Ruark’s super-cute radio gets even cuter thanks to a swanky new finish to celebrate the brand’s 40th birthday
The R1S is now available in a special Terracotta finish
One of our favourite small-form radios is getting a makeover.
Not only is the Ruark R1S one of the nicest radios to listen to, but it’s also one of the best looking. Whether kitted out in its Grey, Light Cream or Satin Charcoal finish, the R1S always looks the part.
Ruark has now added to that varied roster of shades with a brand-new Terracotta finish. This isn’t just a new paint job, though; it is, rather, a new limited-edition radio built to celebrate Ruark’s 40th anniversary following its formation in 1986.
Not only do you get a spiffy new finish, but the special edition radio also features an ebonised grille and etched anniversary badge to mark it out as being distinct from the standard edition of the R1S.
Elsewhere, the anniversary R1S is essentially the same as the standard iteration from 2023. Which means it is once again offering extensive streaming support for the likes of Spotify Connect, Amazon Music and Deezer, as well as standard Bluetooth 5.0 powers.
This is a radio first and foremost, let’s not forget, meaning the R1S Terracotta packs FM, DAB and DAB+ support, as well as Internet radio via Ruark’s SmartRadio tuner.
Inside, a Class A/B amplifier drives a neodymium NS+ full-range driver, a pairing that gave the standard R1S its reputation for, as we write in our review, its “articulate and authoratative sound”.
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As before, the celebratory R1S has a USB-C port that can charge phones and similar portable devices, as well as a switchable analogue line input and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The R1S in Terracotta is available now, priced at £319, a small advance on the £299 tag of the standard model.
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Harry McKerrell is a senior staff writer at What Hi-Fi?. During his time at the publication, he has written countless news stories alongside features, advice and reviews of products ranging from floorstanding speakers and music streamers to over-ear headphones, wireless earbuds and portable DACs. He has covered launches from hi-fi and consumer tech brands, and major industry events including IFA, High End Munich and, of course, the Bristol Hi-Fi Show. When not at work he can be found playing hockey, practising the piano or trying to pet strangers' dogs.
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