Ruark's R5 all-in-one system is now better and more beautiful than ever

Ruark R5 Signature
(Image credit: Ruark)

"... perhaps the most well-featured all-in-one desktop system you can buy right now," is what we said of the Ruark R5 when we reviewed it in 2019, and that is no less true today. Now, Ruark has launched a special Signature Edition version that benefits from a performance boost and aesthetic upgrade.

For the Ruark R5 Signature, the signal paths have been revised and the cabling upgraded in an effort to make it sound cleaner than the standard R5. While the R5 comes in a a ‘rich walnut’ wood or light grey lacquer, the Signature model basks in a luxury piano lacquer finish with rose gold metal detailing.

Ruark says that each layer has been carefully built and hand sanded between coats. Once the final coat has been applied, the lacquer was wet sanded with a fine grit abrasive before being hand buffed and polished to a glass-like finish.

Ruark R5 Signature

(Image credit: Ruark)

Of course, the Signature is just as well equipped as the original, featuring an integrated CD player, Spotify Connect, built-in access to other popular music services such as Amazon Music, Deezer and Tidal, Bluetooth, DLNA streaming and multi-room functionality. 

We can also expect a sound that's as likeably warm and organised (and hopefully clearer) than the R5, whose biggest talent is a lush and coherent midrange.

The Ruark R5 Signature will be available in a limited production run from June, priced £1250 / AU$2499 (a not-insignificant premium over the £995 R5 / AU$1999).

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Our pick of the best hi-fi systems 2021

Read our Ruark R5 review

Becky Roberts

Becky is the managing editor of What Hi-Fi? and, since her recent move to Melbourne, also the editor of Australian Hi-Fi magazine. During her 10+ years in the hi-fi industry, she has reviewed all manner of audio gear, from budget amplifiers to high-end speakers, and particularly specialises in headphones and head-fi devices. In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.