Sound quality: Ikea's Vappeby had fair overall sound quality - this model has sonic shortcomings that leave a lot to be desired when listening to music but don't rule it out for dialog. What little bass there is has little impact, is subdued and doesn't go deep. Midrange is telephone-like, and somewhat thin and grainy. Treble lacks extension and the lower treble is prominent, sizzly, and smeared. It doesn't do a good job of recovering room ambience and is congested. This speaker is monophonic. When two units are used as a stereo pair the sound stage can be made wider depending on placement. Provides an adequate volume level for near field listening.