Ruark Audio have been around forever, but it’s a British loudspeaker manufacturer that doesn’t get enough attention from N. American Hi-Fi publications. That needs to change for the simple reason that they manufacture excellent loudspeakers. They manufacture some very interesting products including the R7 High Fidelity Radiogram; one of the best sounding modern audio console systems available.
It’s not inexpensive but it integrates a complete system with Spotify Connect, Bluetooth aptX HD, and great sounding internal loudspeakers. The R7 is a floorstanding piece of furniture that blends really nicely into any room decor.
The new Ruark Audio R5 Signature wireless loudspeaker system is for the rest of us who desire something that can be placed on a desk, credenza, or media unit. If it sounds anything like the R7 — it’s a steal at $1,500.
It also fits very nicely into a category dominated by Sonos and Naim Audio; we recently reviewed the Naim Mu-so 2nd Generation Wood Edition wireless loudspeaker and enjoyed it very much. It’s also $1,000 more expensive than the Ruark Audio R5 Signature.
The new Ruark Audio R5 Signature offers a remarkable combination of eye-catching industrial design, luxurious materials, an exceptional feature count, and class-leading audio engineering. And it is this mix that has made Ruark Audio the world’s leading purveyor of stylish standalone sound systems.
Building on more than three decades of high-end audio and craftsmanship pedigree, the one-box music system can take centre stage in any location of the home, thanks to a smart, upscale design, comprising a Piano Lacquer finish with Rose Gold metal detailing.
Creating a true piano finish requires a vast amount of patience, skill and attention to detail, as each layer is carefully built and hand sanded between coats before being hand buffed and polished to a glass-like finish.
But as ever with a Ruark design the R5 Signature sounds as good as it looks. Featuring an impressive soundstage thanks to Ruark’s STEREO+ feature, a high-fidelity Class A-B amplifier system and the brand’s own neodymium NS+ drivers, R5 Signature can fill the home with sound way beyond its dimensions.
The superbly versatile one-box-wonder offers an unparalleled breadth of listening options, whether it’s CD, Smart radio (internet, DAB/DAB+,FM), Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth with aptX HD for wireless streaming.
R5 Signature is be available from June 2021 through a select dealer network, including John Lewis and many other quality independent retailers and will retail for $1,500 USD.
We have requested a review sample.
For more information: ruarkaudio.com/products/r5-signature
