Ruark may have made its name by making radios and music systems; however, it has a storied legacy amongst the famed British loudspeaker makers, with the Essex-based brand debuting its Sabre model in 1985, a year after it was founded. This was followed by three more well-received models before the company focused on the then-new DAB radio tech in 2004.

Ruark now returns to where it all started with the Sabre-R bookshelf speakers designed to “enthral new generations of music lovers” whilst aiming to deliver a “stunning, natural, musical experience.”

The name may invoke memories of the company's first release, but the Sabre-R uses modern technology while sticking with its love of retro-styling. Ruark's Sabre-R is a two-way design featuring a 26mm silk dome tweeter and a 15cm treated natural fibre cone mid/bass driver crossing over at 2.2kHz.

The resulting sensitivity is quoted as 86dB/W/m with a 6-ohm nominal impedance, meaning that most modern amplifiers that manage 25-100W output should find them easy enough to drive.

The 290x175x215mm (HxWxD) MDF cabinet is braced and damped and features the same slatted wood design detail as seen on Ruark's popular radios. The Sabre-R promises to show the same high-quality fit and finish we have come to expect from the brand while maintaining classically timeless looks that fit into any home environment.

RUARK R610 MUSIC CONSOLE

Joining the Sabre-R is the matching R610, which, according to Managing Director Alan O'Rourke, who founded Ruark Audio with his father Brian O'Rourke, “allows music lovers to build an entire system that looks every bit as beautiful as it sounds.” 

The R610 shares the design language of its R100 series stablemates and features high-quality materials and components alongside tactile controls. Here, you have handcrafted slatted wood grilles and a five-inch, full-colour touchscreen display. Control is, of course, via Ruark's signature RotoDial control dial, which also features a separate remote.

Under the R610's hood, you will find a pair of Class D amplifiers delivering 75W of power per channel, Burr Brown DACs and a switch mode power supply.

Furthermore, the R610 gives you abundant options for how you consume your sounds, including wireless streaming with AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect baked in, as well as UPnP compatibility for hi-res files up to 32-bit/384kHz. Naturally, there is also Bluetooth aptX HD, DAB/FM and internet radio support to add to your list of sources.

Do you want more? How about a moving magnet phono stage enabling you to add your vinyl collection to this party? Yup, the R610 delivers. Do you want to connect your TV, too? Well, there is HDMI eARC, which you will find near the USB port, that you can use to connect an accompanying CD drive arriving later this year. That unit will also play nice with the R410 and R810.

The Ruark Sabre-R speakers are US$899 per pair, while the Ruark R610 costs US$1,599. Both are available now in two finishes: fused walnut and satin charcoal lacquer, so they will make an attractive set together.

Visit Ruark Audio for more information