Ruark Audio R1S black
Specifications and features
Awards
What Hi-Fi? 5 stars
A global reference, What Hifi? is one of the most comprehensive magazines covering Home Cinema and Hifi. The "5 stars" award distinguishes the highest quality products, according to this British magazine.
Overview
Ruark Audio R1S is the fifth generation of the R1 series, developed over nearly twenty years. It retains the tabletop radio format while adding Wi‑Fi connectivity for the first time. This model combines DAB+ and FM reception with online streaming features, in a design inspired by previous generations.
A design sculpted between artisanal tradition and refined modernity
The R1S immediately stands out with its softly curved silhouette and compact footprint of 175 x 130 x 135 mm, weighing just 1.4 kg. This carefully considered compactness allows the unit to fit naturally on a bedside table, kitchen countertop, or desk without ever feeling intrusive. The acoustically damped one-piece composite cabinet abandons the sectional assemblies of previous generations in favor of a unified construction that minimizes unwanted vibrations.
The front grille deserves special attention. Handcrafted from fused composite wood, it faithfully reproduces the rich nuances of slow-growing premium woods without their environmental impact. This eco‑conscious approach reflects Ruark’s commitment to sustainable production. The manufacturing process involves meticulous cutting, careful coloring, and recomposition of wood fibers to create slats that subtly evoke 1960s Scandinavian design while retaining a contemporary freshness.
The color TFT display replaces the OLED screen of earlier models, offering outstanding readability from any angle. Its automatic dimming function intelligently adapts brightness to ambient light, ensuring comfortable viewing day and night without disturbing sleep. Essential information—time, alarms, stations, album art—appears with exemplary clarity.
The RotoDial rotary controller, an iconic brand signature since 2006, sits proudly atop the unit. This tactile interface combines a central volume knob with seven peripheral buttons arranged in a semi-circle. Interaction remains intuitive: rotate to adjust volume or navigate menus, press to confirm selections—delivered with precise haptic feedback reminiscent of the iPod Classic’s scroll wheel.
Calibrated acoustic architecture and sound performance
At the heart of the R1S is a 75 mm Ruark NS+ full-range driver with a neodymium magnet, an evolution of the NaturalSound+ transducer developed specifically for this line. This single driver handles the entire spectrum from 55 Hz to 20 kHz—an impressive feat for a transducer of this size. The bass‑reflex enclosure features a port located beneath the chassis, allowing flexible placement against a wall without compromising low‑frequency performance.
The 9‑watt Class A/B amplification may seem modest on paper, but it delivers more than enough power to comfortably fill a medium‑sized room. This analog architecture, preferred by Ruark over Class D digital amplification, contributes to the unit’s warm, natural sonic signature. Adaptive EQ automatically adjusts frequency response based on listening level, ensuring balanced musicality even at low volumes.
Tone controls allow fine adjustment of bass and treble to suit personal preferences and room acoustics. The Loudness function, while present, remains discreet and can be easily disabled for purists seeking a more linear response. Internal cabinet treatment minimizes unwanted resonances, contributing to precise, articulate reproduction—particularly noteworthy with spoken voices and radio content.
Extensive connectivity and native streaming integration
The true revolution of the R1S lies in its 802.11b/g/n Wi‑Fi module, which unlocks music streaming and internet radio. Native integration of Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, and Deezer enables direct playback from these services without relying on Bluetooth, preserving audio quality and saving mobile device battery life. The absence of Tidal Connect, Apple Music, or Qobuz may surprise, but Bluetooth 5.2 with the SBC codec (A2DP) partially compensates for this limitation.
The SmartRadio tuner combines four reception modes: internet radio with access to over 30,000 stations worldwide, DAB+, standard DAB, and FM RDS. This versatility ensures optimal reception regardless of geographic area or local broadcast signal quality. Automatic station scanning is effective, though proximity to a window can significantly improve DAB reception in certain environments.
The companion Oktiv app, developed by Frontier Smart Technologies, dramatically enhances the user experience. More refined than the previous Undok interface, it enables smooth navigation between sources, intuitive station and podcast search, management of presets (eight per source), and full control of settings. Automatic synchronization between the app and the device makes switching between physical and digital control seamless.
Bluetooth memory stores up to six paired devices, allowing multiple household members to connect easily. The USB‑C 2.0 port serves dual functions: shuffle playback of MP3 files from a FAT32‑formatted drive (limited to 32 GB) and smartphone charging during listening. A 3.5 mm auxiliary input and a headphone output round out the physical connections.
Portable use with the BackPack III battery
The R1S remains compatible with the optional BackPack III external battery (€70), transforming this tabletop radio into a truly portable system. This 3200 mAh lithium‑ion pack attaches neatly to the rear without compromising the overall aesthetic. Once installed, it recharges automatically whenever the unit is connected to mains power, removing any management hassle.
Battery life reaches up to 12 hours under normal use, sufficient for a full day outdoors. The charging time of around 5 hours is reasonable. Intelligent power management automatically switches to low‑power mode during periods of inactivity, preserving the battery without manual intervention. The only limitation: alarm functions are disabled when running on BackPack III battery power alone to save energy.
This external solution has the advantage of preserving internal volume dedicated to acoustics. Integrating batteries directly into the chassis would have required compromises to the driver’s acoustic volume or the quality of internal treatment, potentially degrading the sound performance for which the range is renowned.
Documentation
Technical Specifications
Audio Features
- Class A/B amplifier: 9 W
- Neodymium full-range speaker: 75 mm
- Frequency response: 55 Hz – 20 kHz
- Equalization: adjustable bass and treble
Display and Interface
- Auto-dimming color TFT screen
- Control via OKTIV app (iOS and Android)
- RotoDial button control
Connectivity and Streaming
- Wi-Fi: 802.11b/g/n, WPS2, WEP, WPA, WPA2
- Bluetooth 5.2: SBC, BLE, A2DP
- Built-in services: Spotify Connect, Deezer, Amazon Music
- Smart radio tuners: Internet radio, DAB, DAB+, FM RDS
Inputs and Outputs
- USB playback: FAT32 drive, MP3 files (48 kHz, 320 kbps)
- Stereo jack input: 3.5 mm
- USB-C 2.0 port: playback and smartphone charging
- Headphone output
Alarm and Timer Functions
- Dual customizable alarm: daily, weekday, weekend
- Sleep timer and snooze function
- Internal backup of time and alarms during power outages
Physical Specifications
- Dimensions: H 175 x W 130 x D 135 mm
- Weight: 1.4 kg
- Front grille: fused walnut composite
- Available finishes: light cream, black, lacquered gray
- Option: BackPack III battery for portable use
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the R1S and the standard R1 Mk4?
The R1S includes Wi‑Fi for access to internet radio, streaming services (Spotify Connect, Deezer, Amazon Music), and control via the Oktiv app. The R1 Mk4 is limited to DAB+, FM, and Bluetooth. The R1S’s color TFT display also replaces the monochrome OLED, and the finish differs with a slate gray option exclusive to the R1S.
Is the Oktiv app essential to use the R1S?
No, all essential functions remain accessible via the RotoDial controller and physical buttons. However, the app greatly simplifies searching for internet stations, navigating podcasts, and managing streaming services. It automatically syncs settings with the device.
How does sound quality compare between Bluetooth and direct streaming?
Direct streaming via Spotify Connect or other integrated services offers higher quality than Bluetooth, avoiding the additional compression of the SBC codec. The difference remains subtle on a mono radio, but audiophiles will appreciate the direct connection, which also preserves mobile device battery life.
Can the R1S serve as a primary alarm clock?
Absolutely. The dual customizable alarms offer daily, weekday, or weekend‑only options. The auto‑dimming display won’t disturb sleep, and the internal backup maintains time and settings even during a power outage. Note: alarms do not operate on BackPack III battery power alone.
Why does Ruark favor Class A/B amplification over Class D?
Ruark maintains that analog Class A/B amplification delivers a more natural, warmer musicality, particularly suited to extended listening of voice content like talk radio. While less energy‑efficient, this architecture contributes to the distinctive sonic signature that sets Ruark apart from competitors who predominantly use Class D.
Are BBC stations accessible via internet radio?
Yes. Despite initial concerns following the withdrawal of BBC stations from certain platforms, the R1S accesses BBC radio perfectly via its internet function. The BBC Sounds app also remains usable over Bluetooth for those who prefer that interface, providing a dual access option.
- Eco-contribution of €0.30 included in the sale price.
- Manufacturer reference: RU-R1S-CHARCOAL
- GTIN / EAN: 5060637250440
