Connected speaker offers streaming, radio, CD and more
UK-based Ruark has gone live with its latest all-in-one speaker: the Ruark Audio R3.
Adding a wealth of connected audio options to the ageing R4, the R3 offers Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity for streaming services such as Spotify, Deezer, Tidal and Amazon Music; as well as internet connected radio (alongside DAB and FM, of course).
It also boasts a CD player and can act as a Bluetooth (AptX) speaker as well. On the back you’ll find line in for both digital and analogue inputs, and it’s easy to switch between sources using either the remote, the Ruark app or the RotoDial up top.
There’s no Google Assistant or Alexa built-in but you can, of course, use an auxiliary cable to connect the R3 to the likes of an Echo Dot or Nest Mini.
Another thing missing, which is a bit of a shame, is that the R3 isn’t part of Ruark’s multiroom speaker system. To get in on that action, you need to pick up the R2 (£419), R5 (£999) or MRx (£399) bookshelf speaker. Or if you’re looking for an even bigger splash from a showpiece speaker system then the R7 Radiogram (£2,300) also offers multiroom music too.
At £629, the R3 is therefore more of a standalone speaker statement, with the all-in-one approach making it suitable as the main speaker system for living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and the like.
The Ruark Audio R3 will be available next month and will be available from John Lewis and other retailers
