Ruark Audio R1S Review – Smart Radio with High-Quality Sound

Explore how the Ruark Audio R1S blends smart streaming features with exceptional sound in a stylish, compact design.

There’s something truly captivating about the Ruark Audio R1S radio series. Over the years, these radios have earned a dedicated fan base and plenty of five-star reviews praising their sleek looks and surprisingly rich sound, especially for devices so compact. The Ruark Audio R1S takes that legacy further, transforming a classic FM/DAB+ radio into a modern smart radio with built-in Wi-Fi and music streaming capabilities.

At around $380, the R1S is a bit pricier than its ancestors, like the 2010 R1 Mk2 which was about half that price. But considering inflation and the rise in tech costs, this price hike feels justified. After all, Ruark packs this little device with thoughtful design, intuitive controls, and sound quality that punches well above its weight.

Design and Build: Elegance Meets Practicality

Describing the Ruark Audio R1S radio over the past decade, words like elegant, stylish, and beautiful keep popping up—and the R1S continues this tradition. It’s still compact enough to sit comfortably on a kitchen counter, office desk, or bedside table, but its front panel now sports a cleaner, more refined look. The wooden slatted grille, crafted by hand from walnut (similar to Ruark’s higher-end R410 speaker), adds a sophisticated touch that fits in anywhere from modern homes to sleek office spaces.

The full-color display is bigger and crisper, with high contrast that makes reading station names or menus effortless, even from a distance. It avoids overcrowding the screen with info, striking a fine balance for easy navigation through stations and submenus.

Ruark Audio R1S Key Specs

• Radio: FM, DAB/DAB+, Internet radio
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer
• Bluetooth: Version 5.2
• Ports: 3.5mm Aux input, USB-C, 3.5mm headphone output
• Remote Control: Not included
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 17.5 x 13 x 13.5 cm
• Weight: 1.6 kg
• Finishes: Three options – Grey, Light Cream, Satin Charcoal

The build quality feels premium. The acoustically damped body is smooth, sturdy, and pleasantly rounded at the edges. Our test unit came in a medium grey lacquer finish—quite strict and understated, though Ruark now offers light cream and satin charcoal as well. Whichever color you pick, the R1S blends effortlessly into any environment.

Topping off the design is the signature RotoDial controller sitting on the top. This rotary dial is a joy to use—turn it to adjust volume, switch sources, call up presets (eight per radio source), manage playback, or scan stations. It also opens access to settings like display brightness, alarms, timers, and station search.

You can even use the optional Oktiv app for iOS or Android for quicker access to favorites and stations, or buy a separate remote for about $20, though the dial itself handles everything hands-on with ease.

Connectivity and Features: A Music Lover’s Swiss Army Knife

Whether you see the Ruark Audio R1S radio as a radio with streaming abilities or a wireless speaker with radio built-in, it’s a versatile gadget that caters to many listening habits.

Love your radio? The R1S supports FM and digital DAB/DAB+ tuners with a telescopic antenna included. But it doesn’t stop there—thanks to built-in Wi-Fi, you gain access to thousands of internet radio stations from around the globe. Scanning stations is simple and the reception was flawless on all local FM and popular digital channels during testing.

Streaming music from mobile devices? No problem. The R1S integrates Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, and Deezer—three giants in the streaming world. While it lacks Tidal Connect or Apple Music support and doesn’t handle Hi-Res audio, Bluetooth 5.2 lets you effortlessly stream anything else from phones, tablets, or laptops. Pairing is fast and switching sources is seamless.

Physically, the back panel is well thought out: a USB-C port for charging your phone or playing MP3 files from compatible devices, a 3.5mm aux input for hooking up other audio gear like an MP3 player or a vinyl turntable with a phono stage, and a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening.

Plus, if you want to go truly portable, there’s an optional battery pack you can snap on (around $90). It’s a worthy upgrade for those who want to enjoy the R1S outside on the patio or have more flexibility placing it around the house.

Sound Quality: Clear, Precise, and Impressive

Under the hood, the R1S houses a single wide-range speaker powered by a class A/B amplifier—a familiar setup in Ruark’s lineup.

But what really stands out is the sound itself. While previous Ruark radios often boasted rich, full-bodied tones with a juicy midrange perfect for radio, the R1S takes a different route. Its sound is more articulated, neutral, accurate, and authoritative. At first listen, it felt a bit unusual, but soon we realized just how capable this radio is.

The audio is noticeably clean and fresh, packed with detail. The timing is spot-on: precise and lively, with just enough warmth to keep every note feeling natural and complete. Naturally, the small enclosure limits how deep the bass can go, but the R1S delivers just the right amount—tight, punchy, and driving the music forward.

Our playlist spanned genres from Agnes Obel and Waxahatchee’s Americana to the raw power of Disturbed and Run The Jewels. Whether it was the edgy rock station Kerrang! or the smooth Scala Radio, the R1S kept its composure. Listening to Birdy’s "Skinny Love," a longtime test favorite, her breathy vocals came through clean and rich with subtle nuance. DJs and podcast hosts sounded clear and engaging too.

What’s refreshing is there’s no overemphasis on the midrange at the expense of instruments. The R1S is democratic and balanced. Dynamics and emotion flow freely, all delivered with an assurance and clarity that’s rare in radios of this size and price.

Waxahatchee’s soft Americana tunes felt natural and fluid, while Disturbed’s heavy metal tracks came through gritty and muscular. But the real star? Piano. Pieces like Erik Satie’s "Gnossienne No. 1" were stunning. Notes felt dense, resonant, and real—qualities you expect from true Hi-Fi gear rather than a humble radio. And remember, this isn’t even Hi-Res audio.

The R1S is designed for small spaces, so it shines best placed near a wall or in a corner. In open rooms, the tight, controlled sound can feel a bit detached, and the highs may sound a touch thin, since it struggles to fill large areas. For bigger rooms or a more immersive sound, Ruark’s bigger sibling, the R2 Mk4, is a better bet.

Comparing to a close rival, the Roberts Stream 94L radio (priced lower at around $280, often discounted), the Roberts sounds bigger and softer, but it doesn’t match the R1S’s crispness and articulation.

The radio’s tonal balance is fairly even, but if you find the highs too sharp, a slight dip can mellow them out—just like we did. We’d leave bass and the subtle loudness compensation settings alone though, as they work well as is.

Verdict: A Smart Radio That Surprises and Delights

From its stunning design to a broad suite of music playback options, the Ruark Audio R1S radio has come a long way from being just a modest radio. Beyond its attractive look and versatility, the sound quality is sophisticated, nuanced, and precise enough to impress even seasoned audiophiles—especially considering the size and price point.

If you’re hunting for an all-in-one internet radio with smart streaming, stylish design, and genuinely great sound, the R1S is absolutely worth your attention.

Ratings

• Sound: 5/5
• Features: 5/5
• Build Quality: 5/5

"If you’re looking for a talented, versatile internet radio with modern streaming capabilities, this model is definitely worth considering."

FAQ

• What radio formats does the Ruark R1S support?
  FM, DAB/DAB+, and internet radio via Wi-Fi.
• Can I stream music services directly from the R1S?
  Yes, it supports Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, and Deezer.
• Does the R1S have Bluetooth connectivity?
  Yes, it features Bluetooth 5.2 for easy wireless streaming from other devices.
• Is there a remote control included?
  No remote is included, but the RotoDial on top is intuitive. An app and optional remote are available.
• Can the R1S be used portably?
  Yes, with an optional battery pack sold separately for outdoor or portable use.

Looking to bring a piece of this smart audio elegance into your space? Shop your favorite Ruark Audio album cover poster at our store for a stylish tribute to your sound experience: Architeg Prints.