Ruark Audio R1S Smart Radio with WLAN & DAB+, Terracotta (Each)

The Ruark Audio R1S in Terracotta is a compact mono smart radio that combines WLAN streaming, internet radio and DAB+/FM in a single tabletop device – in the anniversary colour for Ruark's 40th birthday.

Technically it's the familiar R1S: handy cabinet, RotoDial on top, colour TFT display and a WLAN module that brings Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer and worldwide internet radio straight into the device. What's new is the look: terracotta lacquer, a dark ebonised wooden slat grille and an etched "Anniversary Edition" badge for 40 years of Ruark (1986–2026). Warm, earthy and finally not grey on grey on the sideboard.

Why the Ruark R1S Terracotta?

Because it combines the best of two worlds: the simplicity of a radio and the convenience of a streamer – and looks as if someone had thought about the interior design. A 75 mm Ruark NS+ driver and a linear 9-watt Class A/B amplifier with adaptive tone control sit in a bass-tuned cabinet. Add DAB, DAB+, FM with RDS and internet radio, WLAN streaming and Bluetooth 5.2 for everything else. USB-C, an aux input and a headphone output are on board too. Sound and features are identical to the standard R1S – only the colour is different.

What you hear

Surprisingly much for a mono device of this size: voices stand clear and present in the room, pop comes across crisp, and the bass reaches lower than you'd expect from the small cabinet (frequency response from 55 Hz). This is no replacement for stereo with spatial imaging – but exactly the characterful, full-bodied sound that effortlessly fills a kitchen, bedroom or study. The R1S was named best internet radio at the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2025.

Who is the Ruark R1S Terracotta for?

Plain speaking: the Terracotta R1S is for you if you want a beautiful, well-made device that wakes you in the morning, keeps you company while cooking and plays your streaming services and internet radio directly on the side – and if colour gets a say. It's less suitable if you're after true stereo with spatial imaging (then the R2 is the better choice) or get by entirely without WLAN – then the cheaper R1 MK4 will do.

Our verdict

The R1S remains the logical evolution of a classic – and in Terracotta it's the statement piece for everyone who found grey, cream and black too tame. If you're unsure whether the R1S, R1 MK4 or R2 suits your everyday life, tell us briefly about it – we at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil will help you.

Technical specifications

• Type: compact smart radio (mono) with WLAN
• Amplifier: Class A/B, 9 W (linear); adaptive tone control
• Driver: 75 mm Ruark NS+; bass-tuned cabinet
• Frequency response: 55 Hz – 20 kHz
• Radio: DAB, DAB+, FM with RDS, internet radio (8 presets per mode each)
• Streaming: Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer, podcasts
• WLAN: 802.11 b/g/n
• Bluetooth: version 5.2 (up to 6 devices stored)
• Inputs: aux line-in (3.5 mm), USB-C (playback & charging, FAT32)
• Output: headphones (3.5 mm)
• Display: colour TFT with automatic brightness adjustment
• Controls: RotoDial; Ruark app (iOS/Android); remote control optional
• Extras: two alarm times, sleep timer, auto standby; telescopic antenna
• Power supply: mains operation (plug-in power supply)
• Cabinet colour: Terracotta (lacquer) with ebonised wooden slat grille; etched 40th Anniversary badge
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 13.0 × 17.5 × 13.5 cm
• Weight: 1.6 kg
• Warranty: 2 years (Swiss warranty via Timeless Products)
• In the box: R1S, plug-in power supply, quick guide

Frequently asked questions

What's different about the Terracotta version of the R1S?
Only the look: terracotta lacquer, a dark ebonised slat grille and an etched 40th Anniversary badge for Ruark's anniversary (1986–2026). Sound, streaming, DAB+/FM and controls match the standard R1S in grey, cream or black.

When is the R1S Terracotta available?
The R1S Terracotta is currently available to pre-order, with delivery from early November 2026. If you pre-order it, we'll get in touch as soon as it's on its way. For questions about the date, you can reach us by phone or WhatsApp.

Which streaming services does the R1S support?
Spotify Connect, Amazon Music and Deezer are built in directly, plus worldwide internet radio and podcasts. Any other service runs via Bluetooth 5.2 from your phone or tablet. The R1S also receives DAB, DAB+ and FM the classic way. So even without a subscription there's plenty to listen to.

Does the R1S play in stereo?
No, the R1S is a mono device with one NS+ driver – but for its size it sounds surprisingly full-bodied and bass-rich. If you want true stereo with spatial imaging, you're better off with the R2 MK4 or a larger Ruark system. We'll help you choose.

Is the R1S suitable for the bedroom?
Very much so. The colour display dims automatically according to ambient light, and there are two alarm times, a sleep timer and auto standby. At 13.0 × 17.5 × 13.5 cm it fits on any bedside table and can be operated blind via the RotoDial – no need to reach for your phone.

Why buy the Ruark R1S Terracotta at HD Zürisee?
Because we'll tell you honestly whether the R1S suits your everyday life – or whether the R1 MK4 or R2 would be better. We advise you in person instead of via a hotline, know the Ruark family inside out and deliver across the region on request. Get in touch by phone or WhatsApp.

Goes well with

Want more music in the house? If you're looking for a second device for multiroom or a larger system, you'll find it among the all-in-one systems – from the R2 MK4 to the big Ruark consoles. A clean aux or power cable rounds things off.