This article discusses Ruark Audio's new integrated music systems, the R1 Mk4 Deluxe Bluetooth Radio, R410 Integrated Music System, and R810 High Fidelity Radiogram. These all-in-one speaker systems offer component system sound in a package that can fit into any environment and look like fine furniture!

Company History

Ruark Audio was formed in 1985 by Brian O’Rourke and his son Alan. They rented a small shop to start designing and building high-quality speaker systems for the home audio market. The speakers they designed used cutting-edge technology drivers and had overbuilt, well-designed cabinets, allowing them to punch well above their room-friendly size. They continued designing high-quality passive speaker systems until 2004 when Ruark decided to make a change.

They noticed that some people didn’t want the bulky room-filling audio systems and instead wanted systems that offered excellent performance but would look good in a room and not take up as much space. Combining cutting-edge technology and design, Ruark found they could get much of the performance of a complete component system in a much easier package to live with. These new systems offered great sound but had to be intuitive to set up and have ease of use that was not found on separate components.

Since Ruark's change in direction in 2004, they have been on an engineering mission to make their systems the most intuitive and easy to live with on the market. Plus, they’ve won too many awards to mention for their all-in-one systems. This market segment is growing, and we can see why, with products like Ruark’s!

At Audio Advice, we’re always seeing our customers use massive speakers as statement pieces in their homes—they make a bold impact! But not everyone wants their audio setup to stand out. A lot of folks prefer systems that blend seamlessly into their space while still delivering incredible sound. That’s where Ruark really shines. They’ve got some fantastic products that check both boxes: stylish and great-sounding. Let’s take a closer look at the features and technology behind their most popular speakers to see if one of them could be the perfect fit for you.

Innovative User Interface

The controls are one of the best features of the Ruark Integrated music systems. Ruark invented the RotoDial system, which intuitively interacts with these systems and gives users simple, well-laid-out controls. With one knob and several buttons in an intuitive layout, Ruark was able to get a full panel of controls into one small and easy-to-use dial system. When we saw Ruark Audio at 2024’s Audio Advice Live, we were blown away by the level of control the RotoDial system gives while retaining the ease of use nature Ruark is going for. Ruark puts the RotoDial system on all of their Music systems, from the small R1 clock radio to the R810 High Fidelity Radiogram! This system is so well-liked that Ruark includes a rechargeable RotoDial remote control with their R410 and R810 music systems. Hence, you get the same control layout, whether using the unit's control panel or sitting in your chair enjoying the music.

Ruark R1 Mk4 Deluxe Bluetooth Radio: Small Scale, Big Features

Connections include SBC, AAC Bluetooth, a 3.5mm analog input jack for legacy analog sources, and a USB-C input for charging the battery pack or connecting a USB drive for shuffle music playback. An FM tuner is also on board as well as dual alarms with sleep function. There is also a 3.5mm headphone jack for when headphones would be more appropriate. It has a volume memory function that allows the headphone amplifier to remember the last volume set. This is excellent as it makes hooking up your go-to headphones much easier. Just plug in and play; the volume will be set to your last preference.

Many clock radios are on the market, but the Ruark R1 differs. Its precision-molded enclosure dampens resonance and vibrations, and the hand-crafted slated wood grille gives the front panel a well-deserved classic look. An OLED front display is auto-dimming and shows you the time and all of the music information from your sources.

They offer a light creme with an ash grille espresso with a walnut grille for color options. The build quality and features of the R1 Mk4 put it in a class by itself. If you are looking for a bedside companion that will function as a great clock radio but is capable of so much more, then you need to look at the R1 Mk4!

For users who want to extend the R1 Mk4’s capabilities, the optional Ruark Remote Control allows them to control the R1 from anywhere in the room.

Our Advice:

If you're looking for a clock radio or bedroom speaker and are tired of cheaply built, run-of-the-mill designs that offer terrible sound and worse features, the R1 Mk4 is just what the doctor ordered. It offers sound levels up from any mass-produced clock radio and all but the best single-driver Bluetooth speakers. And the ease of use and excellent features like the Rotodial make it a no-brainer! Even high-end hotels use the R1 Mk4 for its superb sound and ease of setup and use.

Ruark R410 Integrated Music System: Large Sound, Small and Great Looking!

The intuitive front panel OLED screen shows all of the system's information and the music playing. It is in portrait orientation, so it resembles what people normally see when using their smartphones. Combining this display with the intuitive RotoDial system will enable easy navigation of the controls and more time to relax and enjoy the music.

The R410 brings the same FM tuner to the party but adds full streaming support for Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect. With the addition of Apple AirPlay and Google Cast, you can stream directly from apps such as Apple Music and BBC Sounds, and the R410 can decode up to 32bit/384kHz, which is more than any music out today. Bluetooth is also available to stream directly from your phone.

For radio lovers, the R410s Internet Tuner provides swift access to a fantastic choice of stations worldwide. You can also build a flexible multi-room system, linking the R410 with other AirPlay and Google Cast speakers, including the R810 model. Also, the R410 has RCA analog inputs and a moving magnet phono stage built in for folks wanting to enjoy the warmth of vinyl on their system.

There is a single subwoofer output for people wishing to expand the low-end capability of the R410. There is also a Toslink digital input for any separate digital sources. Plus, users can opt for the optional RCD100 CD player add-on, which will allow the R410 or R810 to play CDs. For users wanting to sit the R410 on their TV stand, the HDMI ARC inputs will allow you to take the audio from your TV through the R410 for an elevated sound experience, and the TV remote will control the volume, making life simpler.

The R410 uses high-quality materials and even excellent engineered wood for its grill. This wood is sourced from sustainable woods that are expertly spliced and recomposed. The resulting material closely resembles slow-growth hardwoods but is much more sustainable and ecologically respectful! The overall size of the R410 is 6” tall x 22” wide X 11.5” deep and weighs around 21lbs. This allows the R410 to fit in many spaces, even ones you might not have thought of as a place to fit a high-quality music system. But with the technology and build quality of the R410, the sound will be great wherever you put it.

The R410 is available in two great finish options. It will look good in any room and will surely be a great conversation piece when guests see it or after they hear what this little box can do with your favorite music!

Our Advice:

If you are in the market for a stereo system, have limited space, are not interested in cables and hook-up hassles, and want something that sits neatly on any cabinet or desk, then the R410 is worth considering. It has more than enough power for most small and medium-sized rooms and a subwoofer output, so it can grow into a larger environment. The streaming, auxiliary inputs, and built-in phono stage mean the R410 can grow as your music collection grows. For those who also want refined looks and build quality, we assure you all of Ruark’s products exude these features. Audiophile-grade sound, system growth potential, great looks and build. Sign us up!!

Ruark R810 High Fidelity Radiogram: For Diehard Music Lovers

The R810 offers the same streaming options as the R410: line input, Toslink digital input, and a built-in phono stage. HDMI eARC is also available, making the R810 a competent television sound source. Bluetooth is onboard for users who want to use their phone or tablet as a source. WiFi and ethernet are supported for flexibility and the same 32bit-384kHz digital music decoding capability as the R410, meaning your music won’t be downsampled when played back.

Ruark wanted their flagship integrated speaker to look as good as it sounds. Using the same spliced and reconstituted sustainable wood grills and precision-formed trim, the look is modern but with a tasteful salute to the classic radiograms from the mid-1900s. The same great RotoDial system and 4” TFT auto-dimming display from the R410 also give the R810 the same great function. The available colors are the same as the R410, with a full walnut veneer option and a soft grey finish with a walnut grill. We can’t think of an interior that one of these two color options will not fit in as the choices are very interior-friendly. The size of the R810 is around H6” x W39.5” x D15 ¾” and weighs about 60lbs. So, this is a large and capable speaker. The R810 has a cool, retro-looking, entirely chrome stand that supports the speaker and gives better sound isolation than sitting on a cabinet. This stand also completes the full “radiogram” look for folks wanting to listen to their music the way people did many years ago, albeit with much better sound!

Our Advice:

As with our R410 recommendation, the R810 takes all of the attributes that make the R410 great and turns them up a few notches! It features higher quality separate class A/B amplifier channels for each driver and a built-in subwoofer, making the R810 a full-scale large-room audio system. You would have to add a subwoofer to the R410 to get balanced sound in large rooms, and the R810 already has that covered. All in a tidy 40” wide cabinet with a retro chrome stand! Yes, the R810 comes with a stand for folks who want an audio system that stands on its own or doesn’t have a cabinet to put one on (And we think it's kind of cool how the R810 looks similar to classic Radiograms from years ago!). Like the R410, the R810 has an HDMI ARC, so your television sound can also be boosted. Yes, the R810’s price is much higher than the R410's, but with its separate amplifier channels per driver, it will be much more capable. The R810 is truly for music lovers who want separate quality sound in a sleek and simple-to-operate package.

Conclusion

We have seen all-in-one speaker systems come and go over the years. But when a speaker company with the credentials of Ruark Audio puts all of its efforts into these products, the results are awe-inspiring. The Rotodial control alone is an excellent design that makes using these products a breeze. Well-designed cabinets, good drivers, and amplification that can drive them is a hallmark of any all-in-one speaker design. And on those metrics alone, Ruark has succeeded. Add in the streaming options, phono preamp, line inputs, and an excellent display. Ruark is now at the top of the hill regarding all-in-one music systems, and we can’t agree more. If you are in the market for an all-in-one music system that is easy to set up, easy to use and has all the features anyone could want in a music system, then give us a call, email, or chat with us on our website to see which of these excellent music systems will fit your lifestyle!

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