At CES 2026, competing bookshelf speakers like the $9.99 Ikea Kallsup offered multi-room sound, but Eversolo took a unique approach with its new passive speakers tailored for Ikea furniture integration.
Acknowledged for its audio hardware, the Eversolo SE100 entered the speaker market at CES Audio. These passive bookshelf speakers are sold as a pair, despite the brand’s name. They don’t stand alone.
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Advertisement- Eversolo has launched its new SE100 passive bookshelf speakers.
- These speakers come with hardware and specs that will appeal to audiophiles.
- Building on their appeal to audiophiles, these speakers are specifically designed to fit the popular IKEA Kallax shelving units, a modular grid-style storage solution found in many homes and offices.
Eversolo usually makes Hi-Fi gear like DACs, music players, and amplifiers, and the Eversolo SE100 continues with this audiophile focus. Specs include:
- A 5.25-inch paper pulp cone for texture
- A 25mm silk dome for clarity
- A removable fabric grille designed for low diffraction
Eversolo calls them acoustically invisible, but I prefer removing the grille to admire the unique offset drivers. They almost resemble an 1830s daguerreotype camera, don’t they?
These Bookshelf Speakers Are Made Especially For One Shelf. The IKEA Kallax
Why mention IKEA? Eversolo explains: “The SE100 is built for the Kallax, those grid-shaped shelves that organize items into boxes. The SE100 fits snugly in one cubby with no wasted space.
IKEA offers speakers from shower-ready Bluetooth boxes to models hidden in lamps, picture frames, and lights. However, they have never designed speakers just for their furniture. The Kallax is the shelf. The Kallsup are the $10 cube speakers. They are portable and not meant to stay on a shelf.
Of course, the SE100 should also appeal to people who don’t shop at IKEA since the square passive bookshelf speakers look good in many different places.
There is no official release date, but the SE100 is expected in 2026 for $399. That’s expensive, but not unusual for Hi-Fi gear. We’ll see if they make our best stereo speaker list once launched.
Kallax shelves are available in various configurations and prices, from small 2×1 units for about $25 to large 5×5 versions, and some models even function as TV stands or tables. This range makes Kallax a common choice for customizable storage and display.
Passive vs Active Speakers: Who are these for?
Active speakers have a built-in amplifier and plug directly into a power outlet. They are simple to use, often support wireless connections such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and feature built-in sound optimization.
Passive speakers do not have an internal amplifier, so they need an external amp or receiver. This setup gives audiophiles more options to customize their sound, but it also means more equipment and a more involved setup.
Active speakers: (Powered)
Amplification: The amplifier is built-in, so you only need to connect power and a signal source.
Connectivity: These speakers often include wireless features such as Bluetooth (short-range wireless audio) and Wi-Fi (wireless networking), along with input options like XLR (professional audio connector) or 3.5 mm (standard headphone jack) for easy connections.
Set up: Just plug them in and connect to your device. It’s quick and easy.
Sound: all parts are matched, giving steady output and less distortion.
Best for: Home offices, streaming, portable PA, or anyone looking for convenience or a space-saving setup.
Passive Speakers.
Amplification: Requires a separate amplifier or receiver.
Connectivity: You connect them to an amplifier with speaker wire (cable designed to deliver audio from the amplifier), usually using binding posts or terminals (connectors that hold the wire in place).
Setup: More involved, needing matching impedance and power.
Sound: Customize by mixing components for the exact sound you want.
Best for: Dedicated home theaters, audio file setups, large rooms, or anyone wanting the most audio control.
Key Differences at A Glance.
Power: active speakers use a power cable; passive speakers need a speaker wire to an amp.
Components: Active speakers have integrated amplifiers, while passive speakers require external amplifiers.
Control: Active speakers are plug-and-play, making setup simple. Passive speakers provide deeper customization for those wanting more tailored setups.
Wiring: active has fewer, shorter wires; passive needs longer cables.
So, why does Kallax matter for audio setups?
Kallax shelves are cube-style, simple, and smooth. Personalize with inserts, drawers, or doors for stand-alone use, dividing space, or as a TV bench.
Key Features
Set the Kallax on the floor as a room divider. Mount it on the wall for shelves or use it as a desk or TV bench, depending on your setup.
Customizable: Add compatible inserts such as DRONA fabric drawers/Kallax boxes/Kallax doors to keep things organized and out of sight.
Enjoy the smooth surfaces and rounded corners that create a sturdy, classic look.
Adapt Kallax to suit your changing needs and spaces, even if you move.
Share Kallax easily with other IKEA series, such as Lack.
Common Uses and Personalization.
Display books, plants, or your favorite decorative pieces, such as the Ever Solo SE100, in the open cubes.
Store toys, crafts, or media in DRONA boxes that fit inside the cubes.
Separate different areas in your living space with a tall Kallax unit.
Called TVs and media equipment like the Ever Solo SE100 with specific Kallax combinations.
Raise Kallax with an underframe to make cleaning underneath easier and add a modern look.
If you have a Kallax bookshelf at your place, you can consider purchasing the Ever Solo 100. Also, add some Hi-Fi audio to your collection.
