Ruark, an old family owned UK company has trouble with the present and the future. It thinks that so-called new styles are too stark, bland or sterile, so it makes old styles replete with the best of new technology.
The company was founded in 1985 by Brian O’Rourke and his son Alan, and no, it did not start in a garage at home – rather a cramped workshop in Rayleigh, Essex. Its reputation for handcrafted timber enclosure speakers and studio monitors is well established.
But as time changes it went developed “The Aston Martin” of DAB radios – the R1. In 2014 it launched the R7 – a classic timber enclosure radiogram, in 2016 the Mk2 and now it is the Mk3 turn – a bit like MG A, B etc.It features a multi-format CD player, high-resolution aptX HD Bluetooth receiver, DAB, DAB+, FM and Internet tuners, Spotify Connect, switchable analogue and digital inputs and the option to wirelessly sync with our R2 model in multi-room mode.
According to the UK Daily Mail, “The sound has also been completely revamped. I was able to compare the new R7 directly with the old one, and they have pulled off some serious witchcraft in there. For an all-in-one hi-fi, it sounds sensational.”
Available in Rich Walnut and a new Soft Grey lacquer, the slimmer cabinet and legs add refinement, but undoubtedly it is the British milled grille fabric that adds real elegance to the design. R7 Mk3 no longer looks like a piece of audio equipment, but rather a beautiful object that will enhance the most stylish of rooms.
Key features – Ruark Audio Mk3 R7 Radiogram
- Integrated active subwoofer with 200mm long throw driver
- Adjustable treble and bass settings
- Loudness function provides enhanced sound at low volume levels
- CD Player with loading slot, compatible with CD-Audio, MP3, AAC and WMA music disks
- Text support for CD and USB playback when available
- DAB, DAB+ and FM Tuner with RDS for local and national reception
- Internet Receiver for worldwide radio reception
- 30 station pre-sets (10 DAB, 10 FM, 10 Internet)
- Wireless DLNA audio streaming from networked storage devices and PCs, ethernet port for direct connection to network
- Built-in aptX HD Bluetooth receiver provides 24-bit high-resolution playback from compatible devices
- Spotify Connect provides seamless integration with Spotify App and access to 20+ million tracks
- Front mounted stereo headphone output
- High contrast OLED display with large format clock, adjustable brightness
- RIAA gain stage input for turntable, analogue inputs/outputs, optical digital inputs for connecting TV set
- USB charge and playback port
- Easy-to-use programmable dual alarm with once, daily, weekday and weekend settings plus snooze and sleep timers
- Intuitive ‘click to select’ RotoDial control system
- Rich Walnut veneer or Soft Grey lacquer with Camira Lead Grey grille fabric and black ash spindle legs
- H185 × W1000 × D425mm on feet
- H650 × W1000 × D425mm on spindle legs
- Weight: 30kg
- Price: Around A$4,000 from hi-fi enthusiast shops
- Distributed in Australia by Synergy Audio Visual
GadgetGuy’s take
Looks very impressive, specifications are top drawer, and the Brits know how to make good audio gear. Everything old is new again and the Radiogram brings back fond memories for a child of the 50s.
