Ruark R5 High Fidelity System Grey Lacquer

The R5 is Ruark Audio’s all-in-one high fidelity music system, integrating a slot-loading CD player, network streaming engine, DAB/DAB+/FM radio tuner, and a three-driver loudspeaker array with dedicated subwoofer into a single cabinet. Designed as a scaled-down counterpart to the flagship R7, the R5 delivers 90W of Class A/B amplification through two custom 75mm full-range polypropylene cone neodymium satellite drivers and a 130mm long-throw subwoofer, spanning a frequency response of 35Hz–22kHz. British-designed in Southend-on-Sea, the R5 wraps real wood veneer and soft lacquer finishes around a curved, internally damped enclosure.

Amplification and Digital Conversion

The linear Class A/B amplifier delivers 90W nominal output, powered by a dedicated 120W linear amplifier power supply alongside a separate 25W switch-mode logic supply. Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by a Burr-Brown 32-bit 192kHz DAC, while a 24-bit 192kHz ADC manages analogue-to-digital duties. An enhanced digital 3D audio processor adds spatial processing, and independent bass, treble, and subwoofer level controls allow fine-tuning alongside a switchable loudness function that boosts treble and bass at lower listening levels.

CD, Streaming, and Radio

The slot-loading CD drive supports CD, CD-ROM, and CD-R/RW discs, including data discs containing MP3, WMA, and AAC files at up to 320kbps. Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer, and TIDAL are built in, alongside Internet Radio and UPnP/DLNA streaming from networked storage. Network playback formats include MP3 (48kHz/320kbps), AAC (96kHz/320kbps), FLAC (24-bit/48kHz), WAV (16-bit/48kHz or 24-bit/44.1kHz), and WMA (44.1kHz/320kbps). FLAC files are not supported in multi-room mode. The built-in tuner covers DAB, DAB+, and FM with RDS (87.5–108MHz). Multi-room distribution via the UNDOK app synchronises audio across up to five compatible Ruark devices.

Connectivity

The rear panel carries a comprehensive set of inputs and outputs. An integrated moving magnet phono preamplifier with RIAA equalisation accepts turntable connection via stereo RCA (sensitivity up to 8mV). A 24-bit/192kHz optical TOSLINK input accommodates digital sources, and a stereo RCA line input (max 2.3Vrms) handles additional analogue components. Outputs include stereo RCA line out (2.0Vrms) and a 3.5mm headphone jack delivering 25mW into 16–32 ohm. A USB 2.0 port provides FAT32 memory stick playback and 5W (5V/1A) device charging. Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n with WEP, WPA, and WPA2 security) and Ethernet (RJ45) provide network access, while Bluetooth V4.0 supports aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC, and A2DP.

Controls and Interface

The trademark Ruark RotoDial controller on the top panel provides an intuitive, tactile control system. A high-contrast OLED display shows programme information, time, and playback status. The included wireless remote control uses radio communication rather than infrared, so it does not need to be aimed directly at the unit. Two programmable alarms support daily, once, weekend, and weekday schedules. The UNDOK app (iOS and Android) provides full control and multi-room configuration. Input levels for line, optical, and phono inputs are independently adjustable.

What the Press Says

• “A modern all-in-one CD-playing streaming solution” — What Hi-Fi? ★★★★☆