The Audiophile Apartment’s 2025 Products of the Year
These are our picks in the last 14 months or so for our favorite products to go in smaller environments where space is at a premium, and an extra splash of style is a bonus. A few of these products’ full reviews will be posted in the next couple of weeks, but we wanted to get this out there to start the year on a positive. Stop by the TONE Facebook page (or email) and let us know what you think.

OVERALL: Dynaudio Focus 10 powered speakers $5,500/pair (stands extra)
Nothing is better for the smallest of spaces than no components at all – just a pair of powered speakers. And Dynaudio’s Focus 10s (the smallest of the Focus series) not only fit anywhere, they deliver top quality sound. This is the sound you’d expect from separate components, and you could easily spend what a pair of Focus 10s will set you back on cables for an amp, preamp, and streaming DAC. They are available in the walnut you see here, black, and (our favorite) white. Bonus features include a subwoofer output, and inputs for an analog source as well as HDMI. In addition to the built in DSP to optimize for your room size and speaker placement, these will also work with a DIRAC subscription for the ultimate in room optimization. https://dynaudio.com/home-audio/focus/focus-10

Vera-Fi Audio Caldera 10 and 12 subwoofers $199, and $399
Speaking of subwoofers, if you need more bass in your limited space – and you’re on somewhat of a limited budget, these Vera-Fi subs both deliver top in class performance. Both are robustly constructed, with top quality drivers. The 10 delivers 200 watts, while the 12 offers up 500 watts. And they both feature Class AB linear amplifiers, with adjustments for phase, output level and crossover. https://verafiaudiollc.com/products/vanguard-caldera-10-active-subwoofer

Rega Planar 2 with ND3 cartridge $795
There may be a few P2’s left out there bundled with Rega’s Carbon cartridge, but for $25 more, you can have the ND3 MM cart, featuring a Neodymium magnet structure. Trust us, it’s WAY better and more involving. And just when you thought Rega couldn’t make the P2 any better. This is the perfect place to begin your vinyl journey – and it comes in a few more colors too. https://www.rega.co.uk/products/planar-2

HIFI Rose RS 520 Integrated Amplifier $3,695
We love integrateds, and the HiFi Rose RS 520 does nearly everything. With a built in streamer, DAC, 200 watt per channel power amplifier, and an internal bay for NAS storage, what else could you ask for? Well, it’s got an analog input to connect a turntable, and a parametric EQ. Awesome. In addition to native support for every digital file going (and it’s a ROON endpoint) the RS 520 also works as a 4k video streamer. Looks great, sounds great, and thanks to that big 12.6″ touch panel display is incredibly easy to use. Just add your favorite speakers. https://hifirose.com/RS520

EPOS ES-7N speakers $2,195/pr. (stands extra)
Speaking of great small speakers – the EPOS ES-7Ns come from the team of Karl-Heinz Fink, the man who designed the Fink team Kim and Borg. Both award winners at TONEAudio and outstanding speakers. The ES-7Ns show what can be accomplished with careful attention to details and construction – resulting in an incredibly high-quality speaker that doesn’t take up much space. Or do too much damage to your credit card balance. Plus, our publisher always has a soft spot for anything orange. https://epos-loudspeakers.com/products/es-7n/

Totem Kin One Speakers $595/pr. (stands extra)
We are huge fans of the powered Kin Play speakers from Totem, and this year they’ve made a smaller, unpowered version for those wanting to use their own amplification. As you can see by the bold color choices, these tiny 4-inch, two way speakers are all business – using the same tech as Totem’s flagship speakers. They may be small, but there are no compromises in their performance. (and free shipping!) https://kinbytotem.com/

Naim Uniti NOVA PE $9,995
Naim’s Uniti series just keeps getting more diverse as the years go by. Twice the footprint of the smaller Uniti models, the PE (Power Edition) serves up 250 watts per channel with Naim’s latest class D amplification along with your favorite digital files. Every aspect of the NOVA PE bears the influence of Naim’s top of the line Statement components, from the display to the industry’s most sumptuous volume control. Not to mention the cool factor when you turn it on. Of course, it’s a perfect match for a pair of Focal speakers (we’d suggest a pair of Sopra 3s) but it plays well with anything you care to connect it up to. And there are four analog inputs (two 5-pin DIN and two RCA) so you can add any other sources you might have in mind. https://www.naimaudio.com/products/nova-power-edition

Audio Art Copper Cryo Interconnects and Speaker cables $500/1M Pair (IC) $600/8ft Pair (speaker)
We crossed paths with Audio Art Cables back in the first year of TONE’s existence, and proclaimed their original interconnects and speaker cables Exceptional Value Awards immediately. They’ve grown tremendously over the years, building their reputation on amazing performance, top value, and excellent customer service as well. We are very happy to say that their AAC Copper Cryo cables are an even better value – delivering high performance wire at a very realistic price point. https://audioartcable.com/