About The Ruark Audio R1 Mk4 Radio
The Ruark Audio R1 Mk4 has once again raised the bar for what is possible in a tabletop radio. Ruark have used their latest NaturalSound+ speaker, as used in the R3 & R5, in a specially shaped and tuned enclosure to ensure the best possible sonic performance. Couple this with an easy to use Rotodail and a clear and informative display and you have what has previously been described as the Aston Martin of radios.
For the Mk 4 version of the R1, Ruark have gone all out to destroy the competition with a beautifully crafted product that is simple and intuitive to use, has phenomenal sound for the size of encloser including terrific bass and is styled like it cost thousands instead of just hundreds. There sure is plenty to like about the Ruark Audio R1 Mk4. Here are some of the highlights.
Premium Quality Digital Radio – With Bluetooth Streaming: Designed as a superior quality radio for your bedroom, in the kitchen or at your desk, the R1 Mk4 brings Ruark quality to compact audio. Featuring a digital DAB+ radio, with the back-up of FM radio, plus the convenience of Bluetooth streaming and a line input, the R1 Mk4 has the true multi-source functionality of a larger music system.
Acclaimed Ruark Sound: Ruark's R1 models have always been critically acclaimed for their sound, but with R1 Mk4 Ruark have really raised the bar! With their heritage in high-fidelity loudspeakers they fully understand the complexities of enclosure and drive unit design and making sure that both are matched to each other. In particular Ruark's latest neodymium NaturalSound+ (NS+) driver, as used in the R3 and R5 models, provides a smooth and extended frequency response and in R1 Mk4's tuned enclosure delivers truly impressive bass performance. Driving the system is a punchy Class A/B linear amplifier for exceptional dynamics and with adaptive equalisation an eminently listenable sound is provided at all volume levels.
DAB+ & FM radio: With a choice of DAB+ and FM, the R1 is well equipped for tuning into a wide range of radio stations around the country. DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting) gives access to the widest range of stations in Australia in crisp and clear digital sound quality. In case your favourite stations aren't available in DAB, then this Ruark radio is also equipped with an FM tuner for listening to good old fashioned analogue radio.
Wireless Bluetooth: As well as high quality radio, the R1 Mk4 lets you stream music via Bluetooth. Connect your smartphone, tablet or other Bluetooth music source and you can effortless stream your stored music or streaming music services such as Spotify and Tidal.
Aux In + USB: Connect up another source, such as an MP3 player or iPod by using the Auxiliary 3.5mm input. Also featuring a USB-C play and charge socket, the R1 Mk4 charges your smartphone. Stream some music before you go to sleep, plug in overnight and wake up to a phone that's charged and ready to go - no other charger required!
Effortless Control: Using Ruark's intuitive top mounted Rotodial, controlling the R1 Mk4 is easy. Similar to the multi-controllers used in premium cars, the Rotodial groups all the controls together for simple twist and push operation. An optional Remote Control is also available at additional cost.
Use It Anywhere With Optional BP2 Battery Pack: With its battery status display and improved power management R1 Mk4 works even better and longer with the optional BackPack II and means you can enjoy R1's rich mains powered performance where mains power is unavailable. BackPack II attaches seamlessly to the R1 and once fitted can be left permanently in place as it charges automatically whenever mains power is re-applied. A full charge will provide up to twelve hours of mains free listening depending on volume.
Choice Of Luxurious Finishes: As you'd expect from this premium audio brand, the Ruark R1 Mk4 is finished to the highest standards. Each generation of R1 has been an evolution of the original, but with R1 Mk4 Ruark Audio wanted it to be more progressive both in design and performance. Using a precision moulding process has allowed Ruark to gently profile the enclosure providing a fresh new look and the perfect surface for the new Light Cream and Espresso finishes. With acoustic treatment the enclosure is sturdy and acoustically inert, providing the ideal housing for Ruark's electronics and NS+ driver. Enhancing the design further is a beautiful hand-crafted slatted wood grille. This brings added sophistication and creates a timeless Eames like vibe, but overall, the design is still unique and distinctly Ruark.
In The News
Since launching, their models have became recognised as the finest available, winning numerous accolades and awards. Most memorably the Sunday Telegraph (UK) described the R1 as the Aston Martin of DAB radios.
Our Take On The Ruark Audio R1 MK4
The sentiment expressed by the Sunday Telegraph succinctly describes the Ruark Audio philosophy and we sincerely believe that their products are an investment which you will cherish and enjoy for years to come. A number of our staff own Ruark Audio radios and will confirm that they not only perform well but the Rotodial is very easy to use. Learning time, just 60 seconds! With a superb tuner and the ability to receive both DAB+ and FM stations, the R1's performance is truly exceptional. Some of our staff have experimented with the range in their homes and can testify that ease-of-use and sound quality is exceptional, even in the hilly areas around Melbourne although reception quality varies depending on location.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: High Quality DAB+/FM Radio with Bluetooth streaming
- Use the Ruark R1 on the go with the Ruark BackPack 3 Rechargeable Battery (sold separately)
- Optional Remote Control with 4 direct access presets
- Class leading sound with adaptive EQ
- DAB, DAB+ and FM Tuner
- High quality Bluetooth receiver
- Real Time Clock with battery backup
- Intuitive Rotodial control system
- Linear amplifier with Ruark NaturalSound+ driver
- High contrast OLED display with auto dimming
- USB-C charge and shuffle playback port
- Contoured polymer enclosure with acoustic treatment
- Hand-crafted slatted wood grille
- Adjustable EQ settings
- Easily customised for hotel use
- Stereo headphone output
- Easy-to-use comprehensive dual alarms
- Power Consumption: 0.7W standby power; automatic standby after 20 mins
- Available Finishes: Light Cream Lacquer with light wood grille, Espresso Lacquer with dark wood grille or Special Edition Pine Green crafted in collaboration with Nordoff and Robbins
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 130 x 175 x 135mm
- Net Weight: 1.5 Kg
- Manufacturers Warranty: 2 Years
Note: Features and Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.