First of all, the Ref 1s are not "bookshelf" speakers. They are pretty decent sized monitors and would not work in any bookshelf.
I have Ref 1s for my main system in a fairly large room in my house. They have a surprising amount of bass for their size. I think they might be perfect for an apartment.
I have 4 subs in use with mine, but my neighbors can hear my system at times, so subs are probably not a good idea in an apartment.
Detail, imaging and soundstage are fantastic and they are pretty neutral, maybe just a tad on the warm side.