Ruark Audio R2 MK4 Streaming Music System, Cream (Each)

The Ruark Audio R2 MK4 is a compact stereo streaming music system that combines WLAN streaming, DAB+/FM, internet radio and Bluetooth in a slim cabinet.

The R2 has been around since 2007, and Ruark has gently brought it into today: slimmer than before, with clean lines, soft curves, a handcrafted wooden slat grille and a colour display bonded behind glass. On top sits – of course – the RotoDial. This lets the R2 fit on a windowsill, sideboard or bookshelf and look good anywhere.

Why the Ruark R2 MK4?

Because it's a complete music system that you just need to plug in. Two 75 mm NS+ drivers and an 18-watt Class A/B amplifier in a bass-tuned cabinet deliver genuine stereo sound with warmth and drive. Add DAB, DAB+, FM and internet radio, WLAN streaming with Spotify Connect, Amazon Music and Deezer, plus Bluetooth 5 for everything else. USB-C and an aux input are also on board – nothing gets left out, analogue or digital.

What you hear

Stereo makes the difference: voices sit cleanly between the drivers, instruments get room to breathe, and the bass reaches surprisingly deep for its size (frequency response from 55 Hz). Adaptive tone control plus bass and treble adjustment keep things balanced at any volume. It's controlled via the RotoDial or the Ruark app – no cable clutter and no fighting through menus.

Who is the Ruark R2 MK4 for?

Bottom line: the R2 MK4 is for you if you want a beautiful all-in-one system for your living room, bedroom or study that streams, receives radio and plays in genuine stereo – without separate speakers. It's less suited to you if you want to replace a large system with floorstanders or fill a room that demands really high levels. In that case, the larger Ruark systems are worth a look. Small note: the R2 operates on 2.4 GHz WLAN.

Our verdict

The R2 MK4 is one of those devices that just works and looks good doing it: a complete stereo system that carries you through the day from the first coffee to the last song. If you're unsure whether the R2, R1S or a larger system suits your room, tell us briefly about it – we at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil are happy to help.

Technical specifications

• Type: compact streaming music system (stereo) with WLAN
• Amplifier: Class A/B, 18 W; adaptive tone control, bass/treble adjustable
• Drivers: 2× 75 mm Ruark NS+; bass-tuned bass-reflex cabinet
• Frequency response: 55 Hz – 20 kHz
• Radio: DAB, DAB+, FM with RDS, internet radio
• Streaming: Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer
• WLAN: 2.4 GHz
• Bluetooth: version 5.0
• Inputs: aux line-in (3.5 mm), USB-C (playback & charging)
• Output: headphones (3.5 mm)
• Display: colour LCD behind glass, with automatic brightness adjustment
• Controls: RotoDial; Ruark app (iOS/Android); remote control optional
• Extras: two alarm times, sleep timer
• Cabinet colour: Cream (Light Cream) with wooden slat grille
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 34.0 × 18.5 × 15.0 cm (incl. controls & antenna)
• Weight: 2.9 kg
• Warranty: 2 years (Swiss warranty via Timeless Products)
• In the box: R2 MK4, plug-in power supply, quick guide

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the R2 MK4 and the R1S?
The R2 plays in genuine stereo (two NS+ drivers, 18 W amplifier) and is noticeably larger; the R1S is a compact mono smart radio. Both have WLAN streaming, DAB+/FM, internet radio and Bluetooth. If you want room-filling sound, go for the R2; if you want it as small as possible, go for the R1S.

Which streaming services does the R2 MK4 support?
Spotify Connect, Amazon Music and Deezer are built in directly, plus worldwide internet radio. Any other service runs via Bluetooth 5 from your phone or tablet. The R2 also receives DAB, DAB+ and FM the classic way. So there's plenty to listen to even without a paid subscription.

Does the R2 MK4 need additional speakers?
No. The R2 is a complete system with two built-in stereo speakers and an amplifier – you just plug it in and go. External speakers can't be connected; if you want bigger sound, look at the larger Ruark systems or a classic component system.

How big is the R2 MK4?
It measures 34.0 × 18.5 × 15.0 cm (W×H×D) including controls and antenna and weighs 2.9 kg. Thanks to its slim design, it fits nicely on a sideboard, windowsill or shelf. It's controlled via the RotoDial or the Ruark app.

Why buy the Ruark R2 MK4 at HD Zürisee?
Because we'll tell you honestly whether the R2 suits your room and listening habits – or whether a different model would be better. As an experienced specialist team with roots going back to 1993, we advise you personally, deliver and install across the region. Call or write to us.

Goes well with

Want more music? If you're after a second device for multi-room or a larger system, you'll find it among the all-in-one systems – from the compact R1S to the large Ruark consoles. A clean aux or power cable rounds things off.