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The UK currently has the world’s biggest digital radio network, with more than 100 transmitters, two national DAB ensembles and almost 50 local and regional DAB ensembles broadcasting over 250 commercial and 34 BBC radio stations across the UK. With so much choice available, there’s never been a better time to own a digital radio but choosing the right one can be a minefield. Step forward then, the Ruark R1.
A family-owned British company, Ruark have been making world-class loudspeakers for more than thirty years. They’ve now used their expertise and experience to design and create a new generation of outstanding music systems that look – and sound – fabulous in any space.
I took one home for a week-long product test and I started with a first world problem: which beautiful finish to choose from? Both the white and black lacquer finishes looked amazing but I opted for the stunning rich walnut veneer enclosure. The walnut veneer was handcrafted to give the best sound quality and, on removing the radio from the box, it looks fantastic too.
A cursory glance at the instruction manual and it’s time to get started. There are no clunky dials and switches covering the product, instead Ruark have designed the ‘RotoDial’ system that manages to combine ease of use and elegance.
Alternating between DAB and FM is easy and the sound quality is great. Better still, this radio has DAB+ also built in, already in use in many countries, and ensures that the R1 is ready for new transmissions in the UK which are planned for this year.
The display is crystal clear, thanks to the OLED display. It’s clear no matter which angle you view it from and you can adjust the brightness to suit your needs; particularly important if you’re using this on a bedside table. On the subject of the bedroom, Ruark have cleverly used fully customisable twin alarms – great if one of you doesn’t have to get up quite as early as your significant other. The snooze function means that you can even sneak in a few more zzzz’s in, before waking to your favourite radio station.
At the back of the R1 is a headphone output (great for when the kids have gone to bed but you need something LOUD) and a switchable line input which allows you to connect other audio devices to enjoy with the R1’s great sound.
The final bit of brilliance comes in the form of the great Bluetooth audio receiver that’s built in. This allows you to wirelessly stream your own music, internet radio and streaming services such as Spotify, Deezer and Apple Music direct from your Smartphone, tablet or laptop to the R1. Connecting is simply a matter of “pairing” and you will find that the sound quality over Bluetooth is highly impressive.
Don’t just take my word for it, though; Ruark products can be found in the bedrooms of the London Savoy and Tatler Magazine described the R1 as ‘simply the most beautiful radio in the world’. High praise indeed, but this reviewer has already added an R1 to the top of the wishlist!
View the Ruark range here or find your local store and ask about a demo.
[This competition has now ended and is no longer open for entries. To find out about our latest competitions, please visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.]
