RUARK AUDIO MR1 MK2 – DESIGN CONSCIOUS SOUND

Since its introduction in February 2013, our MR1 Bluetooth stereo speaker system has been widely commended as the best available.
MR1 Mk2 retains all the attributes of the original, but from customer feedback and our own ongoing desire for improvement we’ve now made them better than ever! In concept MR1 Mk2 retains the same compact dimensions, but its looks have been significantly enhanced making them even more appealing to design conscious customers. Whether in our classic Rich Walnut or chic new Soft Grey finish, MR1 Mk2 has been designed to look and sound great in multiple applications and locations.
The removable ‘˜Hi-Fi’ style grille of the original MR1 has been replaced by a fixed integrated grille clad in an attractive British sourced fabric. Many other materials were evaluated, but this distinct fabric met our requirement for both its contemporary look and acoustic performance. Further improvements have also been made to MR1’s controller. Now with three pin-point LEDs to indicate system status and input, the new controller is altogether slicker and more intuitive to use.

In terms of use and connectivity, MR1 Mk2 offers greater flexibility. Bluetooth with apt-X allows audio to be streamed and played wirelessly through MR1 with CD like sound. An optical input allows add-on devices such as Chromecast Audio to be easily connected, but significantly MR1 Mk2 makes a brilliant sound system for flat panel TVs, making viewing a much more enjoyable experience. Additionally the AUX input allows any device with a headphone or analogue output to be simply connected, but in particular they are a perfect partner for the recent resurgence of turntables, making a super stylish compact analogue playback system.

For customers seeking portability, MR1 Mk2 has been designed to work seamlessly with our recently launched BackPack II power pack, meaning that they can be freed from the mains power socket and onto the decking and the great outdoors. Additionally if the stereo speaker is disconnected then the control unit automatically converts to mono operation. This ability to be able to function as a mono unit makes MR1 extra portable and ideal as a music system to take on holiday or down to the beach.
With regards to sound, MR1 Mk2 builds further on the already high standard set by the original. The drive units with powerful neodymium motor systems remain the same, but enhancements have been made through refinement to the loudspeaker crossover and topology of our linear Class A-B amplifiers. The end result is a speaker system that further belies its modest size, with dynamics and precision which one would usually associate with larger and more expensive systems. To conclude MR1 Mk2 are high fidelity speakers designed to fill people’s life and home with quality sound without dominating it.
The new MR1 will be available from February 2017 through our select dealer network, including John Lewis, Selfridges, Harrods and other quality independent retailers. For full information please visit Link

KEY FEATURES
Hand crafted enclosures
Ruark 75mm neodymium woofers
Ruark 20mm neodymium tweeters
Bluetooth with aptX for CD quality streaming
Digital optical input
Linear Class A-B Amplifier, 20 watts nominal output
Audio grade components throughout
Compact remote control included
Quality speaker interconnect included
Subwoofer output
Line-in input (3.5mm stereo jack)
Auto Standby function
Multi coloured pin-point LEDs show system status and input
Loudness function for improved sound at low levels
Available finishes: Rich Walnut veneer or Soft Grey lacquer
Dimensions: H170 x W130 x D135mm each
Weight: 3.5 Kg pair . SRP UK: £329.99
ABOUT RUARK AUDIO
2016 marked a momentous year for family-owned British firm Ruark Audio, as it celebrated three decades of passion for high fidelity and beautiful design. In 1986 it started out manufacturing world- class, high-end loudspeakers for hi-fi enthusiasts. Today it applies those same high quality principles to design and engineer a new generation of perfectly formed, luxury music systems with wide-ranging appeal that look fabulous in any space.
Once described by Tatler as ‘simply the most beautiful radio in the world’, Ruark remains passionate about sound and producing timeless designs more than ever. Today, Ruark’s products are stocked in a hand-picked selection of audio and design retailers and leading department stores such as Harrods, Selfridges and John Lewis, while you can also find its models in the rooms of iconic institutions such as London’s Savoy and Marriott Park Lane hotels.
Ruark Audio’s ambition has always been to create design icons of the future. Products that appeal to the heart as much as the head and it is this ethos that the company will continue to follow for many more anniversaries to come.