R5 Signature Precision in Sound & Design

By Christina Tsangaris

Ruark Audio’s R5 builds on more than three decades of high-end audio and craftsmanship pedigree while embodying the company’s vision of the future. Since its launch, R5 has been widely commended as one of the finest all-in-one systems available and for Spring 2021 Ruark is introducing a special Signature Edition with a limited production run to match its exclusivity.

Ruark constantly seeks refinement, and with R5 Signature it has made subtle but incremental changes to make the product even better! Most obvious is the Piano Lacquer finish with machined alloy Rose Gold detailing, giving the premium look desired. Creating a true piano finish is a painstaking task that involves building the finish in multiple layers with hand sanding between coats. Once the final coat is applied, the lacquer is wet sanded with a very fine grit abrasive and then hand buffed and polished to a glass-like finish.

Conventional methods of finishing do not compare with the lustre level that this process provides, and neither are they as long lasting nor hard wearing. In terms of sound, the multiple layers of lacquer also add rigidity to the enclosure resulting in extra clarity.
The standard R5 produces an impressive stereo soundstage that extends way beyond its compact dimensions and it is a feature that customers love. This was achieved through Ruark’s proprietary algorithm and digital filtering, but with further tuning the function has been enhanced, creating a cleaner soundstage with greater depth and realism. The end result is Ruark’s STEREO+ feature. Internally R5 Signature uses the same high fidelity Class A-B amplifier system and Ruark’s own neodymium NS+ drivers, but with revised routing of key signal paths and the use of high purity oxygen-free speaker cables for extra sound clarity.


The lessons learned from R5 Signature where appropriate will ultimately be used on our future models, but upon launch these enhancements are unique to R5 Signature and designed to showcase the attention to detail and refinement that Ruark constantly strives for.
As a company Ruark designs and builds products that the team itself would be proud to own and R5 Signature embodies the brand’s commitment to precision in sound and design perfectly.
The UK retail price of R5 Signature will be £1,250 and it will be available through select dealers from June 2021.

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By Christina Tsangaris