With the R7 music system, Ruark Audio has set new standards in terms of design, features and sound performance. The R5 is now a system for all those who prefer a more compact device without feet. It can also be perfectly integrated into smaller living spaces. Its convincing sound, which satisfies even the most demanding listeners, is provided by a well-tuned speaker combination: two 75 mm full-range speakers developed by Ruark Audio in conjunction with a linear 80 watt amplifier and a built-in, further improved 125 mm subwoofer. The tweeter and mid-range are well-developed, the sound is audibly spacious despite the close proximity of the speakers, and the surprisingly powerful woofer completes the sound experience. The treble and bass controls provide fine-tuning, while the loudness function delivers good sound even at low volumes.

The variety of possible sound sources is remarkable. This starts with terrestrial radio reception, which can be achieved either via an FM RDS analog tuner with high selectivity or via a high-quality digital tuner for DAB and DAB+. You can store your favorite stations in ten presets and call them up at the touch of a button. The telescopic aerial supplied is detachable so that an external aerial can also be connected. The CD drive, manufactured to the exacting standards of the automotive industry, plays music from CDs, CD-Rs and CD-RWs and supports common formats such as MP3, WMA or AAC. Music can be streamed from external devices such as smartphones or tablets via Bluetooth 3.0 - in CD quality thanks to the aptX codec. (A USB charging socket ensures that the battery of the devices does not run out). The R5 can be connected to existing networks via WLAN and LAN. The R5 can be connected to the TV via an optical digital input and to other devices via analog RCA sockets (inputs and outputs) - including a phono input. Last but not least, the streaming services Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer and Tidal are integrated into the R5.

Visually, the R5 Ruark has the typical clear and tidy appearance. The control unit is located on the housing and is reminiscent of a telephone dial - Ruark Audio calls it RotoDial. Its few buttons can be operated intuitively. Alternatively, you can also control the system using the supplied wireless remote control, which has an identical design and sits comfortably in the hand. If you want another alternative, you can use the manufacturer's "Ruark Link" app, which is available free of charge for iOS and Android. The razor-sharp OLED display, which can be read from any angle and shows the time and information on programs and settings, is located at the front next to the CD drive opening. Its brightness can be adjusted both in active and standby mode. There is also a 3.5 mm stereo headphone output. Finally, the R5 can also function as an alarm clock. Thanks to two alarm times and adjustable alarm volume, you can return to the day when and how you want. A snooze function is also available.

Good sound should be accessible to all music lovers. Alan O'Rourke, founder and managing director of the British family business Ruark Audio, has been working according to this principle for more than 30 years. He has been building world-renowned loudspeakers from the very beginning, adding radios and music systems at the end of 2006, which are designed according to the same principles and cut a fine figure everywhere, be it in the living room, bedroom or office. But it is not just the sound of Ruark devices that is outstanding. Thanks to their elegant appearance, they also quickly became design classics. You don't have to go as far as the manufacturer, who claims that his products are "built to last". What is certain, however, is that they will provide many years of enjoyment, both in terms of sound and design.