I got both, and I found the old one still sound better, and I discover the old one can also unscrew the top just as the Gen 2 for fit different shades including the the fibric shade for the gen2 . Also the new one's the light switch is actually a momentum button, which means it would turn off itself if power cut off which means if using a smart light bulb , you have to manually turn back on.
Be aware the Gen 1 versions are hugely discounted at the moment in IKEA. I picked a second lamp one up to make a stereo pair when I was there the other weekend and it was £125. They still probably have some in stock but only in store (not online).
What an incredible timing.These days i was looking for a review of the lamp, and the only ones i could find where those of the first model.Looking forward to buying one after i see your impression (if it's good, ofc)
I also prefer the first one. I actually bought a second last week, I did not see they had a gen 2, but the original was discounted to 100 Euro, so I had to take it.
My guess why they haven’t added smart asistants, bluetooth etc is because then it would be to much of a rival of Sonos itself and I guess Sonos doesnt allow that as a part of their collaboration.
Hi Stu. With the fabric shade attached, what is the total height of the lamp? It's one piece of information that's completely missing from the Ikea website...
Thank you for the honest review. I've just managed to get the last pair of Gen 1s from my local IKEA for £125 each (plus a couple of E14 smart bulbs). They took quite a lot of fiddling round to set them up with my iPad, Android phone and Alexa, but work well now. They sound even better as a stereo pair, especially after tuning
@@StusReviewsUK It was easy enough to follow the instructions in the app, but it would get part way through then fail to connect to the router. I moved the lamps next to the router and even tried ethernet. In the end I did a hard reset of the speakers, turned off the smart bulbs in case it was interference from Zigbe, deleted and re-installed the apps on the phone and iPad, and it all sprung into life.
I like the sound of this (at least, now the Gen 1 version is no longer available) as a bedside 'connected' speaker and lamp, since that's somewhere in my house I don't want an open mic, and it can be a drop-in replacement for a normal bedside lamp without taking up yet another socket but with the HA connectivity over their Sonos integration for things like alarms and doorbell alerts. I could wish it had a couple of USB charging sockets for my phone/watch, though.
@@StusReviewsUK i was looking at mk1 last week but was out of stock @ ikea and amazon wanted over £200. Didn't know mk2 was being released so great timing!
Yeah I appreciate that, but tonally i try and give opinion on the sound out of the box with no personalised EQ to set as best of a 'baseline' as possible across multiple devices from different manufacturers.
@@StusReviewsUK well, you seem to be sufficiently graceful to have avoided stabbing yourself with that bloody knife So there is hope you won't break those beautiful glass globe shades Because breaking those would be a proper shame...
I wonder whether by removing the lampshade screw ring, would the original glass dome then fit? Quite astonishing how they completely missed the opportunity to make these smart home capable though.
Great question! I don't tend to use the tradfri colour bulbs because they have terrible green hues (almost non-existent). Their standard tradfri bulbs are fine, but if its colour you want I would look elsewhere.
@@StusReviewsUK I thought so. They bulb package is deceiving. It makes impression of full coloured bulb, but in fact there are only five preset shades in IKEA Home smart app from warm to cold.
Hey Dude love your reviews. I bought the 2nd gen lamp and had to take it back cause it wouldn't turn on, so I return it and bought the eneby 12. I would like to know which one do you prefer or can you do a comparison video. Again great work.
Thats interesting! Wonder why it wouldn't turn on! And I love the eneby. I did a review of one when they first came out... I think that was the first Ikea speaker!
I’ve heard exactly the same comments elsewhere, I think you have to at least improve the sound. I guess the only plus is that the 1st gen may be available at a discount now. Great review as always
I had the first Speaker lamp, but had to take it back as I could not stand the looks of it. The Bookshelf looks better, but the new lamp with the fabric screen looks nice.
LOVE the test ! I purchased a Symfonisk frame speaker and was utterly "Stu'ed" by it (please accept my use of "Stu'ed" to describe my "WTF ? Oh ! This is really surprisingly good !" face akin to yours :p) I was pondering the purchase of a Gen1 or Gen2 lamp, since here in France the price is the same (179 Euros, no discounts) for both of them. We have a "art deco" decoration so the Glass bulby style of the Gen1 got our attention, but the new glass bulb for the Gen2 is also quite "sexy". Have you tried using the Gen2 with a Frame and see how they complete each other or if the frame is enough by itself ?
Very interesting Stu, this is one of first products I have seen that seam's to be aimed at the smart home user buy quite obviously isn't. I imagine that anyone who is into Sonos will like this or the previous version. But and it's a big BUT anyone who has a number smart home speakers is likely to look at this as a very expensive lamp that they cannot connect to Alexa or Google and think, seriously why? This is certainly something I would not buy, I see no value or point to it. This is still a useful video even if it is just to confirm a product that I may have wanted, is something confirmed by your review that I don't! Great video as always.
I much prefer the look of the first generation lamp. It was that which led me to purchase one. This just looks like a regular lamp, which I guess is the intention. It's a pity they are not continuing to sell the first generation. It would be good to have the choice. Unfortunately, they were sold out when I looked a couple of months ago, as I wanted to get another because I don't particularly like the new design. It's just bland.
@@StusReviewsUK It's not listed on IKEA's website and when I looked a few months ago it was showing as out of stock at my closest store. If I'm passing, maybe I will pop in on the off-chance they do still have a few of them kicking about.
Thanks for the review. If one is focused on sound then I would not look at combo units. Given the greater lampshade and bulb options, this combo unit should be “net” better.😊
I prefer *not* having a microphone listening in every room. Can just add an Amazon echo dot or something if that’s desired and they do work very well with Alexa once set up.
I don’t get why you would be disappointed that a Wifi speaker doesn’t have 3.5 headphone jack. The whole point of a wifi speaker is for audio to be over wifi. Great review otherwise. And yes you can put any lamp shade onto the new speakers
I’m disappointed because yes, it’s a wifi speaker, but these look great as a standalone unit, but because it doesn’t have 3.5, it means you can’t extend the possibilities of usage by adding smart assistant or Bluetooth capabilities through a direct connection. There isn’t much reason for them to have not included it!
I love Sonos speakers and IKEA…but these lamp speakers are a little too space age. Wish they came in more natural looking colors or used some wood accents (birch?) and more tasteful lampshades. They’re a little too techy and not timeless enough.
I watched your speaker in hopes of learning how to connect the speaker and I heard near-field and then you complaining about an update. No idea how to connect it and no directions.
If it streams direct to hi-res audio sources, I'm ok with ditching 3.5mm. But if it's blueooth based, i'd prefer the 3.5 mm so I can get my full bitrate/not-recompressed to fit bluetooth.
The speaker is ace ect but the fabric is HORRID and never got one because of that o well and the new lamp shade on new one is UGLY lol ikea mix match lol hope they make better for 3rd time round lol
This lamp is a scam. There is no reason it can't have a bluetooth other than that they want you to buy sonos speaker that does have bluetooth and pairs with symfonisk. Bought this lamp, thought you somehow connect it to wifi and play whatever you want from places, but this whole 'app' nonsense is ridiculous. You cannot watch movies you cannot watch youtube you cannot do shit with this lamp.
Anything related to the software user interface is terrible. It’s mind boggling how a tech company can deliver such poor usability in 2023 - their management is apparently not very ambitious. About the lamp, I like the new design better but it’s a dust collector like nothing else. And putting the buttons on the back is the kind of stupidity that (rightly) got people fired while Mr Kamprad was still alive.
I got both, and I found the old one still sound better, and I discover the old one can also unscrew the top just as the Gen 2 for fit different shades including the the fibric shade for the gen2 . Also the new one's the light switch is actually a momentum button, which means it would turn off itself if power cut off which means if using a smart light bulb , you have to manually turn back on.
I have a couple of Gen 1 lamps, I'm amazed no one has noticed you can use your own shades
Be aware the Gen 1 versions are hugely discounted at the moment in IKEA. I picked a second lamp one up to make a stereo pair when I was there the other weekend and it was £125. They still probably have some in stock but only in store (not online).
I've heard you've caused a stampede in Ikea 😉. Absolute bargain at that price!
Is there a risk of support ending for Gen1 anytime soon ? Sonos has done that before to their older models.
What an incredible timing.These days i was looking for a review of the lamp, and the only ones i could find where those of the first model.Looking forward to buying one after i see your impression (if it's good, ofc)
I'd be interested to know your thoughts after listening to one and hearing my opinion! 👀
I'm thinking about buying Sonos Beam (Gen2) + two Symfonisk lamps as TV speakers set. Does anyone has experience pairing Symfonisk with soundbar?
Love the design of the new one soooo much!! Really cool speaker lamp thingy!!
Really good review
Absolutely love the way you are nonchalantly waving the knife around during the unboxing 😂😂
I also prefer the first one. I actually bought a second last week, I did not see they had a gen 2, but the original was discounted to 100 Euro, so I had to take it.
You got an absolute bargain!
My guess why they haven’t added smart asistants, bluetooth etc is because then it would be to much of a rival of Sonos itself and I guess Sonos doesnt allow that as a part of their collaboration.
This was an amazing vid with peeeerfect time!!!!! Thanks for jamming in all that info! New sub! Enjoyed it a lot! Cheers!
Couldn’t agree more..missed opportunity 2nd time around. This could have been a game changer!
Such a shame!
Hi Stu. With the fabric shade attached, what is the total height of the lamp? It's one piece of information that's completely missing from the Ikea website...
Well done for getting through the video without saying the word "Phallus" - although "Big Bulbous Thing" came quite close!
Thinking of using these as rear surrounds with the playbar in my bedroom
Mk 1 design is a lot nicer and I agree with you about the sound being a warmer tone. Another good vid Stu
Have you got the MK1???
Can you use any lamp shade on it?
Thank you for the honest review. I've just managed to get the last pair of Gen 1s from my local IKEA for £125 each (plus a couple of E14 smart bulbs). They took quite a lot of fiddling round to set them up with my iPad, Android phone and Alexa, but work well now. They sound even better as a stereo pair, especially after tuning
Yeah agreed- if it’s the first time you’ve done It, it’s not the most intuitive setup!
@@StusReviewsUK It was easy enough to follow the instructions in the app, but it would get part way through then fail to connect to the router. I moved the lamps next to the router and even tried ethernet. In the end I did a hard reset of the speakers, turned off the smart bulbs in case it was interference from Zigbe, deleted and re-installed the apps on the phone and iPad, and it all sprung into life.
I like the sound of this (at least, now the Gen 1 version is no longer available) as a bedside 'connected' speaker and lamp, since that's somewhere in my house I don't want an open mic, and it can be a drop-in replacement for a normal bedside lamp without taking up yet another socket but with the HA connectivity over their Sonos integration for things like alarms and doorbell alerts. I could wish it had a couple of USB charging sockets for my phone/watch, though.
If it’s part of the Sonos app can you use the Sonos equaliser?
Yes you can change the EQ and the true play tuning in the app.
@@StusReviewsUK i was looking at mk1 last week but was out of stock @ ikea and amazon wanted over £200. Didn't know mk2 was being released so great timing!
Great review i think this newer one is the Sonos play one and the older lamp is the sonos play 1
What's the first song?
All the songs are by Ooyy 👍
I purchased these to replace my Sonos Play1 Gen1 as rear speakers.... these are far better compared to that.
Great video and product. What songs do you use to test it
Hello can you stereo pair 2 of these and use with the Apple TV ?
You can add more bass, use the equalizer in the Sonos app, makes a big difference
Yeah I appreciate that, but tonally i try and give opinion on the sound out of the box with no personalised EQ to set as best of a 'baseline' as possible across multiple devices from different manufacturers.
IMHO the looks of the 1st Gen wins hands down
Glad you agree man! 🥃
@@StusReviewsUK well, you seem to be sufficiently graceful to have avoided stabbing yourself with that bloody knife
So there is hope you won't break those beautiful glass globe shades
Because breaking those would be a proper shame...
I would cry.
I wonder whether by removing the lampshade screw ring, would the original glass dome then fit? Quite astonishing how they completely missed the opportunity to make these smart home capable though.
Can the gen 2 lamp be used with the one sl speaker as surrounds as don't need two lamps.
Thanks for the review. You briefly mentioned the Gen 2 light could be controlled with the IKEA smart hub. Could you do that with the Gen 1 as well?
Is this a IKEA Tradfri bulb you are using?
Great question! I don't tend to use the tradfri colour bulbs because they have terrible green hues (almost non-existent). Their standard tradfri bulbs are fine, but if its colour you want I would look elsewhere.
@@StusReviewsUK I like the Wyze bulb colors the best but not sure if this is a regular bulb base?
@@StusReviewsUK I thought so. They bulb package is deceiving. It makes impression of full coloured bulb, but in fact there are only five preset shades in IKEA Home smart app from warm to cold.
Actually the white top part on the black bottom looks way better. I don't really like the white/white combo.
Its a bit too white!
What of drivers does it have
Hey Dude love your reviews. I bought the 2nd gen lamp and had to take it back cause it wouldn't turn on, so I return it and bought the eneby 12. I would like to know which one do you prefer or can you do a comparison video. Again great work.
Thats interesting! Wonder why it wouldn't turn on! And I love the eneby. I did a review of one when they first came out... I think that was the first Ikea speaker!
I’ve heard exactly the same comments elsewhere, I think you have to at least improve the sound. I guess the only plus is that the 1st gen may be available at a discount now. Great review as always
this was helpful, thank you. Think I'll keep my 1st gen
Hi!
Is it possible to pair (in stereo) a gen1 with another gen2? Thanks
No you can't
I had the first Speaker lamp, but had to take it back as I could not stand the looks of it. The Bookshelf looks better, but the new lamp with the fabric screen looks nice.
Yeah the book case lamp is a little more subtle... And with the new fronts theyve brought out you can make it look quite unobtrusive!
Brilliant video bud, sub'd!
I like the pinky ring bro.
Thanks! 💍🤙
I love the 4 gen 1 IKEA Leakers (lamp speakers) I have
4!!! I thought I was a bit boojie with 2 👀! Haha! They are awesome right!
@@StusReviewsUK not every day you come across a Sonos speaker that looks like the robot from the movie Wall-E
I agree the original sounds better. I was glad to have picked up two of the original versions
LOVE the test !
I purchased a Symfonisk frame speaker and was utterly "Stu'ed" by it (please accept my use of "Stu'ed" to describe my "WTF ? Oh ! This is really surprisingly good !" face akin to yours :p)
I was pondering the purchase of a Gen1 or Gen2 lamp, since here in France the price is the same (179 Euros, no discounts) for both of them.
We have a "art deco" decoration so the Glass bulby style of the Gen1 got our attention, but the new glass bulb for the Gen2 is also quite "sexy".
Have you tried using the Gen2 with a Frame and see how they complete each other or if the frame is enough by itself ?
I mean... It is an internationally recognised state of face 'stu'd'! 😂
How many watts (RMS) does it have?
I had the original. It had decent power, if a bit bassy. The problem is they are not compatible with any other set up or system.
Very interesting Stu, this is one of first products I have seen that seam's to be aimed at the smart home user buy quite obviously isn't. I imagine that anyone who is into Sonos will like this or the previous version. But and it's a big BUT anyone who has a number smart home speakers is likely to look at this as a very expensive lamp that they cannot connect to Alexa or Google and think, seriously why? This is certainly something I would not buy, I see no value or point to it.
This is still a useful video even if it is just to confirm a product that I may have wanted, is something confirmed by your review that I don't!
Great video as always.
Yeah the state of ikea smart home stuff is in is disappointing. I might make a video talking about it!
Looks like it could be a ‘Gentleman’s Club’ version of Eve from Wall-E
I've always liked the look of the lamp but it's a bit expensive.
Agreed, its not cheap! But the value for money is brilliant!
Thanks Stu.
Very welcome!
I much prefer the look of the first generation lamp. It was that which led me to purchase one. This just looks like a regular lamp, which I guess is the intention. It's a pity they are not continuing to sell the first generation. It would be good to have the choice. Unfortunately, they were sold out when I looked a couple of months ago, as I wanted to get another because I don't particularly like the new design. It's just bland.
They still have the first gen at the moment... It might be until stores run out which is a crying shame.
@@StusReviewsUK It's not listed on IKEA's website and when I looked a few months ago it was showing as out of stock at my closest store. If I'm passing, maybe I will pop in on the off-chance they do still have a few of them kicking about.
If you squint hard enough, it looks a bit like the robot off Wall-E
I like the look of their flat panel speakers, for the lamp speakers I think I preferred the first one
Yeah there flat panel speakers are nice! The original eneby will always have a special place in my heart!
Thanks for the review. If one is focused on sound then I would not look at combo units. Given the greater lampshade and bulb options, this combo unit should be “net” better.😊
Full agree to the update issue!!!
I prefer *not* having a microphone listening in every room. Can just add an Amazon echo dot or something if that’s desired and they do work very well with Alexa once set up.
5:14 that's not ridiculous looking😢
Haha, good design is subjective!
I don’t get why you would be disappointed that a Wifi speaker doesn’t have 3.5 headphone jack. The whole point of a wifi speaker is for audio to be over wifi. Great review otherwise. And yes you can put any lamp shade onto the new speakers
I’m disappointed because yes, it’s a wifi speaker, but these look great as a standalone unit, but because it doesn’t have 3.5, it means you can’t extend the possibilities of usage by adding smart assistant or Bluetooth capabilities through a direct connection.
There isn’t much reason for them to have not included it!
Wish this speaker lamp was like the old Apple Home Pod with 360-degree sound.
If it wasn’t for my HomePod minis I would have gotten this for my bedroom
They’re always going to sound great, or Sonos wouldn’t put their name to them. The looks, however…..
Yes this is true!
I love Sonos speakers and IKEA…but these lamp speakers are a little too space age. Wish they came in more natural looking colors or used some wood accents (birch?) and more tasteful lampshades. They’re a little too techy and not timeless enough.
If only Sonos adda Bluetooth they can increase their sales. with their asking price ans limited connectivity its kinda thunbs down to other.
Huge if you can use a normal lamp shade. Hate the penis glans lamp shade on the old one. Hate whatever the new thing is.
It is really hugly although all the rest is great.
Haha, you aren’t alone with that thought!
Buttons are in the back because most people use the sonos app to control
if they have bluetooth I would definitely buy....
You can’t add these to any other setup or system, as an audiophile its a no for me.
I watched your speaker in hopes of learning how to connect the speaker and I heard near-field and then you complaining about an update. No idea how to connect it and no directions.
This is review. Try searching for a tutorial 👀
3.5mm is old technology. Companies are trying to ditch old technology
There is literally no reason on the planet why a gigantic speaker can’t spare a smidgen of space for a 3.5mm connector…
If it streams direct to hi-res audio sources, I'm ok with ditching 3.5mm. But if it's blueooth based, i'd prefer the 3.5 mm so I can get my full bitrate/not-recompressed to fit bluetooth.
Sonos will NOT cave on casting, no matter how many people scream about it.
Looks like a bug zapper.
Ha! Yeah!
I want my device to update before I use it. I am not an impatient teenager with a new toy.
Are you okay John? 👁👄👁
@@StusReviewsUK What if original software had a bug, wouldn’t you prefer to have it right from the beginning with the latest update?
I do prefer the sophisticated design of the 1st gen too. This new one looks awfully ordinary. Disappointing.
The speaker is ace ect but the fabric is HORRID and never got one because of that o well and the new lamp shade on new one is UGLY lol ikea mix match lol hope they make better for 3rd time round lol
What is it with all this "chipmunk" music??
👍ℹ️
This lamp is a scam. There is no reason it can't have a bluetooth other than that they want you to buy sonos speaker that does have bluetooth and pairs with symfonisk. Bought this lamp, thought you somehow connect it to wifi and play whatever you want from places, but this whole 'app' nonsense is ridiculous. You cannot watch movies you cannot watch youtube you cannot do shit with this lamp.
Anything related to the software user interface is terrible. It’s mind boggling how a tech company can deliver such poor usability in 2023 - their management is apparently not very ambitious.
About the lamp, I like the new design better but it’s a dust collector like nothing else. And putting the buttons on the back is the kind of stupidity that (rightly) got people fired while Mr Kamprad was still alive.
looks bloody awful
Won’t be to everyone’s taste for sure!