Ruark – formally Vita Audio – radios have been hugely successful with both the critics and our customers since we started selling them all the way back in 2008. They have maintained their prominent stance in the realm of radios, wireless speakers and music systems from the get go, focusing on a very limited range of just a handful of products at a time. sculpting and refining each product to absolute perfection before its release.
This exquisite attention to detail, along with their snappy design sense (retro with a slight contemporary twist) and, most prominently their incredible quality of sound without the need to sacrifice features – or vice versa, has earned them the title of ‘The Aston Martin of Radio’ by some reviewers. All well deserved accolades, alongside the magnitude of awards nearly every product of their’s has scooped up. Ruark have always impressed us too, frequently topping our lists. In the spirit of their quality over quantity attitude, they have released a number of limited edition designs for each of their products. Once the design reaches the end of its run, they will often go back to the drawing board to release another. Our sources have told us that there’s soon to be a new design finish for the R1 MkIII – which should be worth looking out for.
Their range has included the R1, R2 and R4 for several years, but the latest versions of these radios and systems improve upon their predecessors with a better sound, a bigger display and more features, including wireless streaming. Recent additions to the range include the R7 Radiogram and MR1 Bluetooth Speakers which just won the What Hi-Fi 2014 Awards – but more on that later. Hot on the heels of this prestigious award, we give you a run down of our five favourite models in the range.
Remember, all prices stated were correct at the time of publishing and may be subject to change.
1. Ruark Audio R1 MkIII – £199
This elegant little radio is the latest version of the award winning original R1, featuring a much larger OLED display and Bluetooth – amongst a few other snazzy features. It has absolutely everything you could want from a radio of its size, with DAB, future-proof DAB + and Bluetooth compatibility, for wireless streaming with any device with Bluetooth compatibility. It comes in three finishes – with occasional limited edition designs – which will blend into any living space. The sound quality is greatly improved, in comparison to the MkII or MkI. If hi-end sound and an array of versatile features is what you seek then look no further.
Why do we like it?
Its very new – one of the latest radios on the market (if not the latest), and it’s always nice to have the latest incarnation. Aside from its good looks and sound, its in-built DAB+ means it will provide seamless entertainment for years to come.
2. Ruark Audio R2 MkIII – £399
Speaking of new, here we have the R2 MkIII – a marked up version of the excellent R2 MKII. The biggest difference is its use of Bluetooth AptX – the new generation of Bluetooth wireless streaming – which allows for the high fidelity streaming wirelessly, And yes, it’s possible! This new radio also features an iPod dock, an OLED display which is fully adjustable. And then, there’s the sound – a sound which has been acclaimed, comparing its room-filling abilities to a full blown hi-fi system.
Why do we like it?
Where do we start? It’s beautifully built, packed full of features, yet incredibly easy to use. And the sound, of course. The sound is definitely the stand out feature – even when there are so many ones to compete with. And there are customisable alarms too. We always like that feature on our radios.
Why do they like it?
‘Fine sound, elegant styling, quality build, good spec. A fine premium iPod system – or is it a compact hi-fi system?’ (What Hi-Fi? Magazine)
3. Ruark Audio Vita R4i System – £599
A system so good it hasn’t changed, not in the six or so years it’s been in the circuit. A huge testament to the quality of this product, and the fact that it is still cutting edge. This is Ruark’s original flagship mode, and maintained that title until the release of the R7 – seen below. Featuring a CD player, an iPod dock, DAB radio, it is widely regarded as one of the best sounding one box systems ever released, with a class leading stereo sound that continues to blow our minds – and everyone elses’ – time and time again.
Why do we like it?
The sound is perfect – balanced, big, deep and rich with plenty of detail. Whether you’re playing a CD, the radio or taking advantage of its USB connectivity for mp3 players (or the dock, of course), this system digs deep and brings everything out. Not bad for an old timer – we expect this to be a popular model for years to come.
Why do they like it?
‘Best all-in-one music system, Awards 2012. Brilliantly bridges the gap between dedicated dock and full-on micro system. Voices are projected from the unit with maximum clarity, so you never miss the vocal, even when the rest of the band is going bonkers.’ (What Hi-Fi? Magazine)
4. Ruark Audio R7 High Fidelity Radiogram – £1999
Stepping up to the flagship mark is the rather striking R7. Designed specifically to look like a radiogram that could have come out of the 60s – but it certainly doesn’t sound (or act) like it would have done then. With an astonishing suite of features including DAB digital radio, wi-fi connectivity (for internet radio and streaming websites) CD playback and aptX Bluetooth for hi-fi wireless streaming, there isn’t much this system can’t do. And what it does do it does very well indeed.
Why do we like it?
It’s a pretty big statement to make – but it makes it loud, clear and balanced. Which applies quite nicely to the sound too! We have also been informed by our friends at Ruark that this model is now available with an audio visual upgrade on the top, which means your television can sit on top. And then what do you get? An all-in-one entertainment system. A full blown hub, in every sense of the word! Oh and don’t worry, the legs are detachable. You can put it anywhere you like.
Why do they like it?
Ruark Audio R7 Ruark Audio’s designs have been getting bigger, better and more desirable, but it’s hard to see how the Essex-based firm can top its latest model. (Telegraph)
5. Ruark Audio MR1 Bluetooth Active Speakers – £299
Ruark may be best known for the hi-end (and top notch) digital radios – but those are repeatedly praised for the sound quality of their in-built speakers. They have passed this knowledge and experience onto a lovely range of active speakers which sound just as good as they should (considering they’re Ruark’s babies). Their features include Bluetooth AptX, auto standby, a host of inputs for a plethora of devices, a loudness function (to assist with high sound quality at low volume levels), an LED display and even outputs for additional active subwoofer – if you fancy one.
Why do we like them?
These little speakers are incredibly versatile. They pack enough of a punch that they could function beautifully as loudspeakers in their own right, and the output means a little extra oomph is a possibility. How good are they? They just won ‘Product of the Year’ (2014) for the second year in a row. Not bad at all.
Why do they like them?
Overall they’re a very musical listen, portraying the full extension of every note from the low-end, all the way up through the treble, so you feel like you’re getting every bit of what a piece of music has to offer…we’re seriously impressed with the Ruark MR1s (What Hi-Fi Magazine)
A BRIEF HISTORY
A family run, British business which has a history rooted in loudspeaker technology. It’s still in the hands of the O’Rourke family, kickstarted by Brian’O’Rourke and his son Alan. Both of them had engineering, design and – most importantly – music backgrounds. Briant had worked in and around the rapidly growing audio industry for some time, and Alan had skills in manufacturing. Ruark Acoustics was born in 1985, and was set up from a small workshop in Essex. 14 months later their debut loudspeaker systems – Sabre and Broadsword – quickly caught the attention of hi-fi critics, and their popularity soared. From their came their flagship Accolade, which firmly established them as hi-end hi-fi manufacturers.
Their change of direction – after many years of enjoying a wealth of success in the loudspeaker market – came after Brian stepped down as MD and retired, passing the torch to his son. By 2004, the audio market was lagging, but Alan had noticed the increased popularity of the DAB radio. After looking for one for himself – and not finding anything he deemed worth using – he built one himself, to use himself. It was so good they decided to put it to the masses – and the rest, as they say is history! By 2006 the R1 was launched under Vita Audio (so as not to confuse with the loudspeakers), and that proved so popular, their new direction stuck.
We can say, with some confidence, that Ruark really do know what they’re doing. And with a few new versions of their acclaimed products in the pipeline, there is still plenty to look forward to. One of our favourite brands for a very simple reason: they love their products. And it shows.
For more on Ruark, and our full product range, look no further.