Hiding in plain sight, the IKEA/SONOS Symfonisk Picture Frame Speaker redefines what a speaker can be. It’s a piece of art, a tech gadget, and a sound system all rolled into one. This review explores the ingenuity of this unique speaker, delving into its sound quality, design aesthetics, and seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem. Whether you’re a music lover, a design enthusiast, or simply curious about innovative tech, join us as we uncover the details of the Symfonisk Picture Frame Speaker, from its versatile placement options to its potential drawbacks. We’ll also compare it to other speakers on the market, helping you make an informed decision about whether this speaker deserves a spot on your wall—and in your audio setup.
Key Takeaways
- Disguised as artwork, the Symfonisk Picture Frame speaker delivers surprisingly good sound for its form factor. It’s perfect for adding music to spaces where a traditional speaker might look out of place. Think kitchens, hallways, or even bedrooms.
- Seamless Sonos integration makes multi-room audio a breeze. Easily group it with other Sonos speakers and control everything from the app. WiFi connectivity ensures a stable connection and eliminates the need for Bluetooth pairing.
- Consider your audio priorities. A single unit delivers mono sound, suitable for casual listening. Stereo sound requires two speakers, which increases the price. Weigh this against your budget and how important stereo separation is to you.
What is the IKEA/SONOS Symfonisk Picture Frame Speaker?
The Symfonisk Picture Frame speaker, a collaboration between IKEA and Sonos, is a $199 wireless Wi-Fi speaker designed to blend in with your home decor. Think of it as a piece of art that also plays music. The Verge highlights its impressive sound quality coming directly from your wall. It neatly integrates into a Sonos-powered multiroom system, making it a simple addition to an existing Sonos setup, as noted by Consumer Reports. Stuff describes how its audio components are cleverly concealed within the frame. Inverse even considers it Ikea’s best Sonos speaker for its discreet design. And if you’re curious about its audio performance, RTINGS.com points out its bright sound profile with room correction enabled.
Exploring Sound Quality
Let’s talk sound—it’s what matters most with a speaker. The IKEA Symfonisk Picture Frame speaker offers a generally bright sound profile, especially with its room correction feature turned on. This results in a well-balanced mid-range, making vocals clear and present. Higher-pitched vocals and instruments also have a bright, crisp quality, as noted in this RTINGS.com review.
Clarity and Dynamics
The Symfonisk Picture Frame speaker handles various audio content well. Podcasts and audiobooks are easy to listen to, thanks to the clear reproduction of voices. Music also sounds good, with a decent amount of detail across different genres. While it might not satisfy serious audiophiles, it’s more than enough for casual listening.
Customize the EQ
A helpful feature is the ability to adjust the EQ settings in the Sonos app. This lets you personalize the sound and compensate for any shortcomings in the speaker’s natural sound profile. As Darko Audio points out in his video review, the bass and mid-bass might be a bit strong out of the box, but the EQ controls let you adjust it for a more balanced sound. This customization is a major plus for getting the audio just right for your room.
Wi-Fi Connectivity Benefits
Beyond sound quality, the Symfonisk Picture Frame speaker offers the convenience of Wi-Fi. This means no messy wires and easy integration with your existing Wi-Fi network. As highlighted in this PCMag review, it’s also a Sonos speaker, which opens up more possibilities. You get access to the Sonos ecosystem, including multi-room audio and AirPlay 2 streaming, making it simple to play music throughout your home or stream directly from your Apple devices.
Ideal Symfonisk Environments
The beauty of the IKEA Symfonisk Picture Frame Speaker lies in its adaptability. It’s not just a speaker; it’s a chameleon that blends into various rooms and elevates the soundscape of your home. Let’s explore some ideal spots for this intriguing piece of audio tech.
Enhance Living Room and TV Audio
The Symfonisk Picture Frame Speaker can seriously improve your living room audio, especially when paired with your TV. As Darko Audio points out in their Symfonisk review, using it as a TV speaker is a practical solution, especially in a kitchen setting. Think of it as a discreet sound upgrade that doesn’t clutter your space, adding depth and richness to your TV’s audio without a complicated receiver and multiple speakers. This makes it perfect for smaller living rooms or apartments where space is limited.
Kitchen and Hallway Use
Beyond the living room, the Symfonisk speaker shines in kitchens and hallways. These are often overlooked when it comes to home audio, but they’re spaces where we spend a lot of time. The same Darko Audio video highlights the surprisingly full and rich sound, ideal for background music while cooking or simply moving through your home. Imagine a crisp, clear soundtrack to your culinary adventures or a welcoming ambiance as you enter.
Bedroom and Home Office Integration
The Symfonisk Picture Frame Speaker also fits seamlessly into bedrooms and home offices. Its compatibility with platforms like Roon adds another layer of functionality for effortless music streaming. Having a dedicated Roon endpoint, as highlighted in Darko Audio’s review, means high-quality audio while working or relaxing. Whether you need focus music for your home office or calming tunes for your bedroom, the Symfonisk speaker delivers a personalized audio experience.
Design and Aesthetics
The IKEA Symfonisk Picture Frame speaker isn’t your typical speaker. It’s designed to blend in, disguised as a piece of art. This makes it a great option if you want quality sound without the visual clutter of traditional speakers. Let’s explore how its design and aesthetic features make it a unique addition to your home audio setup.
Blending with Decor
Unlike most speakers that scream “audio equipment,” the Symfonisk Picture Frame speaker aims for subtlety. It’s designed to look like framed artwork, cleverly hiding its speaker components within a simple frame. This allows it to seamlessly integrate into your existing decor. As Stuff points out, the speaker achieves great sound quality while ironically blending into the background. It’s a welcome change from bulky speakers that can dominate a room.
Customization Options
The Picture Frame speaker offers flexibility in terms of appearance. You can choose from various interchangeable art prints to match your personal style and swap them out whenever you feel like a refresh. This personalization allows you to make the speaker truly your own. Beyond the aesthetics, you can also adjust the sound profile using the Sonos app. RTINGS.com highlights the speaker’s bright sound profile and room correction feature, allowing you to tailor the audio to your room’s acoustics.
Versatile Placement
One of the standout features of the Symfonisk Picture Frame speaker is its placement versatility. You can hang it on the wall like a traditional picture, either vertically or horizontally. Or, you can lean it against a wall or place it on a flat surface using the included stand. This adaptability, mentioned in PCMag’s review, makes it easy to incorporate the speaker into any room, regardless of space. Digital Trends also notes the speaker’s rectangular shape and 22 by 16-inch size contribute to its flexible placement options.
Symfonisk Setup
Connect and Integrate with SONOS
Setting up the Symfonisk Picture Frame speaker is refreshingly straightforward. It connects seamlessly with your existing Sonos system via WiFi. This means no Bluetooth pairing struggles—just plug it in, open your Sonos app, and follow the simple on-screen instructions. The app walks you through each step, making the process quick and painless, even if you’re new to wireless speakers. This easy integration makes it simple to add the Picture Frame speaker to your current multi-room audio setup or start a new one.
Multi-Room Audio
One of the Symfonisk Picture Frame’s best features is its multi-room audio capability. Since it’s part of the Sonos ecosystem, you can group it with other Sonos speakers throughout your home for a synchronized listening experience. Picture playing the same music in your kitchen, living room, and even your bathroom, all controlled from the Sonos app. The Picture Frame’s versatile placement—hang it on the wall (portrait or landscape) or place it on a flat surface—makes it adaptable for multi-room audio. This flexibility lets you incorporate the speaker into your decor while enjoying high-quality sound in every room.
Single vs. Stereo Setup
Mono Sound
The IKEA Symfonisk Picture Frame Speaker delivers mono sound. This means audio comes from one speaker, without stereo separation. As one reviewer noted, this single-speaker setup lacks distinct left and right channels, which are standard in stereo sound. This can impact the listening experience, especially if you appreciate the immersive quality of stereo. While a mono setup works for casual listening, it might not suit everyone.
Dual Unit Costs
If you want stereo sound, you’ll need two Symfonisk Picture Frame Speakers. At roughly $199 per unit, the cost of a stereo pair adds up. Reviewers have discussed this cost, especially considering other options. While the Symfonisk works well within the Sonos ecosystem, spending around $400 for a stereo pair might lead you to explore alternatives. You could find a solid pair of active bookshelf speakers from another brand at a similar price point, possibly with improved sound quality. Consider your budget and desired performance when making your decision.
Technical Aspects and Performance
This section covers the technical details and performance of the IKEA Symfonisk Picture Frame Speaker, including its sound profile, integration with the Sonos ecosystem, and streaming capabilities.
Bass Response and Sound Profile
The Symfonisk Picture Frame speaker offers a generally bright sound profile, especially with its room correction activated. This results in a balanced mid-range, making vocals clear and present. Higher-pitched sounds also have a bright, crisp quality. Because of its slim profile, it doesn’t deliver the powerful low-bass you’d find in larger speakers. RTINGS.com points out this trade-off in their review. Darko Audio, in their YouTube review, mentions the mid-to-upper bass might be slightly over-emphasized. You can adjust this using the EQ settings in the Sonos app, allowing you to customize the sound.
Sonos Ecosystem Integration
The Symfonisk Picture Frame seamlessly integrates with the Sonos ecosystem. Consumer Reports notes this $199 wireless speaker works within a Sonos multi-room audio setup. This allows you to group it with other Sonos speakers for synchronized music throughout your home. Darko Audio’s video also confirms this, highlighting the option to stereo pair two Picture Frame speakers via the Sonos app for a wider soundstage.
Streaming Service Compatibility
The Symfonisk Picture Frame speaker supports various streaming services. Darko Audio mentions AirPlay and Spotify Connect, allowing wireless streaming from Apple devices and direct Spotify integration. PCMag adds that the speaker functions as a Wi-Fi speaker with AirPlay 2, expanding its streaming options. This broad compatibility lets you easily enjoy your preferred music platforms.
Potential Drawbacks
While the Symfonisk Picture Frame speaker offers a unique blend of art and audio, it’s not without its shortcomings. Understanding these potential issues can help you decide if it’s the right fit for your home.
Stereo Separation Issues
One notable drawback is the lack of stereo separation. Because it’s a single speaker unit, the Symfonisk Picture Frame doesn’t deliver distinct left and right audio channels. This impacts the overall listening experience, resulting in a narrower soundstage compared to a true stereo pair. As one reviewer pointed out, “the obvious thing here is that because it’s a single unit there is no stereo separation left and right channel,” which can be a significant consideration for discerning listeners. Comparisons with other speakers, like the Sonos One Gen 2, highlight this difference, with the Sonos offering “a wider and more open-sounding soundstage.”
Price Analysis
The Symfonisk Picture Frame speaker’s price point might give some buyers pause. At $199 (or an MSRP of $259.99 as noted by PCMag), it’s not the most economical option. One review suggests this price undercuts the goal of making Sonos-quality audio more accessible. If budget is a primary concern, exploring other speakers might be worthwhile.
Size and Placement Challenges
Although designed to blend seamlessly with your decor, the Symfonisk Picture Frame speaker’s size and placement can present challenges. Its dimensions might not suit every room layout. While one review mentions it “blends in,” this can be both a benefit and a drawback, potentially making the speaker less of a statement piece. Another review emphasizes wall-mounting, which, while offering a unique aesthetic, limits placement flexibility compared to traditional speakers.
Symfonisk vs. Alternatives
Compare with Traditional Speakers
The IKEA SYMFONISK Picture Frame Speaker offers a different approach compared to traditional speakers. Its most obvious difference is the design—it’s art that plays music. While a standard speaker focuses only on audio reproduction, the SYMFONISK blends into your home decor. In terms of sound, sites like RTINGS.com note that speakers like the Sonos One (a close cousin of the SYMFONISK) create a wider soundstage. However, the SYMFONISK Picture Frame still delivers solid audio, especially given its dual purpose. Its “bright sound profile,” as RTINGS.com describes, ensures clear vocals and crisp high frequencies, making it suitable for everyday listening. If you want a speaker that doesn’t look like a speaker, the SYMFONISK is a great choice.
Budget-Friendly Stereo Options
If you’re watching your wallet, the SYMFONISK Picture Frame is a good entry point into wireless audio. Inverse calls it “Ikea’s best Sonos speaker, for a price,” highlighting its value. While not the absolute cheapest option available, the combination of sound quality, design, and Sonos integration makes it competitive. PCMag reinforces this, emphasizing its dual function as both decor and a capable Wi-Fi speaker with multi-room audio and AirPlay 2. If you want an affordable stereo system, two SYMFONISK Picture Frame speakers offer a unique, space-saving setup.
Making a Decision
Evaluate Cost-Effectiveness
The Symfonisk Picture Frame speaker offers a unique blend of art and audio, but its price point requires consideration. While some reviews mention the higher-than-expected cost compared to other Sonos products, it’s important to weigh this against its dual functionality. It’s not just a speaker; it’s decor. RTINGS.com highlights the bright sound, but also acknowledges a less prominent bass response, a factor to consider if low-end frequencies are important to you. Think about how much you value a robust bass versus the overall aesthetic and space-saving design.
Balance Sound, Design, and Budget
The Symfonisk Picture Frame speaker excels in its design. PCMag emphasizes its attractiveness and seamless integration with home decor. This “inconspicuous” design, as Stuff calls it, lets it blend in rather than stand out like traditional speakers. If you appreciate minimalism or want to avoid visual clutter, the Picture Frame might be a good fit. Consider your budget and how much you’re willing to spend for this combination of sound and design. The price, sometimes upwards of $259.99, might influence your decision depending on your audio needs and financial resources.
Ideal User
The Symfonisk Picture Frame speaker isn’t for everyone. This video review raises the question of value when buying two units for stereo sound, suggesting it’s a considerable investment. This speaker best suits someone who values both sound quality and interior design. As one review explains, it aims to blend into the background like furniture. If you want seamless integration of technology and decor, and you’re comfortable with the Sonos ecosystem, this speaker could be an excellent choice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Symfonisk Picture Frame Speaker require a Sonos system?
While it works seamlessly within a larger Sonos setup, you don’t need other Sonos components to use it. It functions as a standalone speaker connected to your Wi-Fi. You control it through the Sonos app, which also lets you add more Sonos speakers later if you want.
Can I use my own artwork with the Picture Frame Speaker?
You can’t directly insert your own artwork. However, IKEA offers interchangeable art prints designed specifically for the speaker. This lets you customize the look to match your style, and you can easily swap prints for a fresh look whenever you like.
How does the sound compare to other wireless speakers in this price range?
The Symfonisk Picture Frame speaker offers decent sound quality, especially for its unique design. While it might not match the performance of dedicated high-fidelity speakers, it’s more than adequate for casual listening. The ability to adjust the EQ in the Sonos app helps you fine-tune the sound to your preference.
Is it difficult to set up the Picture Frame Speaker?
Not at all. The setup process is quite simple. You plug it in, connect it to your Wi-Fi through the Sonos app, and you’re ready to go. The app guides you through each step, making it easy even for those less familiar with technology.
Can I pair two Symfonisk Picture Frame speakers for stereo sound?
Yes, you can. Using the Sonos app, you can pair two Picture Frame speakers to create a stereo pair. This provides a wider soundstage and a more immersive listening experience compared to using a single speaker. Just remember that this requires purchasing two speakers.
