A Little High

This audiophile-worthy 2.1 speaker system is pricey, but it has the performance to back it up. To put it another way, your Bose SoundDock is a Honda, and the AUX Classic is a Ferrari. Made in Italy by concert sound experts Outline, the system features a unique, transforming case that lets you position the speakers in a number of ways. In our month of testing, we couldn’t believe how lively and easy to listen to the compact system was. The AUX is easily the best speaker system of this size we’ve ever heard. The system uses no sound trickery, naturally reproducing essential frequencies (from just below 30hz to just over 18khz) thanks to its built-in 400 watt amp and solid wood bass reflex design. The speakers are also completely self powered, so they’re a great partner for your AirPort Express or Sonos setup. The AUX classic is available in Competition Red ($2,250), Piano Black ($1,500; shown), Alpine White ($1,500), Leather ($3,000) and, our favorite, Stage Black ($1,300).

We like this set of modular couches designed by Philippe Nigro for Ligne Roset. The customizable nature of the design allows you to rearrange your seating set up depending on your mood and needs.

It’s a combination of the shades of pleasant colors, the ability to personalize it, and the organic, lounging aesthetic of the chairs that differentiate them from, say, standard assemble-yourself furniture choices.