From our humble beginnings in 1985, we can’t believe how the years have flown by and how much has happened. We couldn’t possibly show everything, but here is a brief history of products and events along the way and as in the beginning we are still equally passionate and excited as to what the future years will bring.
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1985
Ruark Acoustics formed
Using their savings Brian O’Rourke and his son Alan rent a small unit on a private industrial estate in Rayleigh, Essex, as a workshop to develop and manufacture their first loudspeaker systems. Many hours are spent evolving the sound for which Ruark would ultimately become highly regarded by enthusiasts.
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1986
Sabre and Broadsword launched
After 14 months of development, Alan and Brian launch their first loudspeaker systems called Sabre and Broadsword. With beautiful cabinetwork and advance drive unit technology, these systems are soon noticed by the hi-fi press and receive critical acclaim.
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1987
Accolade (worth the odd sacrifice)
Boosted by the success of their Sabre and Broadsword models Alan and Brian release their first ‘flagship’ floor-standing model called ‘Accolade’. Costing over £2,500 and gaining rave reviews, this model establishes Ruark as a true ‘high-end’ loudspeaker manufacturer.
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1988
Neil Adams joins Ruark
With UK and export business growing Brian and Alan bring in Neil Adams (Brian’s son-in-law) to help oversee production. Neil’s managerial experience working with retail giant Sainsbury’s proves invaluable in making purchasing and production run smoothly.
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1989
Ruark Swordsman released
In response to demand from dealers for an ‘entry-level’ model, Brian and Alan develop the ‘Swordsman’ model. This model is well received and becomes a popular choice with customers new to hi-fi and building their first real hi-fi system.
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1990
Ruark Talisman 1
Employing (at the time) a unique sloped baffle design and cabinet construction, with an exquisite finish, many audio enthusiasts will say that this is the model that defines Ruark. Its versatile nature made it a speaker that would work with many different amplifiers and a remarkably large and sweet sound was produced from its compact dimensions.
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1990
Ruark Crusader 1
Following the enthusiastic reception of Talisman, Crusader evolved. This was a development from Talisman for customers seeking a wider bandwidth. With a special domed mid-range unit the realism of sound on vocal pieces, in particular, was uncanny.
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1991
Computer simulation comes to Ruark
By now Alan was using computer technology to aid development. This allowed drive unit, cabinet and crossover topology to be analysed before prototypes were made, although final tuning of systems was always done by ear. It was always Brian and Alan’s opinion that the ear is the finest development tool and this philosophy is still retained in every product Ruark make today.
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1992
Ruark Templar
With demand for floor standing speakers growing the Templar was developed as an entry-level floor-standing model. Despite its diminutive size customers and critics loved it with a 5-star review from What Hi-Fi? upon launch and a few months later an in-depth glowing review from the highly respected American magazine Stereophile.
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1993
Talisman II and Crusader II
Improving on the Talisman and Crusader without spoiling what made them special was a difficult task. However, with improved drive unit technology and finely crafted cabinets with sculpted curves to give them the Ruark family look, the Mk2 versions of these speakers proved to be even more popular in the UK and worldwide.
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1994
Ruark Equinox
As a keen musician who had spent time in recording studios, Alan was keen to develop a studio type monitor. One that was very revealing of the source and capable of real-life dynamics. With its high specification drive units, ultra-dense cabinet and dedicated stand with outboard crossover, Equinox proved to be an instant hit and when used with the best ancillary equipment, was capable of truly jaw-dropping sound quality.
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1996
Ruark move to new factory
After 10 years at their first location and now operating from several units the team at Ruark decides that it is time to move and to bring everything under one roof. With some good years behind them, they choose to buy rather than rent and secure a unit with room for further expansion on an industrial site in Southend-on-Sea. Ruark still operates from these premises today although a further factory unit has recently been acquired due to ongoing expansion.
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1996
Ruark Icon and Sceptre launched
To celebrate their move Ruark introduce Icon and Sceptre as models to replace their now ageing Sabre and Swordsman models. With an inverted drive unit configuration, these models were considered quite unique and with their beautiful cabinets were considered two of the best looking speakers available at the time.
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1997
Dialogue One Centre Channel
In 1997 DVD is on the horizon and interest in Home Cinema is growing strongly with Dolby Pro-Logic VCRs and multi-channel audio/video amplifiers selling alongside traditional stereo components. Responding to demand Ruark launch their first dedicated home cinema centre channel speaker called Dialogue One. This is well received and is awarded ‘Best Centre Channel’ by Home Cinema Choice magazine in their yearly round-up.
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1998
Prologue One, Prelude, Epilogue and Log-Rhythm
With the arrival of DVD and flat-panel plasma TVs, home theatre in the late 90s really started to take off. In response to this Ruark develop and introduce their Contemporary Series which comprises a range of speakers which can be mixed and matched to create a stunning surround sound home theatre system. This system is manufactured for several years and in 2002 wins a coveted ‘Best Buy’ award from What Hi-Fi?
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1999
Vita 100 System
With home theatre becoming increasingly popular it soon becomes apparent that although many customers like the concept, not many have space for a full-size speaker package. In response to this Ruark introduce their Vita 100 system, which comprises five beautifully crafted small satellite speakers with a powerful subwoofer. With amazing sound quality from a compact package, this system proves to be an instant hit.
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2000
Brian O’Rourke Retires
At the age of 70, Brian O’Rourke decides that it is time for him to step down as Managing Director and to spend some time relaxing with his wife, Jean. The position of Managing Director is taken by his son, Alan and Neil Adams (his son-in-law) becomes Operations Director. As always Brian keeps an active interest in the business he helped create until his sudden passing in 2002.
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2000
The Mighty Excalibur
It had always been a desire of Alan’s to design and build a speaker without compromise that was capable of real-life dynamics. A speaker that was able to create the full scale of an orchestra or band without compression or distortion. At over £8,000 per pair, the Excalibur became regarded by serious audiophiles as one of the most awesome speakers available and during production, nearly 300 pairs were sold worldwide.
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2001
Solstice rounds off Reference Series
Such was the enthusiasm for Excalibur that many customers asked if a smaller model could be made. The result was a beautiful looking speaker called Solstice. At just over £4,000 UK retail this speaker was still aimed firmly at customers who took their audio seriously, but partnered with electronics of equal quality, the sound Solstice created was truly breathtaking.
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2003
CL Series (a new design)
Come 2003 it is becoming clear that the audio scene is changing radically with more attention being focused on vision rather than sound. In response, the team at Ruark develop a range of speakers which are strikingly different from the usual look for which Ruark has become well known. Reaction from customers to the look is mixed, but as always the sound quality is highly regarded.
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2004
A new direction
With the audio market in turmoil, Alan decides that it would be a good idea to start looking at other avenues. With the growing popularity of DAB in the UK, Alan was looking for a radio for his own use. It appeared that whilst sound quality was important for hi-fi, in radios the sound was often very poor. Seeing a gap in the market a decision was made to start work on developing a high-quality digital radio.
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2005
New Heritage Series
With the CL Series not selling as well as expected a decision is made to renew and revive our Heritage models, namely Sabre, Talisman and Crusader. In Mk3 guise, these models keep the identity of the originals, but subtle styling changes and modern drive unit technology bring them bang up to date. All models are very well-reviewed but sales are slower than expected due to a changing marketplace.
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2006
R1 launched
In November 2006, we launch our first tabletop radio to critical acclaim, with the Sunday Telegraph calling it ‘The Aston Martin of DAB radios’. It is decided that we will sell and market the R1 under a different brand name – Vita Audio – in order to avoid confusion with our loudspeakers. In retrospect, this proves to be a decision that causes quite a bit of confusion with customers and dealers alike.
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2007
R2 launched
Buoyed by the success of R1 the stereo R2 is launched. With its beautiful design and class-leading sound quality, the R2 proves to be a hit with customers and dealers who love its unique looks and quality construction.
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2007
R2 wins What Hi-Fi Product of the Year
Having already received numerous accolades for R1 and R2, we are delighted in 2007 when our R2 is chosen as radio ‘Product of the Year’ by What Hi-Fi? Magazine at their annual awards. This highly sought after award adds gravitas to our reputation to design and build the very best small audio products.
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2008
R4 launched
With our reputation growing in 2008 we launch our most ambitious product called R4. Using our design signature introduced with R1 and R2, our aim was to create a ‘one box’ stereo system, which we anticipated would have wide-ranging appeal. Our feelings proved to be correct because when press details were first released we were inundated with enquiries and now four years on sales of R4i are increasing all the time.
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2009
R2i launched
With our product reputation growing we introduce a new version of our R2 with integrated iPod dock, more power and other technical enhancements. Called R2i this product gathers many press accolades and proves popular with iPod/iPhone owners wanting a high-quality speaker system.
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2009
R2i What Hi-Fi? Best Buy 2009
On top of our previous awards, we are again delighted to be presented with a second trophy from What Hi-Fi? at their 2009 ceremony awarding R2i a ‘Best Buy’ for best desktop DAB.
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2010
R1 Mk2 launched
When first launched in 2006, the Sunday Telegraph described our R1 as ‘the Aston Martin of DAB radios’. With the introduction of our new R1, we created a successor which is further enhanced and even more desirable. The new R1 Mk2 can now also be made completely portable with the optional BackPack and CarryPack.
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2010
What Hi-Fi Awards for R1 Mk2 and R2i
In the Consumer Electronics trade What Hi-Fi Awards? are highly prized, so we are indeed honoured when again What Hi-Fi? present us with two more ‘Best Buy’ awards for our new R1 and R2i at their annual ceremony held at the Dorchester Hotel in London.
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2011
Limited edition ‘Selfridges Yellow’ R1 released
With their beautiful design, many people describe our products as design icons of the future, so when the opportunity arose to produce a special limited edition of our R1 for London’s iconic department store Selfridges, in their eye-catching Pantone yellow we, of course, did not hesitate.
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2011
Limited edition Sparkling Graphite R4i
Released in 2008, our R4 has now become recognised as one of the finest single box music systems available, admired as much for its beautiful design as its outstanding sound quality. In June 2011 we introduce an updated version with subtle technical enhancements called R4i. To celebrate the introduction of this model we also announce a special limited edition Sparkling Graphite finish.
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2011
Another What Hi-Fi? win for R1 and R4i
The introduction of our R4i gathers yet more critical acclaim and is this year noticed by the team at What Hi-Fi? who award it ‘Best All-in-One Music System’ and R1 ‘Best DAB/FM Radio’! A fantastic finish to a fantastic year.
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2012
Ruark Audio ‘a new era’
In just five years we have achieved more than we ever imagined with our ‘small audio’ range. We initially chose to brand them Vita Audio in order to save confusion with our loudspeakers, but with our future plans laid out, we feel that the time is now right for all our products to be brought under one banner with the long heritage of our company name ‘Ruark’ attached.
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2012
Nordoff Robbins Orange R1
We are delighted to announce a long-term alliance with the inspirational national UK music charity Nordoff Robbins. Marking the start of the collaboration, a new version of our iconic R1 Mk2 radio finished in a luscious orange high gloss lacquer is released with a minimum of £15 from the sale of each unit will being donated to this highly worthy charity.
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2013
LAS (Lightning Adaptor Support)
The introduction of Apple’s new Lightning connector causes much concern amongst customers concerned about compatibility. To help rectify this we developed a simple yet highly effective solution which we codename LAS (Lightning Adaptor Support). The beauty of this simple conversion is that iPod/iPhone models old and new can be used alongside each other.
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2013
MR1 – Real World Audio
Leaning back to our roots, we use the skills from our loudspeaker past to squeeze the best performance from our MR1 compact Bluetooth active loudspeakers. The MR1s deliver our renowned sound quality without wires, thanks to Bluetooth and aptX technology.
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2013
What Hi-Fi? ‘Best Desktop Speaker’ award for MR1
All our radio products have won multiple awards, but we were particularly delighted when our MR1s received a prestigious What Hi-Fi? award for Best Desktop Speaker. Praise indeed from the leading title in audio.
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2014
The radiogram redefined
Inspired by 60s contemporary design, the R7 is our latest iconic piece. With stunning looks and amazing audio quality, it’s a revolutionary music centre in the true spirit of the classic radiogram.
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2014
MR1 wins What Hi-Fi? award for second year running
The only product we had entered for the 2014 Awards was our MR1 Bluetooth Wireless Speakers and we were delighted when for the second year running, we won the What HiFi? Award for the Best Desktop Speaker 2014.
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2014
R7 AV Mount
R7 redefines the classic radiogram, but with the addition of our new AV Mount, R7 is transformed from a music system into a complete audio/visual solution. Designed exclusively for R7, TVs and associated equipment can be integrated so they seemingly ‘float’ above and below R7, keeping its elegant design intact.
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2014
R1 Mk3 – design evolution
Elegant and beautifully simple, the new R1 is the third generation of our iconic table radio which started the Ruark Audio story and marked our transition from manufacturing high-fidelity loudspeakers, to quality compact audio systems.
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2014
R2 Mk3 – Made for Music
Whilst the R2 Mk3 gives the impression of being similar to its forerunners, through painstaking design, it has evolved so virtually everything about it is new. Notably, it incorporates technology that allows customers to access music and broadcasts in a variety of convenient ways.
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2015
Osborne & Little R1 Mk3
In April 2015 we collaborated with iconic designers Osborne & Little for this limited edition R1 with an adaption of one of their designs called Melo. Quintessentially British and founded in the early 1960s, Osborne & Little have been producing award-winning fabrics and wallpapers ever since. Like ourselves, Osborne & Little have a reputation for innovation and exceptional quality and you will find their designs in the finest dwellings around the world.
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2015
R4 Mk3 Integrated Music System
Originally launched in 2008 the R4 redefined what a quality compact music system should be. Seven years on we launch the Mk3 version to critical acclaim. Visually similar to the Mk1 and Mk2 versions, but enhanced in every respect, the R4 Mk3 is the perfect all in one’ music solution for 21st-century living. Ideal for modern day technophobes, simply plug in and within minutes R4 Mk3 provides room-filling sound that will satisfy even the most discerning listener.
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2015
R2 Mk3 awarded best ‘All-in-One’ music system
In October 2015 we attended the lavish What Hi-Fi? award ceremony at the Hilton on Park Lane, London and were delighted to be presented a ‘Best Buy’ award for our recently launched R2 Mk3. This is the seventh year in a row that we have picked up a prestigious What-Hi-Fi? gong which is undoubtedly the most coveted award in our industry.
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2015
The ‘Art of Sound’ at the Saatchi Gallery
In December 2015 we partnered with London-based graffiti artist Pure Evil to design limited-edition versions of our acclaimed R7. The first of these ‘one-off’ pieces was put on display at the artist’s exhibition, ‘Teenage Kicks’, at the prestigious Saatchi Gallery.
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2016
Swiss Red R1-30
2016 marked a momentous year as we celebrated three decades of high fidelity sound and beautiful design. R1 was our first radio product so we thought it fitting to introduce a special edition version finished in ‘Swiss Red’ satin lacquer and with a polished 30th-anniversary plaque machined into the side.
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2016
Titanium R4-30
As a second product to celebrate our 30th Anniversary we introduce R4-30 a stunning variation on our popular R4 Mk3 model. With subtle ‘aero’ curves and a special satin titanium finish, R4-30 is a fitting tribute to our 30th year and a collector’s item of the future.
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2016
R7 Mk2 awarded ‘Home Audio Product of the Year’
To round of our 30th year, we were delighted when Trusted Reviews selected or R7 Mk2 as their Home Audio Product of the Year. They said “The Ruark R7 Mk2 is a beautiful, wonderful-sounding all-in-one solution, and the fact that you can turn it into a TV stand and pump your TV’s audio through it broadens its appeal enormously. There really isn’t anything else quite like the R7.” ★★★★★
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2017
MR1 Mk2 – design conscious sound
Since its introduction in 2013, our MR1 Bluetooth Speaker System has been widely commended as the finest available. MR1 Mk2 retains all the attributes of the original, but with our ongoing desire for improvement, they now look and sound better than ever!
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2017
Limited edition Sea Green R1
The beautiful blue-green matte colour was inspired by the tranquil blues and deep-sea corals found in our planet’s beautiful oceans and the run of just 1,000 pieces made it highly desirable. Designed to add a vibrant and fresh feel to any bedside table or kitchen worktop, bringing the warmth and feel of summer days to the long dark days of winter.
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2017
R7 Mk3 - the radiogram refined
In 2017 we release an all-new version of our groundbreaking R7 High Fidelity Radiogram. With honed aesthetics, improved analogue circuitry and the latest digital technologies for streaming and multi-room, R7 Mk3 is a sound system that will satisfy even the most discerning listener and builds further on the success of our original.
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2018
MRx – Connected Wireless Speaker
It is early 2018 and we are delighted to announce the release of our first ‘smart’ loudspeaker system. MRx is a wireless speaker system, that will enhance environments with its design and entertain with its sound. Capable of filling a single room or whole home, MRx is designed without compromise and built to last.
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2018
MRx wins Trusted Reviews ‘Home Product of the Year’
Shortly after its launch, our MRx is awarded ‘Home Audio Product of the Year’ by the highly regarded Trusted Reviews team. They loved its design, sound quality and ease of use.
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2018
R1 – Burnt Saffron and Wild Plum
Inspired by the vibrant colours of autumn, our limited edition R1s for 2018 are Burnt Saffron and Wild Plum. Both finishes capture the aura of the season, with a nod to the changing landscapes, berries and leaves on the ground, the sort one might see during an autumn countryside walk.
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2018
MR1 wins What Hi-Fi Best Buy
For the 5th year running our MR1s are awarded ‘Best Desktop Speaker’ at the What Hi-Fi? awards 2018. They say that for their size and cost, there is simply nothing better. We couldn’t agree more.
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2018
Summer of Sound
In 2018 Ruark we opened the doors to our very own rooftop Sound Studio atop of John Lewis’s flagship Oxford Street store as part of their experiential project ‘The Summer of Sound’. The whole event was inspired by the capital’s love of music and sound with the Oxford Street store’s rooftop transformed into a mini-festival featuring live gigs, DJ sets and acoustic performances against the breath-taking backdrop of the city’s skyline.
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2019
Ruark × LINLEY Tempo Radio
David Linley started to design and sell bespoke furniture to private clients in 1982. Today LINLEY is world-renowned for the exquisite products they produce. When asked if we would like to work with them to produce an exclusive radio for their customers we were delighted and so the Tempo Radio was born.
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2019
R5 High Fidelity Music System
It is 2019 and it is with great pleasure that we proudly announce the release of our R5 High Fidelity Music System. Incorporating the knowledge of our past with a vision of our future, R5 is the perfect ‘all-in-one’ system for music and design enthusiasts alike.
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2020
R3 Wireless Music System
R3 is introduced to fill the void left by left by our R2 Mk3 and R4 Mk3 models and proves an instant hit with our customers. Slightly smaller than R4, but with many features carried over from our award-winning R5, R3 is perfect for customers where space is tight but the best possible sound is required.
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2020
R1 Mk4 – 14 years in the making
In 1986 we launched our first-generation R1 radio and 14 years later we are pleased to announce the launch of our fourth-generation model. Everyone deserves good design and sound in their lives and like the original, R1 Mk4 is even more in-tune with what discerning customers are seeking today.
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2020
MR1 wins What Hi-Fi Best Buy award again!
For the 7th consecutive year, our MR1s are bestowed ‘Best Desktop Speaker’ at the 2020 What Hi-Fi awards. As we’ve always said, good design and quality creates products that are timeless and built to last and MR1 is a testament to this fact.
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2020
Ruark × LINLEY Amplis Audio System
Following the success of the Ruark × LINLEY Tempo Radio, we are delighted to announce another collaboration with LINLEY this time based around our R5 High Fidelity Music System. Hand-crafted in the UK, the Amplis Audio System combines beautiful LINLEY cabinetry with our renowned sound and technology, making it a truly unique product.
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2021
R1 Beach Hut Blue
With summer firmly in mind, this eye-catching limited edition is aptly named ‘Beach Hut Blue.’ R1 Beach Hut Blue is a perfect ‘feel good’ addition for any home that will bring memories of summer and great entertainment all year round.