RUARK AUDIO PROJECT MIE (MADE IN ENGLAND) UNVEILED

Ruark Audio has unveiled the first model in its new collection the Ruark R5 MiE.

The British company’s Made in England (MiE) project will see it work with some of the country’s most skilful master craftspeople to bring a new level of finish to its designs.

Ruark Audio Project MiE launches with the Ruark R5 MiE

RUARK AUDIO PROJECT MIE

The Ruark Audio Project MiE will focus on bespoke, beautiful products that are hand-built using traditional techniques, with quality that can only be achieved through an artisan approach to manufacture. Each unit has the same high level of care and attention, using only the finest FSC-approved woods.

The Ruark R5 MiE

RUARK R5 MIE

The various elements that comprise the cabinet of the first R5 design, the Ruark R5 MiE, have been precisely made in a Suffolk workshop, with the final product then hand-assembled in England at Ruark’s HQ, where all the design and engineering has also taken place. Its assembly is not rushed and like a fine Swiss watch each unit is caringly put together and tested at Ruark’s headquarters in Southend on Sea, England.

The wooden slats on the front of the R5 MiE

The slatted wooden grille is a new design feature for this Limited Edition R5. Handcrafted from multiple layers of walnut bonded to a black substrate the tolerances on this need to be exact, so the slats surrounding the display assembly line up perfectly.

Ruark R5 MiE detail

In terms of audio Ruark has carried over the enhancements created for its Limited Edition R5 Signature. With revised routing of key signal paths, high purity oxygen-free speaker cables and its STEREO+ sound processing, Ruark says that the  R5 MiE produces a soundstage that extends beyond its compact dimensions.

SUSTAINABLE VENEERS

Adding further to the Ruark Audio Project MiE’s individuality is the veneer that clads the enclosures. With truly green credentials, these veneers are man-made in Italy from commercially grown sustainable woods such as Poplar. By cutting, colouring and recomposing, the resulting veneers can closely mimic protected rare woods such as Rosewood, but for MiE, Ruark has selected veneer patterns that are modern yet sophisticated, giving each a distinct look. With multiple layers of lacquer applied with hand sanding between coats, a lustre is created.

R5 MiE rear connections

RUARK R5 MIE PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

Over the coming years, Ruark Audio expects its Project MiE products to become increasingly sought after. With a limited production run of just 35 units to celebrate the launch of the first Ruark Acoustics speakers in 1986. The UK retail price of the Ruark R5 MiE will be £2,000 and it will be available exclusively through John Lewis from November 2021.

RUARK R5 MIE FEATURES

Comprehensive Wi-Fi streaming with Spotify and support for Tidal, Deezer and Amazon Music

Multi Format CD player

AptX HD Bluetooth receiver for 24bit high-res streaming

DAB/FM and Internet radio tuners

USB playback/charge port

Auxiliary digital and analogue inputs including RIAA Turntable input

High contrast OLED display with large clock format

Ethernet port

Class A-B 2.1 amplifier system – nominal 90 watts output

Ruark neodymium NS+ drivers with long throw subwoofer

Dimensions: H142 x W520 x D300mm  Weight: 9.5kg

HiFi Pig Says: This will be an interesting project to follow as HiFi ‘Made in….’ becomes increasingly sought after for the heritage and qualities that a specific country’s artisan manufacturing ensures.

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