Ikea / Teenage Engineering Frekvens 8x12 and 4x8 bluetooth speaker + sub unboxing and review

[@todd.parker]

Hi all - seems I didn't quite attach the straps right, duh. One key thing: if you have two speakers, attach them together first then attach the sub to the second speaker for the best sound.Here are links to all the products reviewed here. These are only sold in stores. 8x12 speaker with subwoofer: www.ikea.com/us/en/p/frekvens-speaker-with-subwoofer-black-60422653/ 4x8 speaker in yellow: www.ikea.com/us/en/p/frekvens-speaker-black-yellow-20422626/ 4x8 speaker in red: www.ikea.com/us/en/p/frekvens-speaker-black-red-20428341/ LED light visualizer: www.ikea.com/us/en/p/frekvens-led-multi-use-light-black-50420353/ LED accessory kit: www.ikea.com/us/en/p/frekvens-led-spotlight-accessories-set-of-4-yellow-40422574/ Braunit battery for speaker: www.ikea.com/us/en/p/braunit-battery-pack-10449754/ Eneby battery pack fro subwoofer: www.ikea.com/us/en/p/eneby-battery-pack-20414264/ 1/8” stereo to mono cable for connecting two speakers in stereo (wired connection only) - 3ft CablesOnline 3.5mm Stereo Male to Dual (Rd/Wh) Mono 3.5mm Blue Audio Breakout Cable, AM-603C www.amazon.com/dp/B0759Z1QCP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HgrwEb1W0MT92

[@josephlondon8188]

Todd Parker Yo, great review! Very informative, detailed, and articulate. If I were you I’d pin this comment at the top of the thread so it doesn’t get lost down the rabbit hole

[@TommyStrength]

Now put the Sonos internals into this hipster monstrosity :)

[@ocallaghancolin94]

My real question is have you considered reading the IKEA instructions that were included?

[@todd.parker]

@@ocallaghancolin94 I try to avoid reading manuals at all costs :)

[@SumedhVaishampayan]

"They make a bunch of really hipster synthesizers" is by far the most accurate way to describe Teenage Engineering.

[@todd.parker]

Ha, thanks

[@mikegeary8056]

They make the OP-1. Which a amazing device.

[@todd.parker]

@@mikegeary8056 I'm a fan of their stuff, it's all really creative. Also hipster.

[@MIKExMASSACREx]

Hipster synthesizers? 😂 what an understatement

[@pcuimac]

"overpriced" is the main attribute! I like their stuff, but the prices are insane.

The connector pieces should go thru the ends of the handle.

[@todd.parker]

Err, yeah thanks. I was confused.

[@LinusEkenstam]

I was just gonna write the same.

[@todd.parker]

Mea culpa.

[@ForkFox]

"They could have been more creative with these"

[@PorchBass]

@@ForkFox lol

[@travismcleod5078]

Your supposed to run the connectors through the straps. Also u can use the smaller connectors to attach on the back of the unit to make room for the strap on top middle like a boom box

[@todd.parker]

Genius. Was that in the manual?!

[@travismcleod5078]

@@todd.parker no but after playing around with different configs, I see the holes on back can be repurposed

[@JoeBleeps]

@@travismcleod5078 great tip. The manual was a real missed opportunity with these things.

[@todd.parker]

Yeah, there are lots of fun things you can do to build off these

[@macadaamian]

such a high quality review! you go into detail about everything and give an overall warm opinion. you deserve way more subscribers!

[@todd.parker]

Thanks, I really appreciate that! I wanted to do a more in-depth review so people really know how to plan out their purchase. It’s a great system but a bit unclear on the Ikea site.

[@macadaamian]

@@todd.parker definitely a great system, but a bit overpriced in my opinion

[@ashyouknow7420]

Fun Fact- If you have three analog output devices then you can connect them to each one of the three speakers and play different music on all three My first time here Great Review Earned a Sub👍👍

[@todd.parker]

Hey thanks!

[@JoeBleeps]

Very comprehensive video, thanks. You really lucked out with those extra yellow grills! As mentioned elsewhere in these comments the plastic bars go through the loops in the strap. I made exactly the same mistake as you until I went back to the store and had another look. The instructions are surprisingly vague for an Ikea product.

[@todd.parker]

Yeah, the instructions are terrible. Usually ikea does a better job

[@007KrausBean]

I would make a wood frame that can be attached using the same holes they connectors use and then you can have better feet screwed to the wood and not have to be stuck to the speakers. Love this system.

[@todd.parker]

Croz 1007 that’s a good idea. You can use or metal and make up your own mounts. I really like the modularity of the enclosures

[@johansamazon3949]

20:00 until anything of the most important

[@todd.parker]

Hey, I like to keep you waiting for the good stuff

[@ste76539]

For that kind of money, surely they could have done pogo style interconnects, all that cabling round the back looks horrible. I'd have also expected RGB leds in that visualizer module, it's not like RGB leds are expensive or difficult these days. Sorry, but this just isn't very impressive.

[@todd.parker]

Guessing it was a cost savings / aesthetic decision but I agree it’s a rats nest

[@martinvollderpro]

rgb look gay

[@youwantrsyouneedme]

@@martinvollderpro you look gay

[@martinvollderpro]

@@youwantrsyouneedme you are gay

[@lennartweber2228]

Ah its for the E S T H E T I C S !

[@ca1982ac]

Fre (Fre as in "French") k (K as the C in "Capture") ven (as ven in "adventure") and last the s (S as in "Sausage") :)

[@todd.parker]

Thanks!

Very nice explaination, my own attempt to describe it (English: Freckvens) was to start with Freck- (not Freq or Freak) and end with -vens (not quence.) Of course it won't become perfect but ..

[@djeeno]

@ or fre'-qwenns

[@martymcfly8007]

Hey @Todd Parker! Thank you for this review! As a huge fan of Dieter Rams, and of minimal design, i need to get my hands on this. Can you tell me how did you get the yellow panels? seems like the set "boomer+speakers" only comes in black

[@todd.parker]

Thanks! It’s annoying the the speaker + sub only comes in black. The way to add a yellow or red speaker into the mix is to buy a second speaker. I bought a scratch and dent yellow speaker that was missing the power cord but had two sets of grills so I lucked out.

[@martymcfly8007]

@@todd.parker thanks for your answer! but on your video, i can see two sets of yellow grills, and you only bought one additionnal speaker :/

[@todd.parker]

Right, my extra speaker had two sets of yellow grills but was missing a power cord. Guessing it was a floor model?

[@martymcfly8007]

@@todd.parker normally, extra speakers have one black set and a second colored set yellow or red... you are lucky ;)

[@v1ken]

with regards to the straps, looks like you should slip the screw down piece through the loop thats sewn together for better visual look

[@todd.parker]

Yep, thanks. I got that thing wrong in the video

[@soundtechnology]

Great review Todd!

[@todd.parker]

Thank you, I appreciate that (and ignore my handle connection advice, I got that part wrong)

[@KayoMichiels]

Looks like a good setup to use as a center speaker and sub for a surround system.

[@todd.parker]

It could work ok for that but honestly there are better options for the price of buying all those Symfonisks. The sound character is very clear so vocals would be solid. I view these as a great boom box style outdoor speaker, similar in sound to a soundbox or JBL party speaker but smaller and less loud.

[@KayoMichiels]

@@todd.parker Yeah, but what's handy is that the subwoofer has a dedicated line in... ,whereas these party speakers have a equalizer that feeds the sub from the audio of the speaker... For the surround i'm using (Pioneer VSX-933), there's a dedicated sub out.

[@todd.parker]

MK3424 ah then these night work well for you.

[@stepheneast1545]

Hi, I tried the set up shown in the video (thanks Todd!) but I cannot get the sound out of both speakers using 3.5mm cable from line out of one to line in of the other. I've checked the line in and the line out and both work ok for both speakers as I can connect both speakers via line out to an alternative speaker (not Frekvens). Am I missing a trick? The sub woofer works irrespective of which speaker I connect it to in the set up. Any help would be appreciated otherwise I might take the extra speaker back or just use the two speakers separately. Thanks

[@stepheneast1545]

Actually I've figured it out, the volume is controlled by the master and they are not independent! In my tests I was reducing the volume an wondering why one speaker was not working!! Feeling a bit stupid now.....

[@todd.parker]

Yeah, the order matters. It’s not documented but seems you figured it out. Confused me at first too

[@PaprTape]

You're putting the handle strap wrong. You suppose to stick the stopper piece into the hole of the strap, you can also make it stereo with a wire splitter connecting L+R to each of the line ins.

[@todd.parker]

Yep, thanks. I’m a dummy

[@PaprTape]

@@todd.parker sorry I just saw you realized it earlier... I'm a dummy too =P

[@pabloarduino2687]

It would be a good idea to pass the signal from one speaker to another using the same plastic connectors. They could run a metal piece inside them, and use the metal thread inserts as connection points.

[@todd.parker]

That would have been slick. But isn't it fun to plug in 10 cables?

[@ivanjurado]

Thank you for the very thorough review. I've seen comments that the two speakers can become 'stereo' with the use of a breakout cable. Have you tried that for separation? I just picked up this exact same setup (but in red, unfortunately, as that's all that was left). I haven't pulled it out of the box yet - but I'm excited. Congrats on finding the 2nd speaker in the discount area!

[@todd.parker]

Yes, that’s a good idea. A Y cable that’s splits a stereo into separate 1/8” jacks would help make “real” stereo.

[@weareborg]

Need stereo!!

[@bailie85db]

Anyone got a link to a cable that would make the two speakers become stereo?

[@todd.parker]

David bailie I think something like this would work: 3ft CablesOnline 3.5mm Stereo Male to Dual (Rd/Wh) Mono 3.5mm Blue Audio Breakout Cable, AM-603C www.amazon.com/dp/B0759Z1QCP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HgrwEb1W0MT92

[@mojomojl]

@@todd.parker A bit late but just out of curiosity, how would you connect a y-cable to split into stereo? Stereo TRS into the sub and the two mono plugs into each speaker?

11:58 For symmetry reasons I would flip one of the side speakers upside down, sure they would no longer line up horisontally but then the tweeters would always be out in the corners or closer to the sub and as far as sound quality goes I guess both closer together but also with less area near by is better so it's hard to tell which is best.

[@plstk63]

Doesn't really matter since this stupid system only plays mono :)

[@todd.parker]

True but the position of the drivers does matter in terms of diffusion patterns and interference. Probably splitting hairs for a cheap bluetooth speaker tho.

[@JoseAntonioMorales]

Hi Todd, I bought the lights a few days ago, and it looks like the mic is in front and it only activates effectively when the sound source is directly in front of the mic. Have you experienced the same issue?

[@theavidindoorsman]

Did you have to buy a separate set of connectors for the second speaker? Or did they come in the second speaker package? Looks like the speaker + sub only comes with enough to connect that set, not an additional speaker.

[@todd.parker]

I think I had to use a extra 1/8” jack to make a connection, yeah.

[@theavidindoorsman]

@@todd.parker sorry, I meant the bar connectors, not the speaker cable connectors.

[@todd.parker]

@@theavidindoorsman Ah, the bars were what came with the sets I got.

[@todd.parker]

Although I did buy the light lens set, maybe that included bars?

[@theavidindoorsman]

@@todd.parker I think that's it. Looking at the IKEA pictures, a set of bar connectors comes with the kit.

[@mrijk1946]

This looks really good

[@patrickstach2928]

Hey, is your audio through bluetooth clear or are there kinda noises? I also have the Frekvenz with the sub and it produces some kind of static noise at low volume. :/

[@todd.parker]

Is it like a low hiss? That just might be the amplifier’s noise level.

[@itsmimingo]

i have the same problem and am considering returning. ive noticed that when you use a line in, the static noise is even louder :(

[@todd.parker]

Nathan W. Maybe yours is defective. One thing to try is to turn down the volume knob with the line in so you can maximize the signal from your source. If your source is low and you crank the knob, you amplify the noise

[@TimEasleyUK]

I had the same problem with mine, also when I daisy-chained more than one set together the hissing got really bad and the slave units were about half the volume of the master. Had to send it all back!

[@lorancehack4876]

That handle though. LMAO! Its cool, might pick one up. I like that all mute black look though, very minimal. Would look good with a desktop build.

[@todd.parker]

That handle will haunt me

[@misterkiji]

Pretty sure the handle goes through the sewn loop at the end? Cool aesthetic mono and cord management seems a bit bothersome. Real shame if you lose any of the bits.

[@todd.parker]

Yes, yes, and yes

[@cjmart019]

Great review!

[@todd.parker]

Thanks! Just don’t attach the straps the way I did :)

[@essentialtech388]

Could I just buy the sub only as a speaker? Or will the bluetooth not play through it?

[@todd.parker]

Unfortunately no, I really wish they sold the sub separately as well as other place plates. It’s hard to find a small battery powered sub so it’s pretty unique. Oh and the sub doesn’t have Bluetooth, just a 1/8” input jack

[@getliquified]

they look cool I just don't think I'd use it all that much. I don't think those would be good at the beach (water resistance)

[@todd.parker]

Makes sense. And yeah the beach doesn’t seem like a good idea, too many nooks and crannies to fill with sand

[@ahelpinghand8340]

NO STEREO SOUND 😱 that's the best part of music recording's

[@todd.parker]

I agree but any small speaker like this only has a foot (or inches) of separation between the left and right so for all intents and purposes, you’re hearing mono anyway. Here, they just mix it down to mono electronically.

As they are only available for a limited time I assume they won't continue with it then again I think having a "dystopian cyberpunk"-line would be kinda cool. Then again sure if they want to make parts of it time exclusive to be able to have a higher price point and make it collectibles they can of course.

[@gibbeh3737]

Frekvens translated to english is frequency

[@null7969]

Before we have to build own tables by ikea... now speakers too...

[@todd.parker]

Building speakers is much more fun!

[@null7969]

@@todd.parker i like to made them almost from start to end

[@frederikjungling7580]

Would you bring this system outside? Or is it not powerful enough?

[@todd.parker]

I think it really shines outside. I had it on my deck while I played basketball in the driveway and it sounded clear and powerful. Inside at lower volumes it can sound a bit thin (no loudness circuit and big volume steps on the knob) and the highs can be a bit forward but once you crank it up and give it space it sounds much better

[@markolehtola6630]

This kind of ”speaker formfactor” should be open standard.. so all bluetooth speaker manifactors could make their own speakers to the ”system”.. also battery should be one of the ”blocks” so you don’t need to buy 3 different batteries..

[@todd.parker]

Agreed on both points. That would be sweet

[@Vexe]

Those accessories you got are only for the spotlight module, or at least thats what the website says.

[@todd.parker]

Yeah, they are. I have one LED module. The accessory pegs fit into the speakers but it’s not a tight fit so you’d need to bulk them up if wanted to attach them to the speaker securely

[@PhaQ2]

You were supposed to thread the black bracket through the sown ends of the strap...

[@todd.parker]

Feeling like I need to make an apology video for those darn straps. I'll cry.

[@PhaQ2]

@@todd.parker Might I suggest this: Blaupunkt-AM-FM-Bluetooth-Media-Receiver-Toronto 1049, found at WalMart... It's 15 watts per-channel by 4 channel AM/FM stereo receiver/bluetooth/SD/Aux in/out w/remote for less than $15.00. I've purchased 2 and put one in my car. The other is being used as a portable stereo that makes the FREKVENS look and sound like the gimmicky, overpriced P.O.S. that it really is. 🤣! Make a video of getting creative with this unit, instead of an apology video on goofing up the strap. 👍

[@AbandonedMisadventures]

So what's the battery life like?

[@todd.parker]

I haven't used it battery enough to have good data but it lasts quite a long time

[@vm-dq9ut]

Hi nice video! How can pairing togheter The two small speaker 10x20 and the subwoofers? It is possibile?

[@todd.parker]

Bluetooth can’t pair to multiple speakers but each of these, including the sub, have audio in and out jacks so you can connect as many speakers as you want via cable, then Bluetooth to the first so they all play together

[@vm-dq9ut]

Todd Parker ok thank you! I have to try it!

[@vm-dq9ut]

Hy Todd! I tried to connect them with the cable, but I always hear a background noise in the small speaker... and in the end the two speakers are not in stereo, but always mono...I'm sad about that!

[@todd.parker]

@@vm-dq9ut Yes, these mix down to mono for all the interconnects. Honestly, unless these are pretty far apart, it probably doesn't make much of a difference if mo no or stereo but it's good to know that limitation.

[@vm-dq9ut]

Todd Parker hi! Yes, I'm so fancy of this product! for this reason I think is a little problem the mono and stereo sound. Otherwise I tried to connect in output of the little speaker (10x20) whit rca cable whit two stereo speaker Bose and It's working! Thanks to respond me! Have a nice day!

[@bailie85db]

Just the video ive been looking for. Ive tried connecting two speakers and a sub just like you have to make more of a boombox set up but one problem i find is that the second speaker i have the 'line in' connected to doesn't sound as loud as the one with the 'line out', the speaker with the line out is the one im connected to with the Bluetooth.

[@todd.parker]

Yeah, I noticed that too but found that plugging the Bluetooth speaker into the other speaker, then booking the sub from the second one made the sound equalized (if the knob is turned up)

[@bailie85db]

@@todd.parker thanks for the reply, i never tried that. I had the sub plugged into the Bluetooth speaker, ill try plugging the sub into the second speaker when im home.

[@bailie85db]

@@todd.parker i tried it and it worked. Its a great job and sounds even better now, im glad a got the extra speaker. Thanks for your help and great video 👍

[@todd.parker]

David bailie Glad that worked, I should have been clearer in the video because it’s confusing to have it be so quiet when you hook it up in the obvious way

[@Stengell]

Don't you think the bars should go through loops in the handle strap?

[@todd.parker]

Seems I was confused about the straps, instructions are pretty bad. Thanks!

[@charleshultquist9233]

There must be some way to creatively get it to work in stereo

[@todd.parker]

Not with Bluetooth (it’s mixed to mono) but with a 1/8 cable and Y splitter, you can get stereo

[@djorion8098]

The handel have holes in the end. There u put the bracket.

[@todd.parker]

Thanks, I was confuzzled when I made this video

[@dnh3005]

What decibel meter did u use on your apple watch?

[@todd.parker]

It’s called Noise and is part of the latest watch os - support.apple.com/guide/watch/noise-apd00a43a9cb/watchos

The real way to build a boombox out of it would be small-sub-small-sub-small-sub-small, maybe get one of the stage stands as a carrying handle ;) Then again then you are 130*3+70 = $460 in without batteries ... You'd get a JBL Party Box 300 for less =P, and I assume it sound better?

[@todd.parker]

It’s only worth doing if you’re going to overdo it! I’ve never been a fan of JBLs Bluetooth speaker’s sound myself but I think a few of these units would sound pretty darn good, especially outside. They have really good projection.I think if I had many speaker up in it, I’d probably place them sideways and line up the tweeters into a column like a line array to avoid driver interference but as you said I’m not going to spend that much on these

@@todd.parker Well I live in Sweden. The local IKEA store is one of those who should have the products. They have none. So that make things easier I suppose.

[@TimEasleyUK]

I tried doing a similar thing, 4 speaker units, 2 subs, and 4 lights, but you don't get enough dampeners to connect it all, nor enough power cables, not enough audio cables, and once you do end up putting it all together it's massively hissy and not very stable - it vibrates way too much and the sound quality is terrible. Better to just buy an actual boombox.

[@tebla2074]

would be cool if they added some audio source modules eg mp3, cd, cassette, MD

[@todd.parker]

That would be cool. On the Teenage Engineering sure they show a 3D printed accessory that looks like a faux tape deck

[@CosmicOneX]

How do you find out about this stuff when it comes out.. Ikea always seems to have something that they have and it comes out and or sells out long before I even know about it.. Its 11-01-2020 I just found about these today and they came out back when? Sheesh.. Ikea you gotta stop doing this to me.. Where can I sign up or go to stay current with IKEA’s cool shit.. I get their catalog which is clearly not keeping me up to date or anything ..

[@todd.parker]

Heh, it was hyped up in some places because of Teenage Engineering but I dunno how to follow ikea news

[@ivanstark3386]

Where can I purchase a “patch cable”? I have the same set up now but I need another one of those cables. 😩

[@todd.parker]

Search for a 1/8” to 1/8” cable on Amazon

[@ivanstark3386]

@@todd.parker I meant the other cable. The one that connects the speaker to the subwoofer. You stated you need two of those.

[@todd.parker]

@@ivanstark3386 they are all the same cable type. This should work: Anker 3.5mm Premium Auxiliary Audio Cable (4ft / 1.2m) AUX Cable for Headphones, iPods, iPhones, iPads, Home / Car Stereos and More (Black) www.amazon.com/dp/B00R124LAK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_C5NBAWTKK1WBCFNBTEGP

[@ivanstark3386]

@@todd.parker yes yes. I got that cable. The one I’m referring to is the one you mention at 14:51 in the video.

[@todd.parker]

@@ivanstark3386 maybe something like this? YEKELLA IEC 60320 C8 Plug to C7 Receptacle Male to Female Extension Power Supply Main Adapter Cable www.amazon.com/dp/B07D13C1ML/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_CK64P7AG738P405KG5GX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[@snerttt]

Picked the 2x4 up for £25 what a bargain

[@sbilts]

IKEA are knocking out the individual speakers at £25 now......Subs still bit expensive though

So nostalgic

[@todd.parker]

It is a very retro looking speaker, I love the design. As a speaker, it’s *fine*

[@WA4OSH]

What Bluetooth standard do these Frekvens speakers follow?

[@todd.parker]

According to the specs: Bluetooth® version 4.2

[@TomaszDurlej]

Can it be pair in stereo? Oh miss ‘mono only’ part in video.

[@todd.parker]

It pairs in stereo but it’s a mono speaker a second speaker just gets the mixed down mono signal. If using a cable, you can split it and send a channel to each speaker

[@modology]

are these speakers shielded?

[@todd.parker]

I don’t believe so, no but I think that’s only an issue for older CRT displays not flat panels?

[@modology]

@@todd.parker i see, i was thinking of using this speakers for my old CRT game room. thanks for info

[@todd.parker]

modology if you look here at 9:40 you’ll see there aren’t shielding cups on the woofer magnets so I’d steer clear: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoCQlqier9BnmrM

[@dapoptart3714]

Why are they only available in the us 😭😭😭

[@todd.parker]

I think they are available in other countries but maybe not every country (yet)?

Awesome video, thanks! What track is playing at 20:18 ?

[@todd.parker]

It’s by Otis MacDonald “Not For Nothing”, he’s great and has some free KZbin tracks

[@vondahe]

It's an interesting idea which just got ruined by a hideous 1980'es design and the dangling wires on the back when you connect units. One thing I like was the boombox setup (2 base units and 1 sub woofer in the middle), which combined with the batteries unfortunately brings the price up to a point where you can get much nicer units, with better sound quality and a design from this millennium. Thanks but no thanks.

[@todd.parker]

It’s definitely a strong aesthetic that people will love or hate. For about $250 you do get a lot for your money if you’re looking for volume and clarity over finesse

[@Noodleude]

I want one of these, but they are out of stock at my ikea.

[@todd.parker]

Yeah, the first batch seemed to sell out fast, hoping they will get more. Ikea hasn’t said anything about how long these will last

[@boboala1]

Woot -Woot! Only $233 bucks for a MASSIVE 8W + 24W sub! Damn - so little power...so much price! C'mon man...NEXT!

[@todd.parker]

For a Bluetooth speaker, that’s a fair amount of power. Watts is sort of a useless number without know the efficiency of the drivers but the overall output is pretty loud, though far from a real stereo or PA

[@tilago]

Fat fabric handle is supposed to slide into the clamps lol, you do not install it properly please fix it! :)

[@todd.parker]

Thank you, fixed it

[@tilago]

@@todd.parker thank YOU! Lol loved the video, bought me the 10x20 and the smaller Bluetooth!

[@todd.parker]

Tiago awesome, I think you’ll enjoy it

[@emiliovargas7433]

The handle 😭😭😂😂

[@todd.parker]

What? The so-so quality or me not being able to attach it properly? I can be a derp sometimes.

[@dudedelicious]

Frekvens (swedish) = Frequency . Cool review.

[@todd.parker]

Thanks!

[@insanedigga]

cool product

[@todd.parker]

Yeah, from a design perspective it’s really cool

[@ninjaTy16]

20:53 what's the name of the song?

[@todd.parker]

Not for Nothing by Otis Macdonald. music.apple.com/us/album/not-for-nothing/1354688063?i=1354688161

[@ANTheWhizkid]

hey they also have led stuff and other lights matching this system...^^ pretty funny....

[@todd.parker]

It’s all about the bling

[@inknpaintCW]

should have looped the handle over the outside and in...

[@todd.parker]

Yessir

[@todd.parker]

For an in-depth view of the inside of the Frekvens, check out this teardown video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoCQlqier9BnmrM

[@sar19]

Stores are closed here :(

[@todd.parker]

Boo, sorry

[@juriaanoussoren]

This thing reall needs a back plate for the cables then it would be cool, this really is only for the teens

[@todd.parker]

Yeah, needs something to keep it tidy

[@juriaanoussoren]

@@todd.parker yeah still like the disco lamp thing, here its not even for sale online tho....

[@TimEasleyUK]

I bought a load of these items but was so disappointed that I had to send them all back for a refund. Sound quality is really bad when you link more than 1 set together, you have to switch every unit on separately, ever time you use it, none of the accessories for the lights fit the speakers, and they don't even give you enough connectors to be able to make anything besides the standard configuration :(

[@todd.parker]

All valid criticisms

[@nathanbasset]

You bought the spotlight accessories without buying a spotlight. >->

[@todd.parker]

I know, figured I’d have fun with the plastic bits anyway

[@javierhernancastro]

@@todd.parker That spotlight grill can be used to hold papers, pens, etc. You just need to put it on top of the speaker. The rounded one can be used to hold pens and pencils if you put that also on top of the speakers. If you use this as a desktop speaker, you'll also save space at the same tiime. Also, on the teenage engineers' page you can find files to 3D-print some mods for the speakers and lights. All this Frekvens line is a limited edition that's going out of the stock soon (I work at Ikea). I'd recommend you to check the discount section soon. You might buy the speakers, accesories, tripods and the rest of the Frekvens line-up for a fraction of the original price. Awesome video!

[@todd.parker]

Javier Castro great info, thanks! Any idea when they will head to the discount bin?

[@nathanbasset]

Todd Parker depends where you’re buying from

[@javierhernancastro]

@@todd.parker depends on the store. Here in Trondheim, Norway the accessories are going already on the discount section. The displayed speaker was already sold in that section.

[@PrimitiveInTheExtreme]

Wo____oW

[@todd.parker]

Pretty wild stuff, right?

[@PrimitiveInTheExtreme]

@@todd.parker exact!!!

[@KVHgames]

Looks cool breaks fast sounds like shit feels cheap as fuck cabels are just unacceptable for 120 dollars ( loud is not better for sound)

[@todd.parker]

Sure these aren’t for everyone but I think they sound good for outdoor and party use.

[@TACCO36]

Omg rethink your handle settings ...

[@todd.parker]

Ha, I know, I KNOW

[@woesteloepi.]

It is scratched realy fast! And it looks............i don't know....it's dorky! And it's realy a monstrosity. I think.....leave them in the store!

[@todd.parker]

It’s the kind of design you love or hate for sure

[@watahyahknow]

too bad theres no way to make them work as stereo

[@todd.parker]

Well, with a wired connection you can

[@watahyahknow]

@@todd.parker thats no wat im looking for but thans anyway

[@HGSolberg]

So, 5 speaker elements, and no stereo? Sounds pretty meaningless to me. Buy a pair of good quality powered wireless speakers instead.

[@todd.parker]

Would be a good comparison to put these against a $250 pair of cheap powered studio monitors.

[@HGSolberg]

@@todd.parker Yes. I have not heard these Ikea speakers, but I doubt they can match a pair of quality monitors in the same price range.

[@PhaQ2]

$150.00 for a portable speaker... I have spent 1/10 of that and built a true *STEREO* portable speaker...

[@todd.parker]

Sure, there are lots of other options especially if you DIY. I see these as interesting pieces of design a much as speakers but they may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Seems $15 for a speaker is cheap indeed

[@cheaterproject]

What? Lego for home?

[@todd.parker]

LEGO for audio geeks

[@artistadrtm]

If you think that Marshall "sounds amazing" then you have really really low expectations. I owned one, and it's a crappy sound in it's price range.

[@todd.parker]

The Stockwell 2 or the original? Look, no Bluetooth speaker is hifi so you need to grade them on a curve but yeah it sounds really great at low to mid volumes and doesn’t have a boxy sound because if the processing (tho it can be a bit echo-y on some tracks). To each his own. What did you settle on?

[@donwright3427]

Not bothered about looks. More about how it sounds

[@todd.parker]

Seems this speaker is best for people that really like the look and modularity since the sound quality it comparable to lots of other speakers

[@phpn99]

Absolute crap design that doesn't play stereo, even when pairing with another speaker. Check out the teardown on the "This does not compute" YT channel.

[@todd.parker]

Yep, that video is great. It is a bummer they didn’t split the signal so the second speaker gets the other channel. Maybe because if you can chain these mixing down to mono is simpler. Let’s say you had 4 speakers, what signal do you feed the last 2? Do you have one left and 3 right? Kind of contrived but...

[@jackarwood9863]

for 250 you can get a Sony ‎SRS-XB41 which kicks this plastic garbage back to 1995 where it belongs.

[@todd.parker]

I mean sure, that does have lots of blinky lights too.

[@patrusken]

No one one youtube been translating the name! Frekvens is frequent in English an pronounce almoste the same!

[@user-lv6rn9cf8m]

Nope. It's frequency. But I mean, does it really have to be translated or explained? Doesn't everyone get that immediately? Frekvens, frequency. It's the same word.

[@todd.parker]

Seems pretty clear in this case, yeah...are you available to translate all my Ikea purchases?

[@user-lv6rn9cf8m]

@@todd.parker Sure :)

[@pcuimac]

Shit quality, shit sound, shit durability, tons of cable on the back. Consumer trash that will go to the landfill after a short period of time. Trash.

[@todd.parker]

So that’s a no for you on these?

[@melangesvolatils6506]

it's a toy, like guitar toys. made to be trashable. sorry

[@todd.parker]

I mean, isn’t that IKEA’s brand in a nutshell?

[@gamesforyou2351]

They are trash u want real sound buy a receiver and some real speakers. If u want bluetooth by a Bluetooth transmitter hook it up the the receiver problem solved. Using this trash as a daily is a reason great sounding speakers are starting to die off.

[@todd.parker]

Of course that will sound better but a portable, battery powered bluetooth speaker is a totally different product category. There is a vibrant market for hifi gear that doesn't seem to be going away and there is a place for all sorts of products. Totally fine if it's not your cup of tea though. I prefer different setups I own over the Frekvens most of the time but this is great in the backyard or anywhere I need something fairly loud and clear that runs on battery.

[@gamesforyou2351]

@@todd.parker i would almost agree but you cant walk in to your local mijiers or best buy and find speakers like we used to infact i know mijiers only has bluetooth speakers that says alot

[@todd.parker]

@@gamesforyou2351 Yeah, I think that speaks more to the online shopping trend. Best Buy here has lots of speakers and amps but they are usually pretty mass market and not that great (Bose, Polk, cheap Klipsch)

[@gamesforyou2351]

@@todd.parker see thats the problem you used to be able to by high end at the stores now its all online witch makes everything harder. You cant go in your local store hear the speakers to see if you like them before you buy them. So now you have to order them and if you dont like them you have to go through hell to return them. Then what if you get a set and one and it doesn't work you cant take it back to the store to get a replacement or your money back no you have to re ship them back and go through hell to have it taken care of. Then wait some more for a replacement set to show up and pray to god that the replacement set came with no damage and is fully working and if not you have to do it all over again. When i got my set back in 2002 i got lucky it was before all this online crap started and you could buy good high ends at a store. I got me a nice 1000 dollar set and haven't looked back. They still work great look great and sound amazing. I don't think i need to buy a new set for another 10 years. They act and look the same as the day i got them.

[@laimonasgalinauskas6215]

its cringe product

[@todd.parker]

One man’s cringe is another man’s wince