The IKEA Sonos Symfonisk Picture Frame Speaker Review!

[@RenePolster]

Maybe these are perfect when you will use it as Rear Speakers in a 5.1 System with a Sonos Arc. I think thats the perfect thing to use them.

[@tstfam]

Great idea! Does it work in that setup?

[@whiskeyweekly7533]

That may be a really great use since rear speakers can literally be anything due to the limited about of effects that come out of them.

[@iComplainer]

@@tstfam any sonos can be used this way

[@paulhinds8868]

I’m planning to buy a couple of these to use as rear channels, I don’t have enough room behind the sofa to place speaker stands so the picture frame is just what i’ve been looking for. Although I agree Ikea are asking a bit to much, £150 would be what I would have expected to pay.

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

Dayton audio has a range of flat speakers without cones. They don't need any enclosure and can pretty much be mounted anywhere They are square and only a couple of cm thick and have a 180 degree wide response. Those are perfect for rear speakers, you can mount them in the wall, make a nice wooden stand for them or whatever. Nice and descrete. And they are only like 25 bucks or something. Also work great as top speakers in the roof.

[@mrpennison]

They missed a trick not putting back lights on it considering the thickness

[@StusReviewsUK]

Yeah and with the natural recess on it that would have looked good! There’s not even usb in the back to power external ones if you wanted to retrofit it!

[@mrpennison]

@@StusReviewsUK nice review btw 👍

[@dmo848]

Oh hell yeah u right

[@DaveFlash]

@@StusReviewsUK you could just adapt the ac out for that mind you

[@StusReviewsUK]

@@DaveFlash also true! But it’s another step that could have been cut out if they had included USB out!

[@electricwheels411]

I so love that wall mounted picture speaker. The sound is amazing from such a small form factor. I would like to see an option that has LED mood lighting or flashing effects that can be set to light up certain parts of whatever is on certain canvas prints?

[@mr.rawhite]

I was waiting for this review, and I wasn't disappointed. Really like the concept here, but at that price point and the lack of the artwork customisation, maybe one to consider later on down the line… Great review Stu 👍🏾

[@StusReviewsUK]

Cheers Roger... And yeah, I think its got potential to become something great... they could even update the pictures available each 'season' when they bring out new accessories. Lets see what they do in the next few years!

[@Fremmy]

@@StusReviewsUK In Sweden there are already like 20 different pictures available and from what I have heard, there will be a lot more to come.

[@ardas77]

Just customise the frame with any old cloth that you like.

[@MrJordonMcghee]

Potential & idea spot on. Like the idea of just placing it in on a unit rather than wall, just to hide cable. Great review! Im sure people on ETSY are making artwork customisation.

[@Tomanista]

This to me feels more like something for ambient sound. Put it in a hallway or in the kitchen. Someplace where you're not "activly" listening to music but want something in the background that sounds better than a smartphone.

[@MAMDAVEM]

might be an interesting option as a couple of picture speakers either side of a Samsung Frame TV?

[@mattb9664]

Judging by how thin it is, it's probably not using the same drivers used in the Play One or the normal Symphonsik, which are long throw drivers. These thin drivers have that really stiff looking type of throw, where the cone barely goes in and out, when playing, so the bass is going to be very limited. Adding another driver or a radiator doesn't fix this problem. Wouldn't be surprised if they are steeply rolling it off right around 100 Hz.

[@rossogier6942]

If they did custom designs, it would be up there with potential buys. Great review as always, Stu. Bought a Secret lads Titan (2021 model) based on your review. Keep up the good work and get yourself a whiskey for a job well done.

[@StusReviewsUK]

Hope you’re enjoying the new 2021 Titan! 🥃

[@rossogier6942]

@@StusReviewsUK Owing to the pandemic, I've lost a year and realised I have the 2020 model 😂 (still based off your review of that model though). It is a great chair, spend 7 hours a day working from home on it 😜

[@agepbiz]

Great review!

[@StusReviewsUK]

Thanks bro!

[@video-carl]

thank you for looking at it. Have you listened to any ceiling speakers? Can you say how this wall speaker compares with a £180 ceiling speaker?

[@hectorjrr1]

Great review as usual!! Could you use them as a rear speakers with sonos beam/arc.. that will be an awesome integration. If you are able to try it. please make a review of it :). Great Job Stu

[@token112]

With all these tech channels having modern built a few months ago sets played out, I really dig this old school home study with banker's light vibe

[@aidanm5194]

Yes I was waited for this once ikea announced them

[@StusReviewsUK]

I got round to it in the end! I dont tend to get advanced previews of this stuff because im often far too honest for their PR department, so mine are always a few weeks later than others 😂

[@DuesenbergJ]

New IKEA tech. This will be a great Review! Used to have similar looking speakers years ago. So this look really interesting.

[@StusReviewsUK]

Interesting is one way of putting it!

[@Finnstreams]

what's the first song called can't find it with shazam?

[@ragnevi]

As rear speakers they are great.

[@alphansowilliams6110]

Solid review, thank you.

[@netstar5950]

I would be curious how the it sounds on the other side of the wall? This could be a problem if you live in an apartment or townhome. Your neighbor's wall picture frames may start to shift from the vibration and the sound, especially bass, could create uninvited guest from the police. Otherwise, it's a mice product and great review.

[@mippengbg]

That's an interesting solution. Perhaps time to jump on the sonos experience

[@GjbMcN]

i lament that none of the reviewers i’ve seem to get 2 of them or use them as an Apple and or TV speakers as the price in AUD is only $20 more than Apple’s little ones plus Sonos and bluetooth (so that covers all the music streaming solutions).

[@sovo94]

You can’t.

[@imlvee8909]

Thanks again for a video! Btw what is that second song you use for the testing?

[@Fremmy]

Ooyy - Divergent

[@imlvee8909]

@@Fremmy thanks. Found it with Shazam already, forgot about it

[@richarddcrossley]

For me these are literally perfect as rear speakers for my playbase in the study to go over an IKEA sofa bed. Especially as they can daisy chain for power as that was an issue with play 1 for me along with sticking out.

[@MrVisde]

I like it as an option, but the other Sonos Ones or Symfonisk bookshelf speakers are so small and sound so great, I don’t really have the need for a picture frame speaker.

[@karlb4225]

Was this without trueplay tuning? I am interested in this product as a stereopair in a small apartment with a beam.

[@matheya]

I never knew they sell such thing ! It's amazing ! :)))

[@StusReviewsUK]

I know right - odd device, but fits places where others wouldn’t!

[@matheya]

@@StusReviewsUK They have a Gustav Klimt painting as a cover now ! It looks great ! Almost genius , I'm so impressed ! :))

[@StusReviewsUK]

I didn’t know this- I love Klimt!

[@milesbuckhurst504]

Another excellent review Stu. I find my problem is I want it all, just because, the wife does not agree. Now she hates the look of the lamp - so that’s a no go, maybe when more customisable she will allow the picture frame in the house. Living in Norway I get a different perspective on Ikea. They are seen here as cheep and trendy for youngsters starting out. Maybe this is for ultra small apartments in Stockholm, which is a very trendy place. Much of their furniture is for small spaces - anyway a thought - now how to convince the wife I need more electronics and speakers…….?

[@charisma-hornum-fries]

Funny. In Denmark it’s for everyone here. All demographics has IKEA stuff at home here.

[@VonBek2009]

Ok, another awesome review...am I the only one put off by the rather large corded wire?

[@StusReviewsUK]

Nope. I thought the same… although at least it’s white and if you aren’t me, then you could make it look a bit neater 😂

[@SJPDurham]

Intriguing review Stu. I must admit that the items that you get from IKEA last so their slightly higher price than other places is somewhat justified. I know it’s not electronics but I got the Äpplarö sun lounger finally after trying to get it for 6 months. Very comfortable.

[@teezee1000]

it depends, some items last and others don't

[@welshtony1]

Just a note here. you said its cheaper than the lamp but the lamp is currently £150 and it doesn't look like its on a sale. Great review though, think I still fancy getting the lamp. Not sure on this

[@StusReviewsUK]

You’re right! For some reason I thought the lamp was (or used to be) nearer 200 🤔

[@welshtony1]

@@StusReviewsUK most likely because they are That Good 😉

[@jaanusventsel281]

Can this speaker also be connected to the TV?

[@cybergod77]

seems like u like the sound fm the lamp best?

[@LordDelCasa]

great review - great information !!!

[@bradleythorburn]

I’m thinking of a 5.1 with other Sonos and using the pictures for rear right and left speakers 🤔

[@20storiesunder]

Suprised by the quality. Good stuff.

[@StusReviewsUK]

I always am with the speakers from ikea! it'll soon be a surprise if they produce something that sounds terrible!!

[@nixx5490]

By far the best Ikea speaker but we need a lot more customisation

[@ronm6585]

Thank you Stu. Great review. 👍🏻

[@javierhernandez3169]

i bought 2 the very first day they came out, to pair them with my arc. i love them

[@SledgemanGuitar]

Can the AC-out be used for ledstripes put on the back of the frame? That would be nice.

[@miguelfidel1]

hi friend, would you recommend it as a pair in addition to sonos beam for surround sound

[@DENMONKEY]

A bit lighting around the frame would be nice too

[@joshuaroney]

wack an led strip on it

[@makingyour7373]

Awesome. I subscribed. What do you think the best in the symponisk? picture? lamp? and it can be paired with other symponisk for stereo?

[@StusReviewsUK]

I love the lamps… I’ve got 2 of them! And great question… don’t quote me but I’m pretty sure you can set any 2 up as a stereo pair.

[@mozz49]

Great review well presented and good content

[@neli5p]

It’s typical IKEA … bring out a product with interchangeable fronts, but never have the fronts available. An A3 format with, as Stu said, a self printable front would be fantastic …. Even a rechargeable battery version to remove the cabling. I’d pay more for that later feature. It’s still quite pricey though … and no Bluetooth … which overall stops me from buying (I’ll buy a picture, hang it, then put a good portable Bluetooth speaker underneath 😀)

[@StusReviewsUK]

I mean, that empty void that is enough room for cabling, could also be enough room for a battery 🤔. I think they'll have them in eventually... just everything at the moment comes with delays as to be expected! Lets see what they come up over the next few months!

[@pauljones7721]

Yeah, I would love a rechargeable battery too... That would be great... The cable would stand out more if you don't have white walls.

[@Bluedruid13]

I could see a pair of these as rear surround speakers for a home theater set up. Can you link these in other ways than just bluetooth?

[@StusReviewsUK]

WOAHWOAHWOAH, careful now tom! I cover this at the end, but unfortunately they aren't bluetooth - only wifi... and unfortunately the whole symfonisk lineup can only be connected this way.

[@robjohnson2361]

I thought the same thing, could these pair with a Sonos beam to make a surround system like you can with Sonos ones? That would be better for smaller spaces

[@dittytwo]

Great review as always maybe this would ahve sounded beter with a stereo pair one on eitehr side of the room or cascaded together.. i could see this wouking well with the sound bar, and these either side of the TV or on the wall behind.. you to give better suround sound...

[@justkiddin1980]

You should listen to a set of B&O Mondriaan speakers...Beolab 3000 or beolab 5000

[@EverGone03]

thank you for the review! imma wait til 2nd generation i guess (if there is one)

[@StusReviewsUK]

Its likely! Theyve just brought out a second gen lamp speaker, so fingers crossed!

[@lukerabin5079]

I wonder if a two and two style might work?

[@Samptamp8698]

What is the song starting at 5:55??

[@Simsonlover222]

my biggest problem is the price... if it would be 80 - 100 pound less then it would be interesting... but the fact that its 180 pounds its a bit too much... alternatives will offer more than this i could imagine

[@StusReviewsUK]

Yeah i agree! Definitely a little overpriced for this one!

[@Simsonlover222]

@@StusReviewsUK

[@KevinWuPlus]

it’s £220 now

[@jamess7183]

Without the wire it would be great

[@Burresweden]

Can you use them in stereo and pair them with a TV? That would be very interesting!

[@StusReviewsUK]

It’s possible! There’s a few ways it could be done (none super straightforward), but the simplest method would be if you’re using an Apple TV… you’d be able to airplay the sound to them.

[@garethjones5068]

Great summary of the range of speakers & their design aesthetic, the 4 year old child analogy is spot on

[@JT-re5ec]

I can't seem to find if these support AIRPLAY 2

[@StusReviewsUK]

They do.

[@leenoone5659]

Will this pair with the bookshelf speakers and lamps

[@MrVisde]

It’s Sonos. You can only create a stereo pair with the same type of speaker. But it can play with any other Sonos speakers.

[@remyazharyyosef1811]

"IKEA Symfonisk Picture Frame Speaker". That's quite a mouthful huh!

[@games247-TV]

I know there is not much that Ikea can do about it but the power cable hanging down spoils the look for me...

[@oudoulj]

The power cable running down the wall kinda spoils the visual experience though :-/ (unless you're able to hide it of course)

[@StusReviewsUK]

Yeah I agree. You could hide it like you say, but also make it neater too using exterior cable runs.

[@Suaveone1]

Its using the wall to enhance the sound acoustics

[@Bluem00n7]

Hearing this in stereo would interesting

[@StusReviewsUK]

The lamps in stereo are phenomenal... so I expect this to follow suit in that respect (just likely not *quite* as good)!

[@shrimboi8909]

A lot of complaints for losing wireless connections with this speaker.

[@vegasdestroyer]

They are great in a stereo pair.

[@jullianbashir18]

Actually I have to disagree .. the other sympho speakers similar to sonos one appears to distort sound and music quite a bit ,. This one on the other hand seems to reduce that distortion.

[@migsteele]

These feel like these would be perfect gym/garage/workshop speakers. Sound is meh in those spaces so these will cut out on space used.

[@Nippernator]

I'd love to see a review of the new Eneby range from IKEA. The eneby20 looks like such a good deal.

[@nurspass]

Just got for 139 eur as special offer ... this should be the right price

[@AlexCrews]

They look so cool

[@tbip2001]

Lack of blutooth seems very limiting. Would love to have seen this with an internal battery so completely wireless?

[@rsolsjo]

Good review but next time please remove the knife from the table before juggling things on it, haha. It's also a pretty clever design for bass lovers because obviously having a speaker flat up against your wall will make the entire wall propagate bass waves. Your room is doing the heavy lifting in that department, not the speaker.

[@mb-moose]

Need to be able to print your own designs before it'll be realistic proposition.

[@Ekusupuroshon]

You heard the man, Ikea! *Toaster Speaker, NOW!*

[@StusReviewsUK]

Gonna need to patent that ASAP 😂

[@dittytwo]

@@StusReviewsUK That is actually a Really good idea, we have a toaster and a sonos3 in the kitchen it is a lot of space used up....

[@killerrush77]

you remind me of Top Gear, (the good years) and im ok with that.

[@mokimoki3996]

Why not buy a monitor instead?

[@StusReviewsUK]

Space? These are slim and fit on the wall... monitors are big and bulky. All depends on preference and design you want!

[@joei4ever]

it doesnt have 3.5mm audio in? shame.

[@Badonicus]

Do a Flight Sim vid Stu.....

[@StusReviewsUK]

I might stream some flight sim 😉

[@troyboy4345]

Picture, Picture ... On the wall, who is the fairest of them all ? ...."Monty Don"

[@grantpaterson1016]

The amazing Bunnahabhain on your shelf, the best whisky for music listening :D

[@StusReviewsUK]

Anything from islay is the best! 🥃

[@grantpaterson1016]

@@StusReviewsUK I’m sitting with a Port Charlotte while watching you describe how easy……😂😂😂😂 it is to change a Xiaomi scooter wheel…😂😂😂

[@StusReviewsUK]

Ahhh nice, I’m more of a fan of octomore from buichladdich, but Charlotte is nice also! And please done remind me of those horrors 🥵

[@grantpaterson1016]

@@StusReviewsUK I just hope the front is still on the air tyre lol…..still not allowed to ride them though….silly..

[@AtillatheFun]

As a uni student who is going to be living in a dorm with thousands of other people sharing the same WiFi password I am in a bit of a bind. Either I get this and wait to use it, or get it and wake up to loud Russian techno music that a guy three doors down has decided to blast through my speaker. Also the same reason I will only be getting Bluetooth smart lights. I do not want that same fella to turn my hue bulbs into a strobe fest to accompany the music.

[@smilertoo]

No bluetooth would be a deal killer for me.

[@EnhancedNightmare]

The pattern is ugly, but the idea is good. I will wait for more interesting designs or maybe ideally a service where we could order out custom pictures.

[@DeanDoom]

Toaster speaker !

[@neversleeps1]

Your neighbours are gonna hate if you placed this on the right wall

[@StusReviewsUK]

I hadn't thought of that Martin! I don't have neighbours, so it often skips my mind, but yes... put this on a wall adjoining a neighbours house and you're going to have some arguments to say the least!

[@BillyBraga]

I clicked on the video because he has lagavulin and laphraoig on the shelf

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

These need a subwoofer as well.

[@F_Bardamu]

Not interested by this product until they offer a broader variety of "art" front covers. I find the default one a tad drepressing.

[@mpelevic]

It sounds kind of… flat?! ;)))

[@StusReviewsUK]

🥁

[@dp4210]

No bluetooth...no wireless..no android 😢

[@Badonicus]

3 again

[@StusReviewsUK]

🥉... Nearly a gold medal!

What is the second track music?

[@robbieburns2245]

Strange concept - cannot see the point of it tbh! Great review as ever

[@phildirt3]

Improve the art and i m there

[@magnus1liljeqvist]

2 or 4 of them on the sealing to be used as atmos speakers would look ok. But there's no way to use them like that.

[@apparentlynot1stLeonchubbs]

Uh mannnn.. What a wasted opportunity for maximizing the cool factor. I THOUGHT it was gonna be one of those transducer modules that can turn hard surfaces into speakers.. Its just a very ordinary speaker jammed into a small-ish space. With some acoustic shroud to presumably help with bass n stuff. It could be 1/3 to 1/2 the thickness if they went with that transducer approach. Gets a meh from me.. I dont hate it, but I wouldnt buy it Review was good tho :) 💪

[@Raarrrinator]

How about you read the manual first...

[@StusReviewsUK]

Nah. I am the manual.

[@Dynasty1818]

Sonos do great speakers, but my god their software is absolutely, disgustingly useless. DO NOT BUY THIS. You will constantly get disconnected and the app won't see your speaker. It's why I sold my Sonos setup - just constantly failing to see its' own hardware over and over.

[@ergloo6660]

It's c£$p

[@flavio2372]

great review . sorry to say but that thing looks like a piece of #$#$%%$#@$%

[@chuckgillespie1]

My ears are bleeding...please turn it off

[@StusReviewsUK]

Might be worth noting that you probably have a volume control on whatever device you’re this on. I’d get familiar with it. I’m sure there’s some instructions for you to read somewhere if you are still struggling. That, and then you might want to book in to see your GP.

[@Kyle-Russell]

What a total stupid thing. Why would anyone want to pay out to have a cable coming from a Picture and you will need to hang this near a plug socket.

[@StusReviewsUK]

It’s certainly niche!

[@SquirreliciousMe]

I mean not everyone will do that, some people are capable of hiding the cables in walls and making it cable free to the eye…

[@stuartthomas1980]

It’s the same as traditional speakers and speaker wire. With a permanent setup, you can bury into the wall - just as you would with any wall mounted speaker. Look at some people’s setup with TVs on the wall, and cables coming out the bottom.