Let’s talk about the IKEA SYMFONISK Speaker Lamp – a quirky little device that’s part lamp part speaker.
Having spent decades surrounded by gadgets and gizmos I’ve learned a thing or two about what makes a product truly shine (and what makes it a dust collector). So grab your coffee settle in and let’s dissect this intriguing blend of form and function.
A Symphony of Light and Sound (Mostly Sound)
The premise is appealing: a stylish lamp that doubles as a speaker.
It’s a space-saving solution particularly for smaller apartments or rooms where clutter is the enemy.
The design itself is understated and elegant blending seamlessly into most home decors.
The fabric shade gives it a warm cozy feel though the option of a glass shade offers a more modern aesthetic.
I found the build quality to be surprisingly solid for its price point though handling the lampshades requires a gentle touch.
Those delicate fabric shades feel like they could easily snag; treat them with care!
The initial setup is relatively straightforward especially if you’re already familiar with the Sonos ecosystem.
The connection process is smooth and the Sonos S2 app is intuitive and user-friendly.
However the reliance on Wi-Fi and the absence of Bluetooth compatibility is a significant limitation.
In today’s world of seamless connectivity this feels like a step backward.
Why exclude Bluetooth? It’s a simple widely used technology that would expand the speaker’s versatility immensely.
The Sound: A Bright Spot with Bass Limitations
This is where things get a little more nuanced.
With the room correction feature (Trueplay as Sonos calls it) enabled the sound profile is undeniably bright.
Highs are crisp and clear making vocals and instruments in the upper register sound incredibly detailed.
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This is great for podcasts and audiobooks where clarity is paramount.
However this brightness comes at a cost.
The bass response is severely lacking.
Don’t expect to feel the deep satisfying rumble of a quality subwoofer; this speaker is all about the treble and mid-range.
While the Sonos app allows for bass and treble adjustment it’s a band-aid on a deeper issue.
The inherent limitations of the speaker’s design simply can’t be completely overcome with software tweaks.
The lack of robust bass significantly hampers its performance with movies and bass-heavy music genres like electronic dance music (EDM) or hip-hop.
The low-end is practically nonexistent diminishing the impact of these audio experiences.
While it’s fine for background music or casual listening it won’t replace a dedicated home theater system.
It’s a great bedside companion for audiobooks but it falls short for any serious listening.
Comparing Notes: How Does It Stack Up?
To provide a useful comparison let’s examine how the SYMFONISK Speaker Lamp measures up against other players in the market.
IKEA SYMFONISK vs. Sonos One Gen 2: A Family Affair
The Sonos One Gen 2 being a fellow Sonos product provides a natural comparison point.
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The One Gen 2 boasts built-in voice assistants a feature conspicuously absent from the SYMFONISK.
While the SYMFONISK offers the clever two-in-one lamp/speaker design the One Gen 2 wins in terms of overall sound balance and voice assistant integration.
The One Gen 2’s sound profile is also less bright a point some might see as a positive.
IKEA SYMFONISK vs. Bose Home Speaker 500: Different Approaches
The Bose Home Speaker 500 is another strong contender.
The Bose offers superior sound staging and overall loudness while maintaining a good balance across the frequency range.
However the SYMFONISK has that undeniably unique dual functionality that makes it stand out.
It’s a trade-off.
Better balanced sound and voice control (Bose) versus integrated lighting (IKEA).
IKEA SYMFONISK Family Matters: Internal Competition
Within the IKEA SYMFONISK family the Speaker Lamp sits alongside its bookshelf and picture frame siblings.
While the bookshelf speaker offers more volume and less compression at maximum volume the Speaker Lamp presents a slightly better balanced sound profile and superior directivity.
The picture frame on the other hand pales in comparison to the Speaker Lamp in both sound quality and directivity.
It’s clear that the Speaker Lamp is the better choice out of the three IKEA-Sonos speakers.
The Verdict: A Niche Player with Compromises
The IKEA SYMFONISK Speaker Lamp is a fascinating experiment.
It successfully blends a lamp and speaker into one stylish unit something many manufacturers haven’t attempted.
Its design is undeniably appealing fitting effortlessly into modern homes.
However its sound limitations are significant.
The lack of bass and the absence of Bluetooth limit its overall appeal.
It shines in specific use cases such as subtle background music or audiobooks but it falls short for anything demanding a full-bodied audio experience.
Would I recommend it? That depends.
If you’re looking for a stylish space-saving solution for casual listening and value the unique combination of lighting and audio in a single device then the SYMFONISK could be a good fit.
But if you prioritize superior sound quality robust bass or the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity then you’ll likely want to explore other options.
It’s a case of balancing features and compromises.
Its best use in my opinion is as a stylish bedside companion for audiobooks and podcasts where its bright clear sound really does make a difference.
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It is a niche product and its success depends entirely on whether or not those features align with your priorities.
Don’t buy it expecting a high-fidelity audio experience.
Buy it expecting a stylish functional light and a decent speaker for low-key listening experiences.
And always handle those lampshades carefully!