CD meets streaming: Ruark launches R710 Music Console and Talisman-R speakers

Ruark Audio has unveiled the R710 Music Console and Talisman-R floorstanding speakers at this week’s Vienna High End Hi-Fi Show, marking a major launch for the British brand as it celebrates 40 years in audio. 

Finished in either Fused Walnut veneer or Satin Charcoal lacquer, both lean heavily into furniture-grade presentation and tactile operation, without sacrificing their sonic performance.

Finished in either Fused Walnut veneer or Satin Charcoal lacquer, both lean heavily into furniture-grade presentation and tactile operation…

Ruark’s latest music system is built for music lovers

The R710 combines streaming audio support with physical media playback and traditional Hi-Fi connectivity. At its heart is a high-power Class-D amplifier delivering up to 200 watts per channel, partnered with a custom switch-mode power supply and carefully optimised internal layout intended to minimise noise and interference.

Streaming support is extensive. Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Cast are all built in, alongside Internet Radio and aptX HD Bluetooth. High-res audio playback up to 32-bit/192kHz is also supported.

Alongside its streaming credentials, the R710 embraces formats enjoying renewed popularity among music enthusiasts. An integrated CD drive sits behind the fascia, while a built-in moving magnet phono stage allows direct connection of a turntable.

The company says it’s seeing a clear uptick in interest for CD.

“Streaming isn’t going anywhere but people still want to play their CDs,” Ruark MD Alan O’Rourke told The Luxe Review.

The system also doubles as a TV audio solution, thanks to HDMI eARC connectivity. Optical digital audio, wired and Bluetooth headphone support, multiroom capability and a rechargeable Bluetooth RotoDial remote complete the spec. 

Visually, the R710 continues Ruark’s long established design language. A large 6.8-inch colour display provides album artwork and system information, while the soft-touch controls and compact proportions give the console a distinctly furniture-like aesthetic.

The return of the Talisman

Partnering the R710 are the new Talisman-R floorstanding loudspeakers. The design revives one of Ruark’s best-known speaker ranges, first introduced in 1990, and updates it with modern acoustic engineering while preserving the slim proportions and sloped front baffle that defined the original.

The Talisman-R remains a two-way bass reflex design, fitted with a 165mm treated fibre long-throw woofer and a 27mm silk dome tweeter. We’re told there’s a heavy focus on crossover optimisation, through premium capacitors, resistors and low-loss inductors to improve signal transfer and reduce distortion.

When it comes to cabinet design, the front baffle is decoupled from the main enclosure using elastomer bushings and dual damping strips, designed to reduce vibration transfer from the drivers into the cabinet structure. Internally, the enclosure uses extensive bracing and acoustic damping materials intended to minimise standing waves and cabinet colouration.

Frequency response is quoted at 35Hz to 22kHz.

The speaker’s steel plinth adds further stability and gives the cabinets a subtle floating appearance when viewed from the front.  

The Ruark R710 Music Console is priced at £2,199, with the Talisman-R floorstanders selling for £1,499 per pair. Both are offered in Fused Walnut veneer or Satin Charcoal lacquer finishes. Both are due on sale from October.