Product Video
Features
Warranty length | 2 Years |
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Brand | Ruark |
Product Award | What HiFi Award 5 Stars |
Tech Specs
- Bluetooth Connection: aptX
- LF Driver: 75mm woofer
- HF: 20mm textile dome tweeter
- Amplifier: 20W Class AB
- Inputs: 3.5mm line and optical
- Outputs: Coaxial and subwoofer
- Accessories: Remote control
- Dimensions (HWD): 170 x 130 x 135mm
- Weight: 3.5kg (pair)
Product Description
Ruark Audio MR1 MK2 Bluetooth active speakers feature a retro yet contemporary design offering true hi-fi sound from very compact cabinets that can comfortably fit on your desk, in a choice of stylish soft grey or walnut finishes.
What’s New?
The MKII features the same hand-crafted, rounded wooden cabinets as the original MR1, however the black and white paint finishes are now replaced with an option of Soft Grey lacquer or Ruark's trademark Rich Walnut veneer. In place of the original removable ones, MR1 MKII incorporates fixed grey fabric grilles which Ruark chose for its combination of minimal sound colouration and maximum style.
Top Controller
The controller on top of the master speaker now has three LEDs to indicate status and audio source. So by depressing the knob down, you activate the system on, and then each following press cycles through the sources, with the blue LED light indicating Bluetooth, the green LED is for the analogue aux in, whilst the orange LED, signals optical input.
TV Connection
The MR1 Mark 2, features Bluetooth aptX, which enables CD-quality music streaming from your Bluetooth enabled devices. Whereas the original MR1 speakers, were only fitted with a 3.5mm line input for any additional sources, the Mark 2 model can now connect to digital sources, such as most modern TVs, which will improve your sound, without you needing to use a soundbar or a soundbase.
Original Drivers
Ruark MR1 Mk2 retains the original 75mm woofer and 20mm textile dome tweeter with neodymium magnets in each speaker, although changes have been made to the crossover. The Class AB amplification has also been upgraded while still pumping out around 20W.
Performance
MR1 MK2s are undoubtedly hi-fi speakers rather than your average Bluetooth portable speakers delivering rich textured sound that makes the speakers appear larger than their compact dimensions; with actual bass and no tinniness.
Optional Battery Pack
With the optional BackPack II battery pack, which is sold separately, used with one speaker will give you complete portability. You do not need to carry both speakers with you, you simply disconnect the slave unit, using just one speaker with the optional BackPack, to give yourself a portable mono speaker.
Accessories
A remote control is included; useful for when you're not using a mobile device as a source. The subwoofer output adds punchier bass for upgrading TV sound or use in larger rooms. The two speakers are simply connected by a very classy 2m-long braided cable with a 3.5mm jack plug (instead of the original coax) at either end.
Press Reviews
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What Hi-Fi Award 2018 & 2017 "Best desktop speaker"(What Hi-Fi magazine)
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"The new MR1s are wonderfully musical. The amount of subtlety conveyed is even greater than before, delivering rich detail and fluid dynamics on a whole new level... The Ruarks breathe new life into whatever music you play through them." (What HiFi Magazine 25th May 2017)
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"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, the speakers are good to use, and they're just the size to fit onto a bookshelf, TV stand or desk." (What HiFi Magazine 25th May 2017)
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'Gorgeous looks, streamlined design and features, sound quality that’s been improved in every way – the Ruark MR1 Mk2s shoot straight to the top of our favourites list... Quite simply, these are superb speakers of their type." (What HiFi Magazine 25th May 2017)
Customer Reviews
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Samuel
10 Sep 2020
Ordered back in June, these speakers have arrived at last having been sold out everywhere and with good reason too.
I got in touch to find out where they were and was reassured they’d be arriving early September due to Ruark’s distribution being closed due to Covid situation, which they were.
Speakers look absolutely great in walnut on a walnut shelving unit.
The sound is just fantastic when streaming from phone on Bluetooth, I’ve not gotten round to connecting turntable yet but I’m sure it’s going to be equally amazing.
As for Audio Affair, thanks guys, super service I can’t fault! -
Victor Samoilovich
8 Oct 2017
Stunning quality sound for such compact box! These speakers sound superior to my other active pair which cost three times the price. Also service and delivery from Audio affair was first class.