Home / Technology / 150 Speakers, One Wall of Sound: Can Cheap Tech Roar?
150 Speakers, One Wall of Sound: Can Cheap Tech Roar?
25 Oct
Summary
- 149 Ikea Kallsup speakers were chained together to create a wall of sound.
- The massive speaker array reached brain-numbingly loud volumes.
- Despite the scale, the experiment highlights the limitations of cheap audio.
In an ambitious experiment, WIRED successfully linked 149 of Ikea's $10 Kallsup Bluetooth speakers to create a massive "wall of sound." The initial claim suggested chaining up to 100 speakers, but Ikea provided 150 for testing, with one casualty during shipping. Assembling the array took approximately 30 minutes, with speakers chaining together progressively as they were powered on and paired.
Individually, the Kallsup speakers, each with a 3-watt amplifier and a single 1.8-inch driver, produce acceptable sound for their price point, though lacking deep bass. When combined, the 149 drivers created a formidable combined output, capable of reaching ear-splitting volumes described as being akin to a fire alarm rather than hi-fi. This scale was compared to a $500 LG party speaker, which offered a fuller audio experience.
The experiment revealed that while the chaining process was mostly smooth, some minor issues arose as more speakers were added. The final setup, costing around $1,490, was impressively loud but ultimately impractical for home use. The test concluded that for superior audio quality, investing in premium speakers remains the best approach, though the Kallsup excels as an affordable, user-friendly option.
