RUARK AUDIO

Ruark Audio builds design radios and music systems in England that combine lifestyle and genuine sound. Beautifully finished cabinets in walnut, grey and cream tones, plus a warm, musical sound signature – these are objects for the living room that can still do more than a pretty kitchen radio. The R series covers everything from a small tabletop radio to a fully grown music system. At our place by Lake Zurich, Ruark Audio stands for a single, good-looking device that streams, does radio and honestly sounds good. In Wädenswil we’ll tell you which model suits your room.

The Ruark Audio range at our store

Compact radios: R1 MK4 and the smart R1S as elegant tabletop radios with DAB+, Bluetooth and, depending on the model, WLAN streaming.

Music systems: R2 MK4, R3S, R410 and the larger R810 as full-fledged all-in-one systems with a more powerful sound, plus the R610 and R710 streaming consoles. New in the range is the R410 Anniversary Edition in light oak, limited to 500 units for Ruark’s 40th anniversary.

Speakers: the MR1 Mk3 as a compact active stereo pair for desk or shelf, the Sabre R bookshelf speakers and the Talisman-R floorstanding speakers.

System expansion: the active RS1 subwoofer for more bass and the R-CD100 as a CD add-on.

HiFi sets: ready-made combinations like R610 plus Sabre R or R710 plus Talisman-R for a matched stereo set.

Our verdict

Honestly: Ruark Audio is beautifully built and sounds warm and pleasant – but you’re also paying for the looks and the finish. As a plain radio it’s expensive; as a design object that sounds good and brings years of enjoyment, the price makes sense. It doesn’t replace a separate hi-fi system in terms of resolution and level. If you’re after a single, good-looking piece for the living space that streams, does radio and makes a statement, Ruark Audio is exactly right.

Frequently asked questions about Ruark Audio

Which Ruark Audio model suits which room?

R1 and R2 are compact tabletop radios for kitchen, bedroom or bathroom. R3S and R410 already perform properly in the living room, R610/R710 and R810 are the big music systems with headroom for larger rooms. Tell us your room size and location, and we’ll recommend the right one.

Can Ruark Audio stream and receive DAB+?

Yes – depending on the model, with DAB+/FM, Bluetooth and, on the larger devices, WLAN streaming including Spotify, AirPlay and internet radio. Which model supports which services differs; we’ll tell you the exact features before you buy.

Does Ruark Audio also work as a proper stereo system?

With the MR1 Mk3 as a stereo pair or the combination of R610 plus Sabre R, you get a real stereo soundstage instead of just mono radio sound. That’s a nice, space-saving solution – it naturally doesn’t reach the level of a large system with floorstanding speakers.

Is the extra cost worth it compared to a cheap radio?

If reception is all that matters to you, a Sangean will do for significantly less money. The extra you pay for Ruark Audio buys you build quality, design and a warmer, more powerful sound. Whether that’s worth it for you is a question of what you expect – we’re honest with you about that.