In January 2025, the Dutch online magazine fwd.nl tests the compact Epos ES-7N bookshelf speakers and awards them an “Excellent Award” for their pleasantly balanced sound, flexible placement options, and versatile usability:
“The frequency response of the ES-7N is pleasantly balanced. This makes them a family-friendly, neutral-sounding speaker that you can listen to for long periods. Additionally, they don’t necessarily require a powerhouse amplifier, but a bit more power is certainly welcome to get the best performance from this 4-ohm speaker with its 86 dB sensitivity. For free placement, the sensitivity can be switched to 89 dB at the back.
One of the highlights of the Epos is their versatility in placement. Whether on a shelf or on separate stands, these speakers truly shine. The manufacturer’s promise that the ES-7N can be used with a small amplifier with HDMI-ARC and a television is fully delivered.
What makes music playback through the Epos so enjoyable is that they sound relaxed without being sluggish or too laid-back. There’s no excessive emphasis or harshness, allowing the saxophone to resonate fully on a wide soundstage without pulling attention away from the music. The ES-7N impress with a rich, full-bodied sound that you wouldn’t expect from such small speakers. Even more, their bass depth is relatively nuanced, detailed, and precise rather than muddy.
Basil Poledouris’ magnificently bombastic soundtrack for Paul Verhoeven’s ‘Robocop’ rolls out with surprising power from the Epos speakers. While the truly spectacular effects of this Verhoeven blockbuster might feel slightly lacking without a subwoofer, the ES-7N remain an excellent choice in many respects. Their wide soundstage ensures a great listening experience even from the sofa corner, while speech remains highly intelligible without being overly prominent. The Fink tuning fits this role perfectly.”
Conclusion
The ES-7N is a small speaker that delivers big sound. While this phrase is often used in hi-fi journalism, it is undeniably true here. The Epos will make many music lovers happy, even if they only have space for compact speakers in their listening room. After all, the ES-7N offers a pleasant and well-balanced sound—effortlessly, when paired with a capable amplifier. They handle small to medium-sized rooms with ease, whether placed on a shelf, close to a wall, or freely on stands. But the Epos are not just flexible in placement; thanks to their balanced sound signature, they are also extremely versatile in use. They excel in TV audio with excellent speech intelligibility while delivering music with both remarkable detail and an engaging atmosphere.
Pros
✔ Also available in an orange cabinet finish
✔ Easy to place, even on shelves
✔ Switchable crossover for free-standing or wall-near placement
✔ Well-balanced tuning
✔ Good bass reproduction, not muddy
Cons
✘ Not suitable for larger rooms
