Ruark Audio R710 CD Streaming Console, Black

The Ruark Audio R710 is a CD streaming console from the 100 Series – a streaming integrated amplifier with a built-in CD player and MM phono stage that drives passive bookshelf and floorstanding speakers with 2×200 W.

One unit, one handsome wooden box, and the system is complete – almost. The R710 is Ruark's most powerful streaming console yet: it streams, plays CDs, takes your turntable and even your TV, and amplifies all of it with real muscle. What's still missing is speakers of your choice – and that's exactly the point.

Why the R710?

The R710 is the bigger, more powerful answer to the popular R610. At its core is a purpose-built switch-mode power supply that cleanly feeds the electronics and the digital power stages; a multi-layer PCB layout with short signal paths keeps interference low. The result is up to 200 watts per channel (into 4 Ω) – enough to drive most bookshelf and floorstanding speakers effortlessly and with control. A quad-core processor handles high-resolution streams up to 32-bit/192 kHz.

What sets it apart: while most streaming amplifiers have long written off the CD, the R710 houses a slot-loading CD drive, elegantly hidden behind the wood-slat front. It also has a built-in MM phono stage for a direct turntable connection. Streaming, CD and vinyl – all three worlds in one console.

What you get

A complete source and amplification hub: Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Bluetooth aptX HD and internet radio are all on board, plus network and USB media serving. Via HDMI ARC/eARC the R710 becomes a TV sound system and can be controlled with your TV remote. A headphone output is included too. Control is via Ruark's classic RotoDial. The box even includes around 3 m of speaker cable.

Plain talk: the R710 has no built-in speakers – it's an amplifier, not a complete system. Without a pair of passive speakers, it stays silent. That's by design: it lets you choose the sound character through the speakers themselves. If you want an all-in-one with built-in speakers, look instead at the R410 or R810.

Who is the R710 for?

For anyone who wants a fully-fledged, beautifully designed hi-fi hub without a stack of components – streaming, CD and turntable in one box, plus enough power for proper speakers. Ideal as the centrepiece of a tidy living room, and also as TV sound via HDMI eARC. Perfect partners are Ruark's new Talisman R floorstanding speakers or the compact Sabre R – but it works with almost any passive speaker.

Who it's not for: if you expect ready-made built-in speakers (R410/R810), or need a pure streaming bridge without CD/phono (R610), this is either overkill or under-equipped for you.

Our verdict

The R710 is the do-everything all-rounder among Ruark's consoles – in the best sense: streaming, CD, vinyl, TV sound and 2×200 W in one piece of furniture that you're happy to show off. If you want a complete, design-forward system with no cable clutter and want to choose your own speakers, this is one of the most elegant solutions on the market. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we'll put together the R710 with the right speakers for you and set everything up.

Technical Specifications

• Type: CD streaming console / streaming integrated amplifier (100 Series)
• Power: 2×200 W per channel into 4 Ω, Class D
• Built-in speakers: none (drives passive bookshelf/floorstanding speakers)
• Sources: CD (slot-loading), MM phono, streaming, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, network
• Streaming: Spotify/Tidal/Qobuz Connect, AirPlay 2, Google Cast, internet radio
• Bluetooth: aptX HD
• Hi-res: up to 32-bit/192 kHz, quad-core processor
• Connections: HDMI ARC/eARC, USB, network (LAN/Wi-Fi), MM phono, headphone output
• Controls: RotoDial controller + remote
• Finish: Black (Satin Charcoal) or Walnut veneer (Fused Walnut)
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 375 × 125 × 345 mm
• Weight: 6.6 kg
• Warranty: 2 years (Swiss warranty via Timeless Products)
• Included: R710, remote control, approx. 3 m speaker cable, power cable, manual

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Ruark R710 have built-in speakers?
No. The R710 is a streaming integrated amplifier with CD and phono, but no built-in speakers. It drives passive bookshelf or floorstanding speakers with 2×200 W into 4 Ω – you choose the speakers yourself. Ideal partners are the Ruark Talisman R or Sabre R.

What's the difference between the R710 and the R610?
The R710 is the more powerful, more comprehensive version of the R610: more power (2×200 W instead of 75 W per channel), a built-in CD player, and a headphone output. Both stream, both have MM phono and HDMI eARC – the R710 is the bigger step up for more demanding speakers.

Can I play CDs and records with the R710?
Yes. The R710 has a slot-loading CD drive behind the slat front, and via the built-in MM phono stage you connect a turntable directly. Streaming, CD and vinyl all run through the same console.

Is the R710 suitable as a TV sound system?
Yes. Via HDMI ARC/eARC you connect the R710 to your TV and control the volume with the TV remote. Together with good floorstanding speakers, it replaces a soundbar with substantially more sound.

Why buy the Ruark R710 from HD Zürisee?
Because a console like the R710 only becomes a system with the right speakers – and that's exactly where we come in. We match the R710 to your room and your preferred speakers, set up streaming, CD and turntable, and are here for you in person as an experienced specialist team in Wädenswil. Plus a 2-year Swiss warranty: +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls), shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

• Floorstanding Speakers
• Bookshelf Speakers
• Turntables
• Speaker Cables