Technology

Ruark revisits flagship radiogram with limited edition artisan Made in England R810 MiE

Ruark R810 MiE close up

UK Hi-Fi specialist Ruark has announced a limited-edition version of its flagship R810 radiogram, using marquetry and premium veneers, as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations. 

The R810 occupies a particular niche in today’s audio landscape. Styled as a modern radiogram, it combines mid-century furniture design with contemporary streaming, high-resolution audio support and a wide range of connectivity options.

Ruark first introduced its Made in England initiative back in 2021 with the R5 MiE, a project intended not as a return to mass manufacturing, but as a showcase for  traditional skills and slower, more deliberate production.

The R810 MiE extends that to the brand’s most luxurious all-in-one, pairing the familiar acoustic and streaming platform of the standard R810 with significantly elevated cabinet craftsmanship.

In functional terms, the R810 MiE mirrors the standard model’s feature set. Streaming support includes Apple AirPlay and Google Cast, alongside Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect. Built-in services include Apple Music, BBC Sounds and Deezer, with high-resolution audio handled up to 32-bit/192kHz.

There are also Internet radio, DAB/DAB+ and FM tuners, plus HDMI ARC/eARC for TV integration, allowing the system to serve as both a music and television audio hub.

The R810 MiE extends the brand’s most luxurious all-in-one system, pairing the standard R810 with significantly elevated cabinet craftsmanship…

Elevated craftsmanship and limited production

Where the R810 MiE distinguishes itself is in how it is made. Limited to just 50 units per model, the special edition is hand-crafted, with two finishes available: Penta-Chord Walnut and Leaf-Line Oak. 

Historically associated with fine furniture and status pieces, marquetry is a labour-intensive process that demands careful planning and considerable patience. Selected veneers are cut and arranged by hand to create contemporary patterns that nod to traditional techniques, before being bonded to the cabinet.

Once cured, multiple layers of lacquer are applied, with hand-sanding between coats, producing a depth and lustre that is difficult to replicate through industrial processes.

The cabinet and grille components have been crafted exclusively by Storm Furniture, a member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen, whose work is more commonly found in bespoke residential interiors. After production, each component is transported to Ruark’s Southend headquarters for final hand assembly, testing and packing.

According to Ruark Managing Director Alan O’Rourke, the Made in England project is less about scale and more about intent. “We’ve long envisioned bringing some production back to the UK. While volume production isn’t viable, our MiE project focuses on unmatched quality through hands-on craftsmanship, free from time constraints, making MiE truly special,” he says.

Each R810 MiE carries an engraved wooden plaque on the rear panel as proof of authenticity, reinforcing its status as a collector-grade object as much as a high-fidelity music system. 

The Ruark R810 MiE is priced at £6,495.

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About Steve May

Creator of Home Cinema Choice magazine, and Editor of The Luxe Review, Steve muses and reviews for Trusted Reviews, T3, Home Cinema Choice, Games Radar, Good Housekeeping, Louder Sounds, StereoNet and Boat International. He’s also the editor of professional home cinema website Inside CI. He's on Twitter/X, Tiktok and Instagram as @SteveMay_UK