a good idea?
yes you can use them as rear surrounds.
As an aside, the wall mount bracket doesn’t actually have any screws for mounting the bracket to the wall. IKEA sells a small kit for mounting things to the wall that has a variety of screws that’ll work with the $20 bracket.
This is true. Kind of odd.
@@AppleInsider nope isn't odd, on one of the ikea webpages they explain this, because there are a lot of different wall types out there and they wanted to keep it simple, so as not to sell 10's or more of different screws and plugs for say wet walls, plywood, concrete, plaster, you name it, so as to keep it ikea-priced too so to say. and that seems rather logical if you ask me. also it's mentioned in the booklet/instruction manual as follows:
"As wall materials vary, screws for fixing
to wall are not included. For advice on
suitable screw systems, contact your local
specialised dealer."
(link: www.ikea.com/us/en/assembly_instructions/symfonisk-speaker-wall-bracket__AA-2143848-1_pub.pdf )
This is a common thing with Ikea products, they don’t tell you that this certain product needs brackets and you have to go back to Ikea to pick it up. But one thing is that whatever you need I.e. nails, bracket, they are free, just wish they tell you beforehand.
They specifically tell you what screw to use. I’d think standard drywall screws would be ok to include
AppleInsider ahh that’s good they tell you! The Ikea products I have bought didn’t and had to make another trip. But thanks for letting us know, good stuff!
What's the clock in the background at 2:00 called?
Any luck? Really like this clock
What’s the clock on your desk?
If t doubles up as a stand to keep curio items on, I wonder if it goes deep at all. Because bass will cause the things on top of it to rumble and slide. What's the spec on the lowest frequency it produces?
What alarm clock is that seen on your desk at 1:56? looks cool :)
I’ve been having trouble updating it how do I solve the issue?
You can't anymore due to a defect.
Wonder can the lamp light be controlled by HomeKit
Not natively but you can put a homekit compatible bulb in it
My bro got me one for Christmas. I’m willing to buy another one
How do you not do any review of the actual audio quality?
Since the Symfonisk speakers are Airplay 2 compatible will they turn my non Airplay Sonos 3 into Airplay also
Is it integrated with Smartthings? The way newer Sonos speakers can do custom voice responses in custom home automations?
Can I use it in conjunction with my new Echo Dot 3rd gen?
Me: 3 missed calls , panic mode..
This guy: 26 missed calls.. chill bro, I need to finish making this video.
Good review, looks like your missed a few calls during the making of this video. Does it play Spotify? Or perhaps can you stream Bluetooth to it?
It's spotify connect and Airplay 2
Sonos are WiFi only no Bluetooth and you can use Spotify
....and they sound great.
Is there a desktop app for pc?It is for my business so I want it to connect to my pc
yes
Can you have three speakers or only two speakers
Does it sound as good as the Sonos One?
Not quite, but ALMOST there
Yes it does. I have both and the sound quality is equal.
Can you stereo pair two of them?
I think you can with any Sonos
Yes you can!
Guy Stevens you can stereo pair two of the same kind of speakers.
I just purchased two today at ikea....I’m very impressed ⭐️
Does it auto connect to Bluetooth when you turn it on and turn it off?
It's not Bluetooth, it's Wi-Fi
could i connect it to a record player
Do they work with Google nest;;,
Love those notebooks - do you have a link for where I can pick those up?
Anyone have Sonos Arc and these for surround sound? Does it work?
Yes, of course they work with Sonos Arc. I bought them, and it works with the app and everything. Why would you think it wouldn’t work Bryan? Idiot. SMH
Oh wow! I got at Tuesday the advertisement e-mail about the speakers. I’m surprised that (unlike HomePod which is not yet sold in my country) the IKEA product is rolled out in several countries at the same time! Wonderful! Thank you for a great review!
Wow ikea bird made a company
Ok did you use screws to hold up the speaker?
How come IKEA in my area is charging $169 instead of the advertised $99?!
Is that not the price of the lamp speaker?
Could this be connected to a Google Home?
Took so long explaining how it works with iOS.... But nothing for Android? Do I assume it just won't work with Android or that no one can be bothered to test it with Android?
do they pair with a tv?
This sounds more like a Sonos ad than a review
To be fair sonos are that good
Please can someone help me install them cause its not possible for em to install ! Its with Bluetooth or what ?
Wifi not Bluetooth
can someone please answer me this question. can this speaker works with pc window?
No, this speaker doesn't have a line in option or Bluetooth to stream to it.
How do you link them to a vinyl player as I'm considering buying these as my set up as I want to have a speaker on each side then interlink them together which will play the same sound. I would really appreciate some guidance.
MrBrownGuy95 unfortunately you can’t because these speakers don’t have auxiliary input. You can only stream over WiFi to these.
You can buy an "AMP" from Sonos. This device lets you connect your non-wifi audio sources to the Sonos environment :-)
what thing you didn`t meantion is that there is a 1-2 second delay on this speaker. So when you hit Play button, you will hear the music after 1-2 seconds. This goes the other way, if you want to stop the music and you hit STOP button, the music will keep playing for another 1-2 seconds.
That's a very miniscule point.
The homepod is still the only speaker that has Hey Siri and Apple Music integration right?
This has Apple Music integration
3:42 where did you get that AirPods case?
Rayner that is a skin not a case
Skin is probably from Dbrand
Rice Gum its a case not a skin
Can these be used if I’m just watching TV through an over the air antenna?
+Troy Asher
I'm would like to connect a couple to my TV as well. It doesn't matter where the tv gets its signal, but since Symfonisk doesn't have bluetooth, you couldn't (as far as I can see) connect this without an additional Sonos product like Playabase/Playbar/Beam ($400-700). If you have a AppleTV, you should be able to use it with AirPlay. I can't figure out if it would be possible to use a HDMI-to-ethernet adapter though.
Not sure of an affordable option, but the $349 Sonos Connect will allow you to transmit audio from stereo or tv equipment to these and other Sonos speakers
If you like it as a bookshelf design get it, but don’t expect great quality sound for the price you pay
Rubbish! They sound just as good as sonos one/play:1. If you are a hi-fi geek, move on. Sonos/Ikea speakers are not meant for you then.
Bengt Mossing they do NOT sound the same as the Sonos one. The Sonos one has a waaaaay deeper sound and the middles are less hollow. The price for the speaker / Sonos network is great though.
Consider the price. They sound excellent, $200 for a stereo pair beats any other pair of $200 powered speakers out there that I'm aware of - then add on the value of the Sonos ecosystem. Unbeatable value.
Are there any limitations with using Siri and this speaker ? I’ve been holding off on getting a smart speaker (home pod too expensive) but I am an Apple user and I don’t want to have to use another voice assistant other than Siri
Well, it does not have a built-in microphone, but should work otherwise as it supports AirPlay 2.
It will be better in wireless wifi.
How do you use this speaker for movies? Is it integrated with your home theatre? If so, how? Thanks!
I moved out and now I can’t play my speaker anymore
why did U NOT PLAY it for a a sound check
A recording of it wouldn’t do it justice
Got two last week, to add the the somos I already had. Love them!
I'm waiting for someone to hack it and add wireless charging capability to the shelf. It'd be perfect!
You can buy an IKEA wireless charging pad and stick it on top of the speaker.
a double intro come on!
Does it sound?
audio samples?
do not even bother...not worthy of most music...sound is meh.
Man that packaging design is really disappointing
It’s ikea, what do you expect?
Eric D yeah, ikea boxes looks very plain and industrial. Honestly im fine with ikea boxes
Yeah IKEA considers that a fancy box lol
Pixel lmao yes. Usually its very minimal. But this one has a black gradient so its pretty fancy for an ikea box XD
Sonos is great
Hanging out vibe room
This was more app than speaker review
Shouldn’t a speaker have a sound review!?! Not what you can place on it !
So true
Alexa?
Fy bro why you didn’t play that…
Lets review a speaker and not play any music from it.
What does it actually sound like though 😒
Well....well.....it does produce sound...kind of poorly though...but then what did I expect.
I returned mine.
3 times in the first 60 seconds he tells us what he's going to be "checking out" in this video. Guess what dufus, i already know, i read the title, that's why i clicked.
Nice
Glen David Gold! Great book, Carter Beats the Devil!!!
Vedeo sound needs some work
No actual sound test? WTF :)))) thumb down
Too complicated setup
not a word how many actual speakers have this. Lot of BS, cant believe I watch this AD.
A single speaker is great for listening to stereo music, i would never waste my money on junk like this.
A shelf with tail? Really? That have given a lot of thought to this mediocre speaker
You pronounce ikea wrong.
Tommi eeeekea?
a review with no actual solid information.
Waste of time
Looks dumb used an actual bookshelf in my opinion...like it’s a speaker...it should be on a shelf
Don’t buy it! It doesn’t support Bluetooth like wtf were in 2021
Where's the sound test? Worst review
Fairy tales 🧚♂️. No sounds. Bul... kind of SPEAKERS review
hi
yuck, apple
"It has the Sonos sound." Alright then. No go....
This speaker is not for me, I hate the idea that I can't use a
close-range Bluetooth connection with my favorite audio app and personal
audio file collection. You are forced to use their app (vendor lock-in
by Sonos in this case) over Wi-Fi on your phone, which gives me an
uneasy feeling, since you
can't really know if they are snooping on your audio listening habits or
scanning you audio file collection or more. I rather stay with
traditional cabled connections and Bluetooth for wireless, don't wan't
all that so called smart stuff for basic audio listening.
This speaker is not for me, I hate the idea that I can't use a
close-range Bluetooth connection with my favorite audio app and personal
audio file collection. You are forced to use their app (vendor lock-in
by Sonos in this case) over Wi-Fi on your phone, which gives me an
uneasy feeling, since you
can't really know if they are snooping on your audio listening habits or
scanning you audio file collection or more. I rather stay with
traditional cabled connections and Bluetooth for wireless, don't wan't
all that so called smart stuff for basic audio listening.
This speaker is not for me, I hate the idea that I can't use a
close-range Bluetooth connection with my favorite audio app and personal
audio file collection. You are forced to use their app (vendor lock-in
by Sonos in this case) over Wi-Fi on your phone, which gives me an
uneasy feeling, since you
can't really know if they are snooping on your audio listening habits or
scanning you audio file collection or more. I rather stay with
traditional cabled connections and Bluetooth for wireless, don't wan't
all that so called smart stuff for basic audio listening.
This speaker is not for me, I hate the idea that I can't use a
close-range Bluetooth connection with my favorite audio app and personal
audio file collection. You are forced to use their app (vendor lock-in
by Sonos in this case) over Wi-Fi on your phone, which gives me an
uneasy feeling, since you
can't really know if they are snooping on your audio listening habits or
scanning you audio file collection or more. I rather stay with
traditional cabled connections and Bluetooth for wireless, don't wan't
all that so called smart stuff for basic audio listening.
This speaker is not for me, I hate the idea that I can't use a
close-range Bluetooth connection with my favorite audio app and personal
audio file collection. You are forced to use their app (vendor lock-in
by Sonos in this case) over Wi-Fi on your phone, which gives me an
uneasy feeling, since you
can't really know if they are snooping on your audio listening habits or
scanning you audio file collection or more. I rather stay with
traditional cabled connections and Bluetooth for wireless, don't wan't
all that so called smart stuff for basic audio listening.