Ruark MR1 Mk2 £329
Five Awards in a row for the excellent MR1 Mk2s – the Ruarks have held this Award since 2017. And no wonder. These are truly musical speakers, delivering remarkably rich detail and fluid dynamics from such diminutive boxes.
There’s plenty of space between instruments in the airy soundstage, which means that music takes on an expansive feel that makes most of the MR1 Mk2s’ competition sound congested in comparison.
The dominant bassline in SBTRKT’S Wildfire is taut and packs a punch. The MR1S have no trouble in rendering its deep, squelchy texture. They time well too; the magnificent pomp of David Bowie’s Magic Dance blares through the Ruarks with terrific verve and sparkle.
Thanks to an expressive midrange, voices sound lovely. Bella Hardy’s 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 pleasing solidity underpinning the rich, warm midrange, and the elegance with which her lilting, nimble vocals are delivered is simply gorgeous.
The MR1 Mk2s are lovely to listen to, but their retro looks are part of the charm too – though the rotary dial on the top adds a contemporary touch.
Another 21st century feature is the optical input that can support hi-res audio up to 24-bit/192khz. It joins a 3.5mm aux input and a subwooferout at the back of the right speaker, which houses all amplification and connections.
These Mk2 Ruarks are delightful to use and listen to. In our view, no other powered speaker like this sounds better – this fifth Award is testament to that.