Ruark Audio MR1 Mk2
We loved the first Ruark Audio MR1 desktop speakers when they emerged in 2013. The retro looks, the intuitive design, the superb wireless sound – it was a winning combination that earned two successive What Hi-fi? Awards.
But the MR1S were toppled from their perch by the KEF Eggs, which won the two subsequent Best Desktop Speaker Awards. So it was only a matter of time before Ruark Audio unveiled MR1 Mk2. And sure enough, Ruark Audio came back with a vengeance.
Gorgeous looks, streamlined design and features, improved sound quality – the Ruark MR1 Mk2s shot straight to the top of our favourites list.
Beyond the usual desktop level
We said the original Ruark MR1S were the closest any desktop wireless speaker had come to sounding like proper hi-fi, and that’s equally true of the new Mk2 version. In fact, it’s even more so now, thanks to a clearer, more insightful and open sound than their predecessors. These MR1S are wonderfully musical. The amount of subtlety conveyed is striking, while the rich detail and fluid dynamics take things to a new level.
There’s plenty of space between instruments in the airy soundstage, giving songs an expansive feel that makes the KEF Eggs sound rather congested in comparison. The Ruarks breathe new life into whatever music you play through them.
The dominant bassline in SBTRKT’S Wildfire is taut, packs a punch and you can hear its deep, squelchy textures. The MR1S are agile and authoritative. They time well, too; the magnificent pomp of David Bowie’s Magic Dance blares through the speakers with plenty of energy and sparkle.
Voices in particular sound lovely. Bella Hardy’s historical folk tale The Driving Of The Deer is delivered with the kind of effortless drive and insight we’d expect from decent hi-fi speakers. There’s a solidity underpinning the rich, warm midrange, and the elegance with which her lilting, nimble vocals are delivered is simply gorgeous.
The Mk2s sound lush and smooth while also being articulate. They convey the mood of songs faithfully, too – an impressive feat for wireless speakers.
Elliott Smith’s soft, whispered singing on Angeles will pull at your heartstrings, every nuance of his voice and the tactility of his guitar strumming laid bare through.
The Ruark MR1 Mk2s are lovely to listen to, but their stylish retro looks are a huge part of the charm too. The handcrafted wooden cabinets are beautifully made and just the size to fit onto a bookshelf, TV stand or desk.
Hi-res support
These speakers have an optical input that can support hi-res audio up to 24-bit/192khz and means you could use the MR1S as TV speakers.
The optical input joins a 3.5mm auxiliary input and a subwoofer output at the back of the main unit (i.e. the right speaker, which houses all amplification and connections).
Ruark continues to apply hi-fi speaker principles with the components used in the MKIIS. From tuned crossovers to the use of A/B amplification – everything is aimed at delivering the best possible sound quality.
The cabinets (in rich walnut or a soft-grey finish) each house a 20mm tweeter and 75mm mid/bass driver, with small bass ports underneath each unit. On the outside, LEDS denote the selected source in a subdued hue of differing colours (blue for Bluetooth, orange for aux, green for optical). There’s also an optional battery pack (£59) which fits on the back of the main speaker, making the MR1S portable.
Remote included
While you’re most probably going to be controlling playback and volume through your smartphone or laptop
(or TV remote), you do get a tiny, slim remote in the box with basic functions such as switching inputs. We wish this were classier in feel though.
It’s a well catered features list, but we wouldn’t mind seeing a USB input in a future version. Such minor issues are overshadowed by the design and performance of these excellent speakers, which we recommend without hesitation.