Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Bookshelf Speakers

Ruark’s R610 Music Console & Sabre-R Bookshelf Speakers Might Be All You Need in 2024

This $2500 table-top stereo system bundles a Ruark R610 Music Console with a pair of Sabre-R bookshelf speakers.

Ruark Audio R610 Music Console Stereo System with Speakers

UK-based Ruark Audio does not receive a lot of press coverage here on this side of the pond, but they offer a steady stream of products that are rather worthy of your consideration. Before we discuss the new Ruark R610 Music Console and Sabre-R Loudspeakers — some recent history about the brand feels necessary.

Earlier in 2023, Ruark introduced the R410 Integrated Music System ($1,799) which integrates a hi-res network streamer, power amplifier, phono pre-amplifier, and loudspeaker.

Most recently, we reported on their innovative R810 Hi-Fi Radiogram ($4,500) which is both a rather strikingly beautiful piece of furniture, and high-end audio console. Just far nicer than anything your father owned in the 1950s or 1960s.

Ruark is certainly not the first high-end audio manufacturer to offer a modern stereo console over the past decade; the Symbol Audio Record Console has been around for almost 12 years and EIC Ian White was one of the first to review it when it was introduced.

The integration of high-end audio and mid-century modern furniture has an enormous level of appeal and we think other brands need to take a closer look at this for the simple reason that mainstream consumers with larger budgets interested in better sound quality would consider these types of solutions rather seriously. 

Let’s take a look at what the R610 and Sabre-R have to offer.

R610 Music Console

Ruark Audio R610 Music Console

The R610 is a new entry in the Ruark 100 series, which includes the R410 Integrated Music system and R810 Hi-Fi Radiogram

What makes the R610 different in this line-up is that, unlike the R410 and R810 which incorporate a control system, streaming, and speakers in the same cabinet, the R610 is a standalone music console that functions as a control unit and streaming amplifier.

This means that you need to connect speakers to hear the content that R610 is able to access and control. However, that provides some flexibility as you can connect to compatible wireless speakers (for an in-room or multi-room audio setup), a pair of powered or passive speakers, or an external amplifier or receiver.

Tip: Ruark suggests pairing the R610 with the Sabre R passive speakers, covered later in this article.

Ruark Audio R610 Music Console with Sabre-R Speakers

Product Design 

R610 Music Console has a similar visual look as the R810 and R410 but is physically smaller. Inside its visually pleasing exterior is a switch mode power supply, providing optimized powerlines to a motherboard and digital amplifiers. Burr-Brown DACs are included for optimal sound from digital sources, and an amplifier output of 75 watts per channel delivers controlled dynamic, and natural sound to the listener.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Connectivity Options

If innovative design and control weren’t enough, the R610 is also packed with abundant wireless and wired content access options.

On the wireless side, the R610 is equipped with Bluetooth and WiFi which provides access to internet radio, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay, GoogleCast, and more while wired connectivity includes a dedicated phono input (MM) for connecting a turntable and an HDMI-ARC/eARC connection for easy access to audio from compatible TVs.

Ruark Audio R610 Music Console Rear

Specifications:

  • Amplifier: Class-D with 2 × 75W per channel 
  • Frequency Response: 22Hz-22kHz +0/-3dB
  • Audio Setting Enhancements: Stereo+, bass, treble, loudness
  • DAC: Up to 32-bit/384kHz resolution
  • Supported Music Services: Amazon Music, BBC Sounds, Deezer, Qobuz and more
  • Bluetooth: ver  5.1, aptX HD, SBC, AAC, BLE, A2DP
  • Ethernet: RJ45 connector 10/100 Mbps
  • DLNA:/UPnP™: Yes/Yes
  • CD support: CD playback via external USB CD drive (optional)
  • HDMI: ARC and eARC
  • Line-Input: Stereo RCA input (up to 2.3Vrms)
  • Line-Output: Selectable Line-out/Pre-out, via stereo RCA connectors
  • Subwoofer Output: Volume-related full-frequency mono RCA connector
  • Optical Input: TOSLINK digital input up to 24-bit/192kHz
  • USB-C: playback port
  • Supported Digital Audio Formats
    • FLAC, AIFF, ALAC and WAV: up to 32-bit 384kHz
    • MP3: up to 48kHz 320kbps
    • AAC/AAC-LC/HE-AAC/HE-AAC v2: up to 96kHz 320kbps
  • Standard Finishes: Fused Walnut veneer or Satin Charcoal lacquer
  • Product Dimensions (HxWxD):
    • 95 × 300 × 280mm (cabinet)
    • 107 × 300 × 280mm (with Rotodial controls)
  • Product Weight: 4.1 kg
Ruark RotoDial
Ruark RotoDial

Easy Control

The Ruark R160 is designed to be easy to use; In addition to a wireless bluetooth remote and app control options, the onboard Ruark RotoDial also makes hands-on operation easy.

The control dial works in conjunction with a 5-inch color LCD status display for easy navigation of system features and content options.

Tip: The provided Bluetooth remote has the same physical design as the RotoDial onboard control.

Ruark Sabre R Bookshelf Speakers

Ruark Sabre R Bookshelf Speakers Front and Rear View Grill Off

The Sabre-R bookshelf speakers can be used with many amplifiers and receivers but Ruark has visually and sonically designed them to be a great match for the Ruark R610 music console. The Ruark Sabre-R speakers are hand-crafted and finished to blend in with just about any room decor. The speakers use sustainable wood.

Specifications

  • Cabinet: damped and braced, wood composite construction
  • Design: 2-way bass reflex. Double flared port tuned to 55Hz
  • Woofer: Ruark 15 cm treated natural fiber cone, 30mm 4-layer voice coil, the long-throw motor with precision cast chassis
  • Tweeter: Ruark 26mm silk dome, neodymium motor system with aluminium heatsink
  • Nominal Impedance: 6 Ohms (min 4.2 Ohms)
  • Frequency Response: 50Hz – 20KHz +/- 3dB (free space conditions)
  • Sensitivity: 86dB/W/m
  • Crossover Frequency: 2.2kHz
  • Recommended Amplifier Power: 25-100W
  • Inputs: Two sets of 4mm gold-plated binding posts for single or bi-wire connection
  • Grille: Removable magnetic frame with acoustically transparent cloth
  • Finishes: Fused Walnut veneer or Satin Charcoal lacquer
  • Cabinet Dimensions (HxWxD): 290 × 175 × 215mm (245mm inc. connectors)
  • Weight: 5.0 kg each

Bottom Line

The Ruark R610/Sabre-R Bookshelf speaker combination system offers a stylish and flexible music (and TV) listening option that is also reasonably priced. 

However, if you already have a set of speakers, you can opt to purchase just the R610 and get access to both wired and wireless source options. You can also use the R610 to expand the reach of your music with its wireless multi-room speaker connectivity. 

On the other hand, if you have a stereo receiver or other branded streaming amplifier, you can purchase the Saber-R bookshelf speakers and enjoy their sound.

Ruark also has a well deserved reputation for delivering great sound quality at rather reasonable prices. The R610 might be a bargain that flies under the radar for most of you. It’s worth exploring.

Ruark Audio R610 Music Console with Sabre-R Speakers

Pricing and Availability

The Ruark R610 will be available through Authorized UK/Ireland and Global dealers during November 2024 at the following prices:

  • Ruark R610 music console: $1,599 / £1,200 
  • Sabre-R bookshelf speakers: $899 / £699 per pair

Related Reading

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

Latest Products

LG G5 OLED TV Lifestyle

HDTV 4K & 8K TV

Will LG's new quad stack Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel make the G5 the best TV of 2025? And what should we expect from...

HOUCHMAND M1 System Lifestyle Image HOUCHMAND M1 System Lifestyle Image

Floorstanding Speakers

The Houchmand M1 is an ultra high-end all-in-one two-channel digital music system with optional subwoofer for a sky high price.

Hisense 2025 ULED TV line-up Hisense 2025 ULED TV line-up

HDTV 4K & 8K TV

Brighter, bigger, and more powerful, the Hisense 2025 ULED TV lineup should have something for everyone.

Pro-Ject Automat A1.2 Turntable Lifestyle Pro-Ject Automat A1.2 Turntable Lifestyle

New Products

Updated with a new die-cast aluminium platter, Pick It MM E phono cartridge and other refinements, the Automat 1.2 might be the most logical...

NAGRA Compact Phono Stage Angle NAGRA Compact Phono Stage Angle

New Products

At $4,950, the Nagra Compact Phono is a "lower cost" high-end audio solution for getting the most out of your vinyl record listening experience.

JADIS JS2 SL DAC Front Angle Top Open JADIS JS2 SL DAC Front Angle Top Open

DACs

Do you really need a DAC that costs between $14,000 and $18,000? Bluebird Music thinks the Jadis Vacuum Tube JS5 or JS2 SL are...

Gift Ideas?

Cost-no-object Audiophile Gear

Floorstanding Speakers

When money is no-object in building a high-end audio system, this is the audiophile gear you'll want to check out first.

You May Also Like

HDTV 4K & 8K TV

Will LG's new quad stack Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel make the G5 the best TV of 2025? And what should we expect from...

HDTV 4K & 8K TV

TCL's latest flagship miniLED TV offers high-end performance at a wallet-friendly price.

News

Apple is adding Lossless Audio and Ultra-Low Latency to the AirPods Max Headphones, but only when wired.

DACs

K2HD Technology, DSD Remastering, 5,700mW peak output, lossless Bluetooth, and 18-hour battery life are just some of the features of the iFi iDSD Valkyrie.

Floorstanding Speakers

With improved drivers and the addition of an active crossover option, the Klipschorn AK7 and La Scala AL6 are ready to take on all...

News

Owners of Samsung's 2024 HW-Q990D, HW-Q800D, and HW-S801D models have a big and annoying problem... Here's what to do if your soundbar is affected.

News

The traveling headphone show, CanJam came to New York City last month and we were there. Here are a few highlights.

New Products

Focal has upped the ante with the flagship Bathys MG wireless headphones and that includes a $600 increase in price over the base model.

Advertisement

ecoustics is a hi-fi and music magazine offering product reviews, podcasts, news and advice for aspiring audiophiles, home theater enthusiasts and headphone hipsters. Read more

Copyright © 1999-2024 ecoustics | Disclaimer: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.



SVS Bluesound PSB Speakers NAD Cambridge Audio Q Acoustics Denon Marantz Focal Naim Audio RSL Speakers