Ruark Audio R2 Mk4 Review – A Stylish Music System That Impresses

Elegant design and rich sound make the Ruark Audio R2 Mk4 a top-tier music system for modern listeners.

A Modern Classic That’s More Than Just a Radio

Calling the Ruark Audio R2 Mk4 “just a radio” honestly does it a disservice. Sure, it shines as an excellent radio with FM, DAB/DAB+ tuners, internet radio, and alarm clocks to boot. It even looks the part — a sleek, luxurious radio — but it’s capable of so much more.

Like many contemporary receivers from brands such as Roberts, Revo, and Tivoli Audio, the Ruark R2 Mk4 doubles as a full-fledged music system. Whether you’re streaming wirelessly via Bluetooth, accessing supported music apps, or plugging in with physical wired connections, this device competes head-to-head with premium wireless speakers.

With a price hovering around $600 (roughly 49,000 rubles converted), expectations are high, and happily, the R2 Mk4 delivers beyond what you’d think from a “normal radio.”

Design and Build: Modern Retro Elegance

Ruark has long mastered the art of combining modern and retro design, crafting some of the most visually striking products on the market. The R2 Mk4 continues that tradition beautifully. Compared to its five-star predecessor, the R2 Mk3 (reviewed back in 2015), this model underwent significant refinement, and the new look is a winner.

While the R2 Mk3 was impressive in its own right, the Mk4 ups the ante with a slimmer, roughly 20% thinner profile that fits effortlessly into any setting — be it a home office, kitchen, bedside table, or bookcase. The rubber feet guard your furniture, and the overall presence is stylish but subtle.

The sturdy chassis of dampened polymer is acoustically tuned and comes in three finishes: a light cream lacquer (our test unit), a fresh “sea fog” color, or a deep espresso with wood grilles in ash or walnut. Rounded edges, a handcrafted wooden grille, and a sleek glass display all speak to meticulous craftsmanship.

Technical Specs at a Glance

• Tuners: FM, DAB/DAB+, Internet radio
• Bluetooth: Yes, version 5.2
• Display: Color TFT screen, clearly visible from across the room
• Remote Control: Not included (optional accessory)
• Dimensions (H×W×D): 18.5 x 34 x 15 cm
• Weight: 2.9 kg

Although the glass panel stretches across the entire front, the colorful TFT display itself occupies a modest area on the left side. It’s crisp and easy to read even from a distance, though some might wish the screen were larger given the ample glass real estate. For comparison, the Revo SuperConnect Stereo has a bigger screen, but its text is squashed and harder to decipher.

Inside, the R2 Mk4 houses an 18W A/B class amplifier powering two 75mm Ruark NS+ (NeutralSound+) full-range drivers, delivering true stereo sound. Two small downward-firing bass reflex ports provide rich low-end without sounding boxed in, regardless of the surface it’s placed on.

Control is a joy with the signature RotoDial on top: a tactile, responsive dial for source selection, playback, volume, and quick settings access. For smartphone lovers, two third-party apps—Undok and Oktiv—work well, with Oktiv sporting a more modern interface. Saving and choosing presets feels smoother through the apps than the dial. A slim remote is available but frankly, we found the RotoDial so satisfying that the remote felt unnecessary.

Features: Connectivity and Streaming Freedom

First thing out of the box, hooking the R2 Mk4 up to your Wi-Fi network is key. This opens up thousands of internet radio stations worldwide and eases streaming from major music services.

The system supports Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, and Deezer natively. Apple Music and Tidal fans can connect via Bluetooth 5.2, though native AirPlay 2 and Hi-Res audio support are absent—a bit of a missed opportunity but not a dealbreaker.

True to Ruark’s roots, FM and DAB/DAB+ tuners remain part of the standard package, each allowing eight saved presets. Reception quality depends on your proximity to transmitters; with a strong local FM signal, the sound felt surprisingly full, clear, and detailed. Even as a bedside radio, the R2 Mk4 shines for hours of easy listening.

Physical connections round out the package nicely: a 3.5mm AUX input for external devices, a 3.5mm headphone out, and a USB-C port replacing the older USB-A for audio playback from flash drives (up to MP3 quality). Even better, the USB-C port doubles as a charger for smartphones and portable players like Astell & Kern. Handy!

Sound Quality: Rich, Warm, and Engaging

If the looks and features haven’t won you over yet, the sound will seal the deal. Whether you’re tuning into radio, streaming over Bluetooth, or catching a podcast, the R2 Mk4 delivers an inviting audio experience.

It carries Ruark’s signature naturally rich, full-bodied, and expressive sound signature we’ve come to adore. Radio stations sound crisp and assertive, and the warm, full sound makes listening to lower-quality digital stations surprisingly pleasant.

The presentation grabs you immediately. Turn on a well-produced station or stream a favorite playlist, and you’re treated to density, detail, and dynamic flair. The R2 leans warmer than neutral but not so much as to color the music’s natural tone or mood, no matter the genre.

Take Massive Attack’s Paradise Circus: the bassline creates a deep sense of space and keeps the rhythm tight with excellent timing. There’s texture and clarity in the bass rhythm that many competitors reduce to a dull drone.

Behind this friendly sound lies impressive audio craftsmanship for a device of this size. The highs are smooth without harshness, and the upper registers have plenty of room to breathe. The R2 Mk4 plays loudly without strain, and more importantly, maintains musical integrity even at lower volumes.

Vocals are a standout, crucial for talk radio and podcasts alike. The warm, textured midrange breathes life into voices, delivering fine detail—from Nick Cave’s moody rasp to the punchy rap of Run The Jewels and Agnes Obel’s ethereal tones. This nuance draws you deeper into the listening experience.

Compared to the similarly priced Revo SuperConnect Stereo, the Ruark pushes mids slightly forward, lending a livelier, more rhythmic sound. While Revo offers a broader soundstage, Ruark’s presentation feels musically engaging and makes you tap your foot along.

Verdict: A Stylish Music System Worth Your Consideration

If you want a high-quality music system that looks fantastic, is easy to control, and sounds wonderful, the Ruark R2 Mk4 deserves a top spot on your wishlist. It’s a lifestyle-centric alternative to budget Hi-Fi components but holds its own sonically.

The price might seem steep for a radio system, but the Ruark offers so much more, and its musical performance justifies the investment. If your budget allows, the R2 Mk4 is a tasteful, well-crafted companion for your home.

Ratings:

• Sound: 5/5
• Features: 4/5
• Build: 5/5

Ruark R2 Mk4 delivers a naturally rich and expressive sound that brings any room to life.

FAQ

• What tuners does the Ruark R2 Mk4 support?
  FM, DAB/DAB+, and internet radio tuners are all included.
• Can I connect the R2 Mk4 to Spotify?
  Yes, it supports Spotify Connect along with Amazon Music and Deezer.
• Does it include a remote control?
  A remote is not included but can be purchased separately.
• Is the USB-C port only for charging?
  No, it also supports audio playback from USB drives up to MP3 quality.
• How loud can the R2 Mk4 play?
  It can produce ample volume without distortion, maintaining clarity even at high levels.

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