The Ruark Audio R1S Smart Radio is not just a radio — it’s a statement of sophistication. Combining British design heritage with modern streaming technology, this compact tabletop companion brings high-fidelity sound, smart features, and timeless elegance to any room. Whether you’re an audiophile or a style connoisseur, the R1S is built to impress.
In this in-depth review, we’ll explore everything that makes the R1S a modern classic — from its connectivity and acoustics to its intuitive controls and impeccable build quality.
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Timeless Design with a Contemporary Soul
At first glance, the Ruark Audio R1S Smart Radio captivates with its luxurious aesthetics. It’s the kind of product that doesn’t shout for attention, but effortlessly elevates the space it occupies. The cabinet is made from eco-friendly hand-crafted wood composite with a finely textured grille, finished in either Soft Grey or Espresso.
A glass-covered TFT colour display sits front and center, offering crystal-clear readouts for station names, album artwork, streaming info, and menu navigation — even in bright daylight.
With its rotary RotoDial controller mounted on top, interacting with the R1S feels satisfying and tactile — a rare experience in a touch-obsessed world. This iconic dial puts all essential commands at your fingertips without needing a remote.
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Truly Smart: Streaming, DAB+, Internet Radio & More
The R1S Smart Radio lives up to its name, supporting:
- DAB/DAB+ and FM radio
- Internet Radio via Wi-Fi
- Spotify Connect
- Bluetooth streaming
- DLNA (UPnP) over your home network
This isn’t just a Bluetooth speaker with a clock. It’s a smart hub for music lovers, capable of streaming over 30,000 internet radio stations, thousands of podcasts, and your entire Spotify library — all with simple navigation and quick access.
Once connected to Wi-Fi, the R1S opens up a world of content. The UNDOK control app lets you browse stations or playlists directly from your phone, while built-in presets offer instant access to favourites.
And when you want to quickly stream from your phone, tablet, or laptop? Just connect via Bluetooth and enjoy lag-free audio.
Rich, Balanced, and Full-Range Sound
Audio quality is where Ruark has always distinguished itself, and the R1S Smart Radio proudly upholds that reputation. Despite its compact size, this smart radio produces a surprisingly rich, immersive sound.
It features:
- Custom full-range NS+ driver
- High-fidelity Class A-B amplifier
- Adaptive EQ for room-friendly tuning
- Bass reflex enclosure for deeper low-end
From morning news to late-night jazz, the R1S delivers detailed highs, natural mids, and warm lows that make it enjoyable across all genres. Whether placed on a bookshelf, bedside table, or kitchen counter, it fills the room with premium sound without distortion — even at higher volumes.
The sound signature is clear, uncolored, and carefully tuned to suit both speech and music. And if you’re a bass lover, the subtle low-end response will surprise you.
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Built for Modern Lifestyles
What makes the Ruark Audio R1S Smart Radio more than just another speaker or radio is how seamlessly it fits into your day-to-day routine.
Wake Up to Your Favourite Sound
Use the dual alarm clock feature to wake up to DAB/FM/internet radio or a gentle tone — fully customizable by day, time, and source.
USB-C Charging & Playback
A USB-C port on the back allows for:
- Charging your phone or tablet
- Playing music from USB drives
- Future firmware updates
Multi-Room Ready
With Wi-Fi connectivity and the UNDOK app, you can pair multiple compatible Ruark devices for multi-room playback. Perfect for those who want music in every corner of their home — seamlessly synced.
Line In & Headphone Out
Want to hook up a record player or external device? The R1S includes a 3.5mm auxiliary input. Prefer private listening? Plug in your headphones and enjoy studio-quality monitoring.
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Effortless Operation with UNDOK App & RotoDial
Ruark’s trademark RotoDial system makes in-person control refreshingly intuitive. With just a twist and press, you can:
- Change volume
- Scroll through stations or tracks
- Access menus and settings
- Set alarms and timers
For remote control, the UNDOK app (available for iOS & Android) offers an elegant interface to manage everything — from selecting sources to browsing internet radio stations or configuring your presets.
Even those who aren’t tech-savvy will find the learning curve almost non-existent. That’s the magic of Ruark’s design ethos — advanced technology hidden behind simplicity.
Eco-Friendly Craftsmanship
Sustainability isn’t an afterthought here. The R1S’s cabinet is made from sustainably sourced wood composite — a choice that improves both audio resonance and environmental responsibility. It’s one of the few premium tabletop radios that blends modern electronics with a low ecological footprint.
All packaging is recyclable, and the internal electronics are designed for longevity, not obsolescence — a key selling point in today’s disposable tech culture.
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Where to Place the Ruark R1S
Thanks to its modest footprint and elegant presence, the Ruark Audio R1S Smart Radio belongs just about anywhere:
- In the kitchen, as your cooking soundtrack and podcast player
- In the bedroom, doubling as a luxury alarm clock
- On your work desk, to keep music flowing through the day
- In the living room, as a stylish and functional conversation piece
And since it doesn’t rely solely on streaming, it’s great even when the internet goes down — thanks to its FM and DAB+ radio support.
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Who Is the Ruark R1S For?
This is not your average radio. The Ruark Audio R1S is for those who:
- Want a compact but high-fidelity speaker
- Appreciate premium materials and craftsmanship
- Enjoy both classic radio and modern streaming
- Prefer tactile control over touchscreens
- Value aesthetic harmony in their living spaces
Whether you’re replacing an outdated bedside radio or curating the perfect home audio setup, the R1S is a confident, elegant choice that bridges the gap between analogue charm and digital convenience.
Why Choose Ruark Over Other Brands?
There are dozens of smart radios out there. So what makes Ruark stand out?
- British design heritage — trusted since the 1980s
- Acoustically engineered from the ground up (not rebranded modules)
- Meticulous tuning for realistic, enjoyable sound
- Tactile physical interface (no clunky touchscreens or laggy remotes)
- Long-lasting build quality with genuine wood veneer finishes
Unlike many Bluetooth speakers trying to be everything at once, Ruark stays true to its core mission: to deliver emotionally engaging sound in beautifully designed systems.
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Final Thoughts
The Ruark Audio R1S Smart Radio proves that great things do come in small packages. It’s a masterclass in modern design, an acoustic gem, and a seamless blend of the past and the future.
Whether you’re an avid listener or simply want something beautiful to enhance your space, this smart radio will exceed expectations. From early morning alarms to evening slow jazz, it sets the perfect tone for every hour of the day.
FAQ
1. Does the Ruark R1S require Wi-Fi to work?
No. It supports FM and DAB+ radio without Wi-Fi. However, Wi-Fi is required for internet radio and streaming features like Spotify Connect.
2. Can I use the R1S with Spotify without a phone?
Yes. As long as it’s connected to Wi-Fi and logged into Spotify Connect, you can control playback using the app on your phone or tablet — but the streaming runs directly on the R1S.
3. Is the display always on?
No. The TFT display dims or sleeps depending on usage and can be customized via settings for brightness and standby mode.
4. Can I set multiple alarms?
Yes. The R1S features dual independent alarms, each customizable by time, days, and sound source (radio or buzzer).
5. Is it compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant?
No. The R1S does not have voice assistant integration. It focuses on tactile and app control rather than smart home voice control.
6. Can it be used as a speaker for TV or turntables?
Yes, if your device supports 3.5mm audio output, you can connect it to the R1S using the aux-in port.
