British audio specialist Ruark Audio has taken the wraps off a new iteration of its popular R5 music system, the R5 MiE, the first of a new design-led collection.
The company’s Made in England (MiE) project will see it collaborate with some of the UK’s most celebrated craftspeople, to offer a premium level of finish to its sound system designs.
The MiE initiative will spotlight bespoke components, hand built using traditional techniques. Adopting an artisan approach to manufacture, each model will reportedly use only the finest FSC-approved timbers, veneers and materials.
The various elements that comprise the cabinet of the R5 MiE have been painstakingly made in a Suffolk workshop, and hand-assembled at Ruark’s Southend on Sea HQ.
A slatted wooden grille is the central design element of this Limited Edition R5. Handcrafted from multiple layers of walnut bonded to a black substrate, the tolerances on this need to be exact says the company, so the slats surrounding the display assembly line up perfectly.
The veneers are man-made in Italy from commercially grown sustainable woods. By cutting, colouring and recomposing, the resulting veneers closely mimic protected rare woods such as Rosewood. With multiple layers of lacquer applied with hand sanding between coats, the result is a lustre that speaks of a premium finish.
This special edition has a limited production run of just 35 units, the brand anticipates that R5 MiE will sell quickly. Ruark Audio says it expects its Project MiE products to become increasingly sought after.
The MiE initiative will spotlight bespoke components, hand built using traditional techniques…
The R5 MiE features high-end veneers sourced from Italy
The R5 is a cross-platform music system, combining Wi-Fi streaming and CD playback. The system supports aptX HD Bluetooth, and has DAB/FM and Internet radio tuners. Connections include USB for playback and a dedicated turntable input.
When it comes to audio performance, this Ruark follows its Limited Edition R5 Signature model, with optimised signal paths, high purity oxygen free speaker cables and proprietary STEREO+ sound processing are the order of the day.
The R5 MiE will sell for £2,000, and will be available exclusively through John Lewis from November.
High-end headphone design rarely strays far from established norms, but Écoute Audio is taking a different route with its TH1. These £900 wireless headphones attempt something unusual: translating the architecture of classic audiophile Hi-Fi into a wearable form. At first glance, they look like a premium pair of over-ears. Look closer, and it becomes clear…
Introducing the Magico S7 2026 edition, a new flagship loudspeaker aimed squarely at lovers of luxury audio. Designed and engineered in California, this imposing floorstander, which replaces the original Magico S7 after a decade-long production run, arrives as the most advanced expression of the company’s mid-tier reference range yet, sitting between its A Series and…
Personal audio specialist Astell&Kern has unveiled the PD20, a new digital audio player (DAP) able to adapt its sound output to the individual hearing profile of each listener, rather than delivering a single, fixed sound signature. Designed for music fans who want studio-grade sound on the move, the PD20 has been developed in collaboration with…
The Luxe Review 
British audio specialist Ruark Audio has taken the wraps off a new iteration of its popular R5 music system, the R5 MiE, the first of a new design-led collection.
The company’s Made in England (MiE) project will see it collaborate with some of the UK’s most celebrated craftspeople, to offer a premium level of finish to its sound system designs.
The MiE initiative will spotlight bespoke components, hand built using traditional techniques. Adopting an artisan approach to manufacture, each model will reportedly use only the finest FSC-approved timbers, veneers and materials.
The various elements that comprise the cabinet of the R5 MiE have been painstakingly made in a Suffolk workshop, and hand-assembled at Ruark’s Southend on Sea HQ.
A slatted wooden grille is the central design element of this Limited Edition R5. Handcrafted from multiple layers of walnut bonded to a black substrate, the tolerances on this need to be exact says the company, so the slats surrounding the display assembly line up perfectly.
The veneers are man-made in Italy from commercially grown sustainable woods. By cutting, colouring and recomposing, the resulting veneers closely mimic protected rare woods such as Rosewood. With multiple layers of lacquer applied with hand sanding between coats, the result is a lustre that speaks of a premium finish.
This special edition has a limited production run of just 35 units, the brand anticipates that R5 MiE will sell quickly. Ruark Audio says it expects its Project MiE products to become increasingly sought after.
The R5 is a cross-platform music system, combining Wi-Fi streaming and CD playback. The system supports aptX HD Bluetooth, and has DAB/FM and Internet radio tuners. Connections include USB for playback and a dedicated turntable input.
When it comes to audio performance, this Ruark follows its Limited Edition R5 Signature model, with optimised signal paths, high purity oxygen free speaker cables and proprietary STEREO+ sound processing are the order of the day.
The R5 MiE will sell for £2,000, and will be available exclusively through John Lewis from November.
These Écoute TH1 Bluetooth valve headphones are inspired by classic audio gear
High-end headphone design rarely strays far from established norms, but Écoute Audio is taking a different route with its TH1. These £900 wireless headphones attempt something unusual: translating the architecture of classic audiophile Hi-Fi into a wearable form. At first glance, they look like a premium pair of over-ears. Look closer, and it becomes clear…
First look at ultra-premium Magico S7 2026 flagship loudspeaker with £159,000 price tag
Introducing the Magico S7 2026 edition, a new flagship loudspeaker aimed squarely at lovers of luxury audio. Designed and engineered in California, this imposing floorstander, which replaces the original Magico S7 after a decade-long production run, arrives as the most advanced expression of the company’s mid-tier reference range yet, sitting between its A Series and…
New Astell&Kern PD20 personal audio player delivers High-Res sound tuned to your hearing
Personal audio specialist Astell&Kern has unveiled the PD20, a new digital audio player (DAP) able to adapt its sound output to the individual hearing profile of each listener, rather than delivering a single, fixed sound signature. Designed for music fans who want studio-grade sound on the move, the PD20 has been developed in collaboration with…
Share this: