The high-end Ruark Audio R410 connected speaker is an ultra-versatile model. Its elegance is combined with adaptability to suit any situation. Is this residential model, priced at €1,490, the most comprehensive on the market?
The Ruark Audio R410 wireless speaker replaces the popular Ruark Audio R5 model. Equipped with aptX HD Bluetooth and WiFi controllers, but also connectors for a turntable or CD player, it is just as comfortable with digital music as it is with physical sources. It also features a powerful 120W amplification system and a wide range of connectors, allowing it to replace a soundbar.
- Read – Ruark Audio R5 review
Accessories included with the Ruark Audio R410
The Ruark Audio R410 wireless speaker comes in a large cardboard box and is perfectly protected. Inside, there’s also a power cable and a convenient Bluetooth remote control. A USB-C to USB-C cable for charging the remote is also included.
Presentation of the Ruark Audio R410
Design
The Ruark Audio R410 connected speaker features an elegant metal chassis. At the front, a panel of wood slats creates an appealing contrast of materials. It’s within this wooden structure that the control screen is housed. It’s a pity, however, that it’s not touch-sensitive.
Despite its high power output, the Ruark Audio R410 connected speaker isn’t massive. Its wide format means it can be installed on a TV cabinet and used as a soundbar, for example. The only condition is that the TV screen must be high enough not to be hidden, as this speaker is still 15cm high.
Audio design
The Ruark Audio R410 has one more driver than its predecessor. As a result, the British manufacturer’s new connected speaker is therefore equipped with two 4” midbass drivers with the brand’s patented NS+ technology. The highs are delivered by two 0.8” silk dome tweeters. This system promises a balanced and precise sound reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum. The drivers are powered by a 120 watt class D amplification system. To reinforce the depth and control in the lows, the Ruark Audio R410 wireless speaker features a dual down-firing port.
WiFi and Bluetooth
Ultra-versatile, the Ruark Audio R410 connected speaker integrates the latest WiFi and Bluetooth wireless transmission technologies. The British manufacturer’s new model provide quick and easy access to several thousand web radios. Once connected to the local network, it can also stream standard quality and HD digital audio files stored on a NAS or computer (DLNA) and access online streaming services. Furthermore, it is compatible with the Spotify Connect and TIDAL protocols, which provide subscribers with simplified access to these streaming services.
Moreover, the Ruark R410 wireless speaker is equipped with an aptX HD compatible Bluetooth module. The latter is optimized for HD audio file transmission up to 24-bit/48kHz. This new Ruark Audio speaker also lets you enjoy high definition files saved on a smartphone, tablet or computer.
Multi-room
The Ruark R410 wireless speaker can be added to a multi-room system that features devices from several different brands due to its compatibility with the AirPlay 2 and Chromecast protocols. As a result, it can easily integrate an existing multi-room system to diffuse music throughout the house or in the room of your choosing at a customized volume.
FM and DAB/DAB+
As well as the WiFi, Bluetooth and multi-room wireless connections, the Ruark Audio R410 can access FM and DAB/DAB+ radio stations thanks to its double integrated tuner. It can save up to 20 stations. In addition, the Radio Data System (RDS) technology lets you display the name of the radio stations as well as various information about the program you’re listening to on the 10cm screen on the speaker’s front panel.
Connectors
Wireless or wired, the Ruark Audio R410 connected speaker offers unfailing versatility. In addition to the Ethernet port that ensures a stable connection to the local network, the R410 features an HDMI eARC input and an optical digital input. These connectors make it possible to connect the speaker to a 4K TV, for example.
The Ruark Audio R410 speaker can be connected to a turntable thanks to its phono input with an integrated RIAA preamplifier. A subwoofer output and line level stereo input are also available.
Ruark Audio R410: key specifications
- Total output power: 120 watts
- 2 x 4” midbass drivers
- 2 x 0.8” tweeters
- Bluetooth aptX HD, WiFi and DLNA
- FM and DAB/DAB+ reception
- HDMI eARC, optical input, phono output, sub output and RCA output
- Built-in DAC (up to 96kHz/320 kbps)
- Frequency response: 35Hz to 22kHz
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 560 x 150 x 290mm
- Weight: 9.5kg
Listening conditions
The Ruark Audio R410 wireless speaker was very easy to set up. Once it was connected to the mains, it was ready to use. It can be added to the local network via WiFi, or simply connected to a smartphone through Bluetooth. During our review, we mainly used a Bluetooth connection to stream Hi-Res music from Qobuz.
Listening impressions
Those who find the Ruark Audio R410 a bit bulky will quickly overlook this detail, as the British manufacturer’s connected speaker offers an impeccable sound reproduction. The bass was round, the midrange clear, and the highs precise. Each register was naturally positioned. This harmony guaranteed optimum tonal balance, whether we were listening to jazz, urban music or rock. From the very first notes, we were struck by the depth of the bass. Perfectly controlled, it brought a real sense of immersion to the listening experience.
As our test progressed, the sound quality of Ruark Audio’s connected speaker became more and more apparent. In Bluetooth (aptX HD codec) via Qobuz, locally with FLAC files and with DAB/DAB+ radio stations, the R410 was always impressive. The different voice textures were reproduced with accuracy and precision. On classical music tracks, piano and violins came to life with great realism.
The sonic field was extensive, and the stereo reproduction allowed us to be carried away by the music. When we closed our eyes, we could easily hear the various instruments playing behind the singer. Percussion, strings or brass, the precision was astonishing. This versatile connected speaker is a true audiophile device capable of expressing its musicality in any situation.
Ruark Audio R410: compared to…
Ruark Audio R5: the Ruark R410’s predecessor featured a CD player, which has disappeared from the British manufacturer’s new connected speaker. However, the R410 boasts a more powerful amplification system (120 watts vs. 80 watts) and more comprehensive wireless connectivity. Ruark Audio’s new model features AirPlay 2 and Chromecast multi-room protocols. As a result, the Ruark Audio R410 erases the shortcomings of its predecessor while retaining its strengths (sound balance, versatility and elegant design).
Cabasse The Pearl Akoya: available for €1,590, the Cabasse connected speaker is superior when it comes to power (1050 watts compared to 120 watts). The French brand opts for a very contemporary spherical design, while the Ruark Audio model has a more vintage look. The R410 is more versatile thanks to a wider range of connectors, adding an HDMI eARC port, a powered USB-C port, a subwoofer output and a phono input.
Who is the Ruark Audio R410 speaker for?
The Ruark Audio R410 is ideal for audiophiles looking for a versatile solution without compromising on sound quality. In fact, this all-in-one connected speaker is just as well suited to music lovers who want to enjoy their CD or vinyl collection, as it is to home theater enthusiasts looking for a functional soundbar. Equipped with the latest wireless transmission technologies, the Ruark Audio R410 connected speaker is also ideal for digital music amateurs.
Conclusion
With the Ruark Audio R410 connected speaker, the British manufacturer has succeeded in building on the success of the Ruark R5. This ultra-versatile wireless speaker is a solid choice for music lovers and home theater enthusiasts looking for an all-in-one system that can fit in a small space. What’s more, the sound quality of the Ruark Audio R410 puts it up there with some of the best bookshelf speakers on the market. Its round bass and excellent tonal balance will suit all audiophiles, regardless of their musical tastes.
We liked
- The wide range of connectors
- The elegant design
- The Bluetooth remote control
- The tonal balance
We would have liked
- A tactile screen
