Ruark – a reputable brand with amazing standards of quality in all areas; Ruark R1 Mk4 being no exception!
‘Like the original, the design of R1 Mk4 is simple yet stunning, but we believe even more in-tune
with what discerning customers are seeking today.’ – Ruark R1 Mk4
Latest generation features include class-leading sound with adaptive EQ, DAB/DAB+/FM tuner, high-quality Bluetooth receiver, high contrast OLED display with auto-dimming, intuitive Rotodial controls and easy-to-use comprehensive dual alarms for those early mornings.
History in the R1 design
The story of the R1 began in 2006 when the R1 Mk1 was released; Ruark’s first tabletop radio. The Telegraph reviewed it and claimed it to be the ‘Aston Martin of Radios”. Following the Mk1 was the Mk2 in 2010 which had a new key feature allowing it to be portable with the option of a backpack mount or carry mount.
The R1 later went on the win 2010 What Hi-Fi’s ‘Best Buy’ award. 2011 saw a limited edition of the R1 released in a striking yellow and again in 2012 with a limited edition orange Nordoff Robbins inspired by the UK music charity. The R1 Mk3 finally came in 2013 with elegant and beautiful design from a range maturing into its 3rd generation.
New features on the Ruark R1 Mk1
The Mk4 strives forward with lots of new and exciting features setting it apart from its predecessors. Visually, the R1 has had a makeover and the precision moulding process has allowed Ruark to profile the speaker housing to provide a fresh new look and the perfect surface for the new Light Cream and Espresso finishes.
Leaving plenty of room for acoustic treatment inside the enclosure that is sturdy and acoustically inert provides the ideal housing for the electronics and NS+ driver. Setting off the new and improved look is the hand-crafted slatted wood grille that brings added sophistication and creates a timeless feel to the whole product. The workings behind the enclosure have been re-engineered from previous models of the R1.
The latest neodymium NS+ driver, as used in the famous R3 and R5 models, provides a smooth and extended frequency response and in R1 Mk4’s tuned enclosure delivers an impressive bass low-end performance. To drive this speaker, a Class A/B linear amplifier works effortlessly to provide all the required volume and punch you require from a table-top radio system.
Key features
As a whole, the standard In the components has raised the bar higher than ever from Ruark’s already impressive R1 range. The new OLED display presents a crisp reading in all light conditions showing time, alarm and programme information. Radio reception is excellent, and a Bluetooth receiver allows you to enjoy R1’s great sound when streaming from your phone or computer.
Most impressively, the R1 has exceptional hardwire connectivity in the form of a USB-C charge/shuffle playback port, headphone output, switchable line input and of course trademark RotoDial control system. In conclusion, if you’re looking for a compact, portable and stylish speaker that can still kick and have a seriously good output for a speaker of its size the R1 is for you with its fine pedigree in pervious generations the Mk4 raises the bar higher than ever before.