Hello everyone, and welcome to the first blog of the New Year from Audio T Brighton! Let’s kick off 2025 with a bang by introducing some exciting new products from Ruark Audio: the Ruark R610 console, the matching Sabre-R bookshelf speakers, and the R-CD100 USB CD drive.

Since 1985, when Alan and his father, Brian Ruark, set up a small workshop in Rayleigh, Essex, to develop and manufacture loudspeakers, Ruark Audio has become synonymous with loudspeakers and more recently, smaller radio and lifestyle speaker systems, such as the R410, R1 and R1S. Always purveyors of quality kit, let’s see what the new Ruark R610 and Ruark Sabre-R speakers have to offer. I have the feeling that these offer a nice price/performance ratio in their market sector and will appeal to both the sound and aesthetics brigade. Let’s have a look...

Ruark R610 console

It’s always exciting to start the New Year with fresh new products, and this time we’re diving into the newly released Ruark R610 console and Ruark Sabre-R bookshelf speakers.

For this part of the blog, I’ll focus on the R610 console, exploring its features, sound, and functionality. But before we get to the details, let me indulge in a little background ramble!

One of the standout aspects of the new console and speakers is that they’re available to purchase separately. At first glance, this might seem like a minor detail, but Ruark’s “divide and conquer” approach could prove to be a real game-changer.

Ruark originally made a name for themselves with high-quality passive loudspeakers, but in the mid-2000s, they shifted gears into the “lifestyle” market. While their portable and lifestyle products are undeniably excellent, I always felt they left something behind when they discontinued their passive speaker range—a range that had taken a decade to perfect, earning critical acclaim and a stellar reputation along the way.

With this new console and speaker combination, Ruark has created a product that appeals to both lifestyle audio enthusiasts and hi-fi separates fans alike. It’s a clever move that bridges the gap between their heritage in loudspeaker design and their modern approach to lifestyle electronics.

If you’d like to dive deeper into Ruark Audio’s fascinating history, you can find a detailed blog I wrote about it here.

The new Ruark R610 console is available in two finishes—black or walnut—both of which are undeniably dashing! Ruark has also thoughtfully included an additional remote control, a handy feature for those whose listening chair is a little distance from their setup.

Inside the box, you’ll also find a 2 x 3m pair of beautifully braided, high-quality speaker cables, pre-terminated with banana plugs for quick and hassle-free speaker installation.

Flexible and future proof...

The Ruark R610 console comes with the usual plethora of inputs modern digital devices often offer: Ethernet or wireless connection, DAB/FM radio, HDMI e-Arc, digital optical input, 1 x pair RCA line input/output, a MM phono stage/ground connection for your turntable and finally, a subwoofer output - as far as I can see, pretty much everything you need.

In terms of specs there isn’t much this console can’t do. Rated at 2 x 75W of Class-D amplification and with access to streaming services in abundance, the R610 really has you covered. A comprehensive list of services and specifications can be seen by clicking on the highlighted links.

R-CD100 CD drive playback option...

The rear of the Ruark R610 has an ace up its sleeve with a 5V USB-C input which cleverly allows for connection to the Ruark R-CD100 CD drive, in a nicely matching finish, especially if you buy the walnut R610.

The Ruark Sabre-R bookshelf speaker...

The Ruark Sabre-R speakers mark a welcome return to form for the brand. Aesthetically matching the rest of the Ruark range, they exude class and sophistication. Of course, this would be meaningless if their sound didn’t live up to expectations—but thankfully, that’s far from the case.

The Sabre-R speakers deliver a wonderfully warm, mellifluous sound that pairs beautifully with the Ruark R610. While they may not offer the most intricate detail, they shine as musical speakers that will work seamlessly with other brands, thanks to their versatile and accommodating sonic character.

Available in two sumptuous finishes, the Ruark Sabre-R speakers will effortlessly complement most home environments.

A Ruarkably complete package...

ruark r610 console plus sabre-R speakers

There’s not much more to add about the Ruark R610 console and matching Sabre-R speakers that hasn’t already been said. Simply put, we all love them here at Audio T Brighton. If you’re looking for a perfect blend of style and sonic substance, we highly recommend this dynamic duo.

As always, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, so do get in touch to book a demonstration.

Thanks for reading.

Ade, John and Paul - Audio T Brighton

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

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