Audio T Verdict
The Ruark R810 is a modern interpretation of the classic radiogram: a complete music and television system designed to become part of the room rather than another collection of black boxes, visible cables and separate loudspeakers.
Its elegant cabinet and polished chrome stand draw inspiration from the finest furniture and audio systems of the 1960s and 1970s, but the technology inside is thoroughly modern. Streaming, radio, television sound, vinyl replay, USB music and optional CD playback are all brought together through one carefully considered interface.
The R810 is not simply a large version of one of Ruark’s compact radios. Its fully active speaker architecture uses five separate amplifier channels with a combined nominal output of 180W. Two silk-dome tweeters, two NS+ bass and midrange drivers and a dedicated long-throw subwoofer are individually powered and controlled.
This active approach allows the amplifier channels, crossover, equalisation and drive units to be developed as one complete system. Ruark does not have to design around an unknown external amplifier or speaker cable, giving it greater control over tonal balance, bass integration and protection.
The result is a broad and substantial stereo presentation with a surprising sense of scale. The integrated subwoofer gives music and film soundtracks genuine weight, while the separate tweeters and woofers provide greater clarity and stereo separation than a conventional single-box wireless speaker.
Its typical in-room response extends down to 25Hz, meaning the R810 can reproduce convincing low bass without requiring a separate subwoofer in most rooms. Bass, treble, loudness, subwoofer level and Ruark’s Stereo+ processing allow the sound to be adjusted for the room and personal preference.
Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Cast make it straightforward to play Apple Music, BBC Sounds, Amazon Music, Deezer and many other services. Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect provide direct network playback through their own applications.
Internet radio, DAB, DAB+ and FM are built in, while music held on a computer or NAS drive can be played through a compatible UPnP media server. USB storage provides another route to locally stored music files.
The HDMI ARC and eARC connection makes the R810 particularly compelling beneath a wall-mounted television. It provides a much wider and more musical presentation than most soundbars, while also functioning as a complete music system when the television is switched off.
Physical music has not been forgotten. A dedicated moving-magnet phono input allows a compatible turntable to connect directly, and the optional Ruark R-CD100 adds integrated CD playback through the rear USB-C connection.
The R810 will not suit somebody who wants to change amplifiers and loudspeakers individually over time. Its appeal lies in the opposite direction: Ruark has already engineered the complete amplifier, speaker, streaming and control system as one coherent product.
For customers who want genuine room-filling performance, broad source compatibility and furniture-quality design without building a traditional separates system, the R810 is one of the most distinctive and complete solutions available.
Ruark R810 High Fidelity Radiogram
The Ruark R810 is a fully active music and entertainment system combining amplification, stereo speakers, an integrated subwoofer, network streaming, radio and extensive source connectivity within one furniture-inspired cabinet.
It can be positioned on its supplied polished chrome floor stand or placed on a suitable sideboard using the included chrome bar legs.
The cabinet is available in Fused Walnut veneer or Soft Grey lacquer, with both versions featuring Ruark’s distinctive solid Fused Walnut grille.
A Modern Interpretation of the Radiogram
Traditional radiograms brought a radio, record player, amplifier and speakers together within one piece of furniture.
The R810 applies the same principle to contemporary listening. It provides access to network streaming, internet and terrestrial radio, television audio, vinyl records, USB music libraries and optional CD playback without requiring a visible collection of separate components.
Its precise cabinet lines, portrait display, wooden grille and polished chrome stand combine visual influences from classic radiograms with modern materials and control technology.
Fully Active Five-Channel Amplification
The R810 uses a discrete five-channel Class A/B amplifier with a combined nominal output of 180W.
Separate amplifier channels power:
- The left silk-dome tweeter
- The right silk-dome tweeter
- The left NS+ bass and midrange driver
- The right NS+ bass and midrange driver
- The integrated long-throw subwoofer
This active architecture allows the crossover and equalisation to operate before the final power-amplifier stages, giving Ruark close control over the behaviour of each drive unit.
The amplifier, drivers and cabinet have therefore been developed as one system rather than assembled from unrelated components.
Why Active Amplification Matters
In a conventional passive speaker system, one stereo amplifier sends a full-range signal through passive crossover components inside each loudspeaker.
In the R810, dedicated amplifier channels directly power the individual drive units. This allows Ruark to optimise:
- Crossover frequency and phase
- Drive-unit level matching
- Low-frequency equalisation
- Dynamic protection
- Amplifier power for each frequency range
- Integration between the stereo speakers and subwoofer
The listener does not need to choose a separate amplifier, loudspeakers or speaker cables.
Two 30mm Silk-Dome Tweeters
The left and right high-frequency channels use dedicated 30mm Ruark silk-dome tweeters.
Silk provides a combination of low moving mass and natural damping, allowing the tweeters to reproduce detail and air without unnecessary hardness.
Separate left and right tweeters help the R810 produce a genuine stereo image rather than the narrow presentation associated with many compact wireless speakers.
Two 100mm Ruark NS+ Woofers
Two 100mm paper-cone NS+ drivers handle the midrange and upper bass.
Each driver operates within its own tuned bass-reflex satellite enclosure, helping the R810 produce clear vocals, convincing instruments and meaningful stereo separation.
The use of dedicated left and right woofers ensures that stereo information remains distinct above the frequencies handled by the centrally integrated subwoofer.
Integrated 200mm Long-Throw Subwoofer
A dedicated 200mm long-throw paper-cone subwoofer is built into the cabinet.
It operates within a sealed enclosure, allowing Ruark to control its movement and integration with the stereo drivers.
The subwoofer provides the low-frequency foundation for both music and television sound, extending the R810’s typical in-room response down to 25Hz.
Its level can be adjusted through the audio settings to suit the room and listening preference.
Internally Divided Cabinet
The R810’s braced MDF cabinet is divided internally into separate acoustic and electronic compartments.
The left and right bass-reflex speaker sections, sealed subwoofer enclosure, power supply and control electronics each have different mechanical and acoustic requirements.
Separating these areas helps reduce unwanted interaction between the high-energy subwoofer, stereo drivers and sensitive electronics.
25Hz to 22kHz Typical Response
Ruark specifies a typical frequency response of 25Hz to 22kHz.
The final low-frequency balance will depend on:
- Room size
- Wall and corner proximity
- Floor construction
- Listening position
- Subwoofer-level setting
- Bass and loudness adjustments
The integrated subwoofer should provide sufficient extension for most music and television systems without adding another enclosure to the room.
Bass, Treble and Subwoofer Adjustment
The sound can be adjusted through the R810’s audio menu.
Available controls include:
- Bass
- Treble
- Loudness
- Subwoofer level
- Stereo+
- Adjustable input levels
These controls should be used to compensate for the room and source rather than to force the system into an unnatural tonal balance.
Begin with Modest Adjustments
Start with the sound controls close to their neutral settings and listen from the normal seating position.
Reduce the bass or subwoofer level if the presentation sounds heavy or indistinct. Increase them carefully if the room produces a leaner balance.
Stereo+ Processing
Ruark’s Stereo+ processing is designed to increase the apparent width and spaciousness of the presentation.
It can be useful where the cabinet width and room layout limit the physical distance between the left and right speakers.
The preferred setting will depend on the recording, room and listening distance. Some customers may prefer the greater width, while others may favour the more direct presentation with Stereo+ reduced or disabled.
Burr-Brown Digital Conversion
The R810 uses high-resolution Burr-Brown digital conversion.
Its digital-to-analogue stage is specified with a 112dB dynamic range and operation up to 32-bit/384kHz, while the analogue-to-digital stage is specified at 32-bit/192kHz.
The analogue-to-digital converter allows external analogue sources, including the line and phono inputs, to be managed through the R810’s digital crossover, equalisation and active-amplifier architecture.
Apple AirPlay 2
Apple AirPlay 2 allows compatible iPhone, iPad and Mac devices to stream directly to the R810 over the network.
It provides access to services and applications including:
- Apple Music
- BBC Sounds
- Podcasts
- Internet video applications
- Music stored on compatible Apple devices
AirPlay 2 can also group the R810 with other compatible products for multiroom playback.
Google Cast
Google Cast allows compatible applications on Android, iOS and computer devices to send playback directly to the R810.
It can be used with a wide variety of music, radio and podcast services and can form part of a compatible Google Cast multiroom system.
Initial Google Cast configuration may require the Google Home application.
Spotify, TIDAL and Qobuz Connect
Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect allow their respective applications to select the R810 as the network playback device.
Once playback begins, the music streams directly through the R810 rather than continuing through the phone.
This reduces reliance on Bluetooth and allows the controlling device to take calls, run other applications or leave the room without interrupting playback.
Compatible accounts and subscriptions may be required.
Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD
Bluetooth 5.1 provides a simple connection for phones, tablets and computers.
The R810 supports:
Bluetooth is useful for services or applications that do not offer AirPlay, Google Cast or a dedicated Connect option.
Bluetooth Headphone Support
At the time this page was prepared in July 2026, the R810 did not yet transmit audio to Bluetooth headphones.
Ruark has announced Bluetooth headphone support through a free over-the-air update scheduled for August 2026. Confirm that the required software update is available and installed before purchasing headphones specifically for use with the R810.
Internet Radio
Internet radio provides access to stations from around the world through the R810’s network connection.
It allows listeners to find specialist music, news, speech and international broadcasts that may not be available through local DAB or FM transmission.
Internet radio requires a working broadband connection and depends on the continued availability of the selected station and directory service.
DAB, DAB+ and FM Radio
The R810 includes DAB, DAB+ and FM radio with RDS.
A removable telescopic aerial and 75-ohm F-type aerial connection are supplied.
Reception quality depends on location, building construction, aerial positioning and transmitter coverage. A suitable external aerial may be beneficial in weaker reception areas.
Twenty Global Presets
The R810 provides 20 global preset positions.
These can be used to store favourite stations and supported sources for quick access from the RotoDial controls or rechargeable remote.
Using global positions rather than separate banks for each radio mode allows frequently used content to be kept together.
UPnP Network Music Playback
The Media Servers source can browse music held on a compatible computer, NAS drive or UPnP/DLNA server.
This is useful for customers with downloaded music or ripped CD libraries who do not want to connect a USB drive directly to the R810.
The server must be correctly configured and connected to the same network.
High-Resolution USB Playback
The rear USB-C connection supports compatible USB storage devices and high-resolution music files.
Supported formats include:
- FLAC
- AIFF
- ALAC
- WAV
- MP3
- AAC
Ruark’s current published material lists high-resolution lossless support up to at least 32-bit/192kHz, while its dedicated R810 specification sheet lists FLAC, AIFF and WAV playback up to 32-bit/384kHz.
Actual playback compatibility depends on the file format, encoding and installed system software.
USB Storage Formats
The USB-C input supports several common storage formats, including FAT32, exFAT and NTFS on current software.
A directly connected drive should use a suitable USB-C cable or approved adapter and remain within the available USB power limit.
A large music library may be easier to manage through a NAS or UPnP server rather than browsing from removable storage.
Optional R-CD100 CD Player
The Ruark R-CD100 USB CD Player is the matching CD solution for the R810.
It uses a precision slot-loading mechanism within an acoustically isolated Fused Walnut cabinet.
One USB-C connection provides power, control and digital audio. Once connected, CD appears as a dedicated source within the R810 interface.
Playback can then be controlled using the R810’s RotoDial or rechargeable wireless remote.
HDMI ARC and eARC
HDMI ARC and eARC allow a compatible television to send audio to the R810 through one HDMI cable.
Depending on the television, the connection may also allow:
- Automatic source switching
- Television remote volume control
- Automatic standby coordination
- Higher-quality digital audio than older analogue connections
The television’s audio output may need to be set to PCM or stereo where an unsupported surround format prevents sound.
A High-Quality Alternative to a Soundbar
The R810 can sit beneath a wall-mounted television on its chrome stand or on suitable AV furniture using the supplied bar legs.
Its 1m cabinet width and separate left and right drive units create a broader stereo presentation than many compact soundbars.
The integrated subwoofer also provides greater bass weight without requiring a separate wireless enclosure elsewhere in the room.
Unlike a conventional soundbar, the R810 is equally intended for dedicated music listening when the television is switched off.
Optical Digital Input
A Toslink optical input supports two-channel PCM audio up to 24-bit/96kHz.
It can be used with:
- Older televisions without HDMI ARC
- Set-top boxes
- Games consoles with suitable output
- CD players and digital transports
- Other compatible digital sources
The source should be configured for stereo PCM rather than an unsupported multichannel surround format.
Moving-Magnet Phono Input
The dedicated stereo RCA phono input contains an RIAA phono stage for a compatible moving-magnet cartridge.
This allows many turntables to connect directly without an external phono pre-amplifier.
Additional gain can be selected through the phono menu to help match cartridges with different output levels.
Avoid Double Phono Amplification
A turntable or external phono stage already producing line-level output should not normally be connected to the R810 phono input.
Using two phono stages together will usually cause severe distortion. Use the line input instead.
Stereo Line Input
A separate stereo RCA line input accepts another analogue source with an output of up to approximately 2.3Vrms.
Possible sources include:
- A turntable with a built-in phono stage
- An external phono pre-amplifier
- A cassette deck
- A conventional CD player
- A portable music player
- A compatible television or set-top box
The input level can be adjusted to help balance its volume with the R810’s other sources.
External Subwoofer Output
A full-frequency mono RCA output is provided for a compatible active subwoofer.
The R810 already contains a capable integrated subwoofer, so an additional unit will not be necessary in most rooms.
An external subwoofer may still be considered for a particularly large room or specialist installation, but integration should be approached carefully to avoid excessive or uneven bass.
Four-Inch Portrait Colour Display
The high-contrast 4-inch colour TFT display uses a portrait orientation inspired by modern phone and music applications.
It shows:
- Source and track information
- Radio station details
- Menus and settings
- Album and station artwork where available
- Volume and playback status
Automatic dimming adjusts the display according to the surrounding light.
RotoDial Control
The integrated RotoDial combines a rotary controller with clearly arranged buttons.
It provides direct access to volume, source selection, menus and playback without requiring a phone or tablet.
The control has been designed to feel familiar to existing Ruark owners while remaining approachable for somebody using the system for the first time.
Rechargeable Wireless Remote
The supplied RM07 remote uses Bluetooth rather than infrared, so it does not require a direct line of sight to the cabinet.
It provides Ruark’s familiar RotoDial-style control layout in a handset that is designed to be left on display.
The remote contains a rechargeable battery and is charged through USB-C using the supplied cable.
Network Connection
The R810 supports dual-band Wi-Fi standards up to 802.11ax and also provides a 10/100Mbps Ethernet connection.
Ethernet may be preferable where:
- The Wi-Fi signal is weak at the installation position
- High-resolution network playback is used regularly
- The home network is particularly busy
- A permanent wired connection is already available
Wi-Fi remains convenient where running a network cable is impractical.
Multiroom Playback
AirPlay 2 and Google Cast can group the R810 with other compatible products around the home.
The grouped products must support the same platform and remain connected to the same network.
AirPlay and Google Cast groups are managed through their respective device applications rather than through a proprietary Ruark multiroom system.
Over-the-Air Software Updates
Ruark can add features, security improvements and bug fixes through network software updates.
The R810 should remain connected to the internet and should not be disconnected from power while an update is being installed.
USB updating is also supported where required.
Polished Chrome Floor Stand
The supplied floor stand positions the R810 at approximately 650mm high and gives it the appearance of a freestanding modern radiogram.
Rubber pads locate within matching recesses underneath the cabinet, helping position it securely on the stand.
The stand weighs approximately 4.4kg before packaging and must be assembled correctly before the cabinet is placed on top.
Two-Person Installation Is Recommended
The R810 cabinet weighs approximately 27kg and is 1m wide.
Use two people to lift and position it. Do not attempt to lift the assembled system by the RotoDial, aerial, grille or chrome stand.
Chrome Bar Legs for Furniture Placement
A pair of polished chrome bar legs is also included.
These allow the R810 to be positioned on a suitable sideboard, media unit or other substantial item of furniture without using the full-height floor stand.
The furniture must be:
- Level and stable
- Wide enough to support the complete cabinet
- Rated for at least the R810’s 27kg weight
- Deep enough for the cabinet and rear cables
- Positioned away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight
Placement and Ventilation
The R810 should be placed on a firm, level surface with suitable clearance for its rear connections and ventilation.
Avoid:
- Direct sunlight
- Radiators and other heat sources
- Damp or humid locations
- Unstable furniture
- Blocking the rear connections
- Placing heavy equipment on top of the cabinet
The sound should be assessed from the main listening position before making large tone or subwoofer adjustments.
Fused Walnut Finish
The Fused Walnut version combines a veneered walnut cabinet with a solid Fused Walnut grille.
The grain and colour make the R810 feel more like a piece of handcrafted furniture than conventional audio equipment.
The wood is made from fast-growing sustainable material that is sliced, reconstituted and finished to provide the character of slow-growing hardwood.
Soft Grey Lacquer Finish
The Soft Grey version combines a lacquered cabinet with the same solid Fused Walnut grille.
It offers a lighter and more contemporary appearance while retaining the warmth and texture of the wooden front.
Both standard finishes use the same electronics, amplification and speaker system.
R810 or R710?
Choose the R810 When
- You want a complete active speaker system
- No separate loudspeakers are desired
- An integrated subwoofer is important
- The system will form part of the room’s furniture
- You want a broad alternative to a television soundbar
- The polished floor stand suits the installation
- A 1m-wide cabinet can be accommodated
Choose the R710 When
- You want to select separate passive speakers
- Built-in CD playback is required
- You may change loudspeakers later
- A conventional console-and-speaker layout is preferred
- The system needs greater placement flexibility
- You want the matching Talisman-R or Sabre-R speakers
Compare the Ruark R710 CD Hi-Fi Console.
R810 or a Traditional Separates System?
Choose the R810 When
- You want one complete engineered system
- Simplicity and appearance are major priorities
- You do not want visible speaker cables
- Streaming, radio, television and vinyl are all required
- The integrated speaker performance suits the room
- You prefer fewer boxes and remote controls
Choose Separates When
- You want to upgrade each component independently
- Speaker placement needs to be widely adjustable
- You want a wider physical stereo separation
- Specialist analogue or digital sources are central
- You enjoy experimenting with system matching
- The room can accommodate separate equipment
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Living rooms and open-plan spaces
- Music and television systems
- Wall-mounted television installations
- Customers who value furniture-quality design
- Streaming, radio and vinyl listeners
- Customers moving away from multiple separates
- Households wanting straightforward operation
- Rooms where visible speaker cables are undesirable
Check Before Buying
- Delivery access is suitable for the large carton
- The final position can support 27kg
- There is sufficient width and depth
- The floor stand or bar-leg installation has been chosen
- Power, HDMI, network and aerial cables can reach
- The turntable uses a compatible MM cartridge
- CD playback requires the optional R-CD100
- Bluetooth headphone software availability is confirmed
Ruark Products and Audio T Guides
Key Features
- Flagship high-fidelity radiogram
- Complete active stereo music system
- Discrete five-channel Class A/B amplification
- 180W total nominal amplifier output
- Two 30mm Ruark silk-dome tweeters
- Two 100mm Ruark paper-cone NS+ woofers
- Integrated 200mm long-throw subwoofer
- Twin tuned bass-reflex satellite enclosures
- Sealed subwoofer enclosure
- Braced and internally divided MDF cabinet
- 25Hz to 22kHz typical frequency response
- Bass adjustment
- Treble adjustment
- Loudness control
- Adjustable subwoofer level
- Ruark Stereo+ processing
- Burr-Brown 32-bit/384kHz DAC architecture
- Burr-Brown 32-bit/192kHz ADC architecture
- Apple AirPlay 2
- Google Cast
- Spotify Connect
- TIDAL Connect
- Qobuz Connect
- UPnP and DLNA media-server playback
- Internet radio
- DAB and DAB+ digital radio
- FM radio with RDS
- Twenty global presets
- Bluetooth 5.1
- aptX HD, AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs
- Bluetooth headphone support announced through software update
- Dual-band Wi-Fi up to 802.11ax
- 10/100Mbps Ethernet
- AirPlay and Google Cast multiroom support
- HDMI ARC and eARC
- Optical PCM input up to 24-bit/96kHz
- Stereo RCA line input
- Moving-magnet phono input
- Adjustable phono gain
- Mono RCA subwoofer output
- USB-C music-file playback
- USB-C device charging up to 5W
- Optional R-CD100 CD playback
- Four-inch portrait colour display
- Automatic display dimming
- Top-mounted RotoDial controller
- Rechargeable Bluetooth RotoDial remote
- Over-the-air software updates
- Polished chrome floor stand included
- Polished chrome bar legs included
- Fused Walnut finish
- Soft Grey Lacquer finish
- Solid Fused Walnut grille
- Two-year standard Ruark guarantee
- Free third year through Ruark registration
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Ruark R810 require separate speakers?
No. The amplification, stereo speakers and subwoofer are all built into the cabinet.
How much amplifier power does the R810 provide?
Ruark’s dedicated specification lists a combined nominal output of 180W through a discrete five-channel Class A/B amplifier.
Which speaker drivers are fitted?
The R810 uses two 30mm silk-dome tweeters, two 100mm paper-cone NS+ woofers and one 200mm long-throw subwoofer.
Does the R810 contain a subwoofer?
Yes. A dedicated active subwoofer is built into a sealed internal enclosure.
Can another subwoofer be connected?
Yes. A mono RCA output is provided, although the integrated subwoofer should be sufficient for most installations.
Does the R810 include a CD player?
No. Integrated CD playback is available by connecting the optional Ruark R-CD100 through USB-C.
Can I connect a turntable directly?
Yes, when the turntable uses a compatible moving-magnet cartridge. The R810 includes an adjustable MM phono stage.
What if my turntable already has a phono stage?
Connect it to the R810 line input rather than the phono input to avoid applying phono amplification twice.
Can the R810 connect to a television?
Yes. HDMI ARC and eARC are provided, together with an optical input for older televisions and other digital sources.
Can the television remote control the R810 volume?
Usually yes through HDMI CEC, subject to the television’s settings and compatibility.
Does it support Apple AirPlay 2?
Yes. AirPlay 2 also allows compatible multiroom grouping.
Does it support Google Cast?
Yes. Google Cast can also be used for compatible multiroom playback.
Which Connect services are built in?
Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect are supported.
Can it play music from a NAS drive?
Yes, through a compatible UPnP or DLNA media server on the same network.
Can it play high-resolution files from USB?
Yes. Supported formats include FLAC, AIFF, ALAC and WAV. Maximum resolution varies by format and installed software.
Can I use Bluetooth headphones?
Ruark has announced Bluetooth headphone support for the R810 through an over-the-air update scheduled for August 2026. Confirm that the required update has been released and installed.
Is a remote control included?
Yes. A rechargeable Bluetooth RotoDial remote and USB-C charging cable are supplied.
Does the remote require line of sight?
No. It communicates through Bluetooth rather than conventional infrared.
Is the chrome floor stand included?
Yes. The polished chrome floor stand and a separate pair of chrome bar legs are supplied.
Can the R810 be placed on a sideboard?
Yes. Use the supplied bar legs and ensure the furniture is level, stable, deep enough and capable of supporting at least 27kg.
How large is the R810?
The cabinet measures approximately 152mm high, 1000mm wide and 400mm deep. On its stand, the complete system is approximately 650mm high and 435mm deep.
How much does it weigh?
The cabinet weighs approximately 27kg. The complete packaged system and stand weigh approximately 40kg.
Which finishes are available?
Fused Walnut veneer or Soft Grey Lacquer, both with a solid Fused Walnut grille.
What guarantee is provided?
Ruark provides a standard two-year guarantee, extended to three years when the product is registered with Ruark under its current terms.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Dedicated Ruark R810 demonstrations
- Music and television system demonstrations
- Delivery and access planning
- Floor-stand and sideboard installation guidance
- HDMI ARC and eARC setup
- Television audio-format configuration
- Apple AirPlay and Google Cast setup
- Spotify, TIDAL and Qobuz Connect assistance
- Internet, DAB and FM radio setup
- Turntable and cartridge compatibility advice
- Phono and line-input configuration
- R-CD100 CD-player demonstrations
- Network, Wi-Fi and Ethernet guidance
- USB and network music-library assistance
- Bluetooth headphone software checks
- Finish and room-placement advice
- Part exchange may be available on suitable existing equipment
- Ruark guarantee and registration guidance
- Ongoing product and system support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss delivery, positioning and source setup for the Ruark R810.