These days, music comes at us from all directions. But there’s no point in pining for the simplicity of a CD when you have something that blends every conceivable format and service into a single stylish box.
The Ruark R3 is one such device, an audio ‘platform’ designed to accommodate streaming services, analogue, digital and internet radio, WiFi connectivity to modern TVs and Smart Home set-ups along with that increasingly rare beast, an integral CD player. You can also connect it up to any other traditional Hi-Fi equipment such as turntables, tape decks and DATs using the auxiliary connector.
The necessary cluster of connections at the rear of the R3 is countered by a minimalist front fascia, with a screen and CD slot set amidst a traditional fabric-covered front that conceals the device’s stereo speaker set. The British company’s ‘RotoDial’ is mounted on top and there’s also a remote control. All this is squeezed into a softly curved cabinet – either finished in grey lacquer or walnut veneer, small enough to be moved around without any hassle and powerful enough to fill a room.
As a box that ticks boxes, the R3 is unrivaled, and sounds pretty good to boot.
INFORMATION
Ruark R3, £629, ruarkaudio.com
-
The Bombardier Global 8000 flies faster and higher to make the most of your time in the airA wellness machine with wings: Bombardier’s new Global 8000 isn’t quite a spa in the sky, but the Canadian manufacturer reckons its flagship business jet will give your health a boost
-
A former fisherman’s cottage in Brittany is transformed by a new timber extensionParis-based architects A-platz have woven new elements into the stone fabric of this traditional Breton cottage
-
New York's members-only boom shows no sign of stopping – and it's about to get even more nicheFrom bathing clubs to listening bars, gatekeeping is back in a big way. Here's what's driving the wave of exclusivity
-
Fender American Professional Classic models are the pinnacle of the guitar maker’s craftWe visit Fender’s California factory to see the latest American Professional Classic models take shape
-
The Fender American Ultra II combine made-in-the-US quality with contemporary techA deluge of new products from Fender shows the iconic guitar manufacturer still knows how to innovate and entice
-
Moog’s mood-altering Labyrinth and five more new synthesizers and sound toolsExplore soundscapes and ambient realms with these new synthesizers and other desktop composition tools for shaping all forms of audio
-
From Tangerine Dream to cult PlayStation hits, eight books chronicling the art of noise and playWe explore eight titles that get under the skin of music history, technological evolution and the art and experience of digital culture
-
San Diego-based audio specialists Wrensilva update their elegant Record ConsolesWith new materials, upgraded electronics and input from three industry greats, the new Wrensilva Standard and M1 Record Consoles are the ultimate in audiophile furniture
-
A new limited-edition Rhodes piano and Gibson doubleneck guitar aim for the starsThe new Rhodes Mk8 Earth Edition piano and Gibson Jimmy Page EDS-1275 Doubleneck guitar revisit classic instruments at a price
-
20 of the best CD players as the compact disc comeback continuesWe expand our guide to the best compact disc players with a fresh selection of good looking and great sounding models
-
Six new ways of making music, from sonorous start-ups to note-perfect classicsOur music technology round-up showcases six new ways of making music, from a piano designed to blend into the modern home to sophisticated effects units and an all-in-one DJ system
