Ruark Audio launches R5 designer Music System

Ruark Audio has unveiled a new addition to its Music System family, the R5. Essentially a down-sized version of the brand’s acclaimed R7 radiogram, it adopts a versatile tabletop design.

Playback options comprise Wi-Fi streaming, CD playback, aptX HD Bluetooth, DAB/FM and Internet radio tuners. Connections include a USB playback and charging port, analogue and digital inputs and a dedicated turntable input.

Ruark suggests users could sit the R5 beneath a TV as an alternative to a soundbar.

The R5 also integrates with the brand’s multi-room ecosystem. It can wirelessly pair with Ruark’s MRx, R2Mk3 and R7Mk3 models to provide synchronised whole home sound.

The R5 may be the R7’s little brother, but an early listen to the system at the R5’s London launch confirms there’s nothing small about the audio. The soundstage is wide and clear, with a powerful DSP-tuned bass response.

A 2.1 design (there’s a downward firing long throw subwoofer), the R5 uses newly developed Class A-B amplifiers.

Build quality and cosmetic design are high. The R5 is available in Rich Walnut or Soft Grey lacquer finishes, and features a distinctive fabric grille. The cabinet makes a feature of Ruark’s iconic RotoDial controller, but also ships with a matching ‘radio-link’ remote which mirrors the same controls. It can also be controlled using Ruark’s LINK app.

Launching this Spring, the R5 will retail for £1,000.