The R1S is Ruark's smart radio in the compact R Series, sitting above the R1 Mk4 Bluetooth Radio and below the R2 Smart Music System. Where the R1 Mk4 provides DAB/FM and Bluetooth without network connectivity, the R1S adds Wi-Fi integration with internet radio, streaming service support, and a dedicated podcast source. It retains the same 75mm NS+ driver platform and 9W Class A/B amplifier as the R1 Mk4 whilst upgrading to Bluetooth 5.2 and a colour TFT display. Winner of the What Hi-Fi? Award 2025, the R1S is available in three lacquer finishes — this Light Cream variant is paired with a walnut grille.
Driver and Amplification
The R1S uses a single 75mm Ruark NS+ full-range driver in a bass reflex cabinet, powered by a 9W nominal Class A/B amplifier. Frequency response is quoted at 55Hz to 20kHz in typical room conditions. Adjustable bass and treble controls offer ±6dB of adjustment, and a switchable loudness EQ provides additional tonal compensation at lower listening levels.
Radio, Streaming, and Connectivity
Internet radio, DAB/DAB+, and FM with RDS (87.5–108MHz) are all available. The 75-ohm F-type aerial connector accepts the included telescopic aerial. Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11b/g/n, supporting WPS2, WEP, WPA, and WPA2) provides access to internet radio stations and the built-in streaming services: Spotify Connect, Deezer, and Amazon Music. A dedicated podcast source is also available through the network connection.
Bluetooth V5.2 with SBC codec supports wireless streaming from mobile devices, with the radio storing up to six paired devices. The USB-C port provides 5V 1A device charging and MP3 playback from FAT32-formatted USB storage at up to 48kHz/320kbps. A stereo 3.5mm jack input accommodates external analogue sources, and a 3.5mm headphone output is provided.
Display, Controls, and Features
The colour TFT display with auto-dimming shows source, station, and playback information including album artwork. The RotoDial provides volume adjustment and menu navigation, with eight presets available per source mode. Dual alarms support daily, weekday, weekend, and custom schedules, with both sleep and snooze functions. The Oktiv companion app for iOS and Android offers Wi-Fi-based remote control. An optional compact IR remote control is available separately. Auto-standby provides an adjustable power-saving mode, and over-the-air software updates keep the system current.
What the Press Says
- "As close to hi-fi as a small radio can get." — What Hi-Fi? ★★★★★ (July 2024)
- What Hi-Fi? Awards 2025 winner
- Highly Recommended — AVForums
| Driver | 75mm Ruark NS+ full-range |
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| Amplifier | 9W nominal Class A/B |
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| Frequency Response | 55Hz – 20kHz (typical in-room) |
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| Cabinet | Bass reflex |
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| Tone Controls | Bass and treble adjustable ±6dB; switchable loudness EQ |
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| Radio | Internet radio, DAB/DAB+, FM with RDS (87.5–108MHz) |
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| Aerial | 75Ω F-type connector (telescopic aerial included) |
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| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n; WPS2, WEP, WPA, WPA2 |
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| Bluetooth | V5.2, SBC |
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| Streaming Services | Spotify Connect, Deezer, Amazon Music |
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| Podcast Source | Yes |
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| USB-C | 5V 1A charging; MP3 playback from FAT32 storage (up to 48kHz/320kbps) |
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| Line Input | 3.5mm stereo jack |
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| Headphone Output | 3.5mm jack |
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| Display | Colour TFT with auto-dimming and album artwork |
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| Presets | 8 per source mode |
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| Alarms | Dual alarms — daily, weekday, weekend, and custom schedules |
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| App Control | Oktiv (iOS and Android) |
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| Remote Control | Optional compact IR remote (sold separately) |
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| Dimensions (Cabinet) | H170 × W130 × D130mm |
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| Dimensions (Maximum) | H185 × W130 × D160mm |
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| Weight | 1.4kg |
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| Power Supply | 12–14VDC 1.5A (100–240VAC 50–60Hz adaptor included) |
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| Power Consumption | 1.7W standby; 3W typical |
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| Finish | Light Cream lacquer with walnut grille |
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| Also Available | Mid Grey lacquer; Satin Charcoal lacquer |
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| In the Box | R1S, universal AC power adaptor, quick start guide, telescopic aerial and spanner |
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