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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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