Ruark Audio R3S Compact Music System

"A Modern All-in-One Hi-Fi: Great Sound, Easy to Use, Beautiful to Look At"

If you were into hi-fi audio in the mid-90s, the name Ruark Audio might ring a bell. Back then, the British brand was known for its high-fidelity stereo loudspeakers—models like the Equinox series that sold in Thailand for tens of thousands of baht per pair.

Today, Ruark Audio has evolved from traditional stereo systems into a more lifestyle-oriented direction. They’ve recently reentered the Thai market, launching several new models including the R3S Compact Music System—a beautiful all-in-one audio solution for the modern listener.

Design & Build Quality

The Ruark R3S is a compact, all-in-one tabletop system that seamlessly blends modern minimalism with European classic aesthetics. It’s designed with a walnut veneer casing and a stylish gray fabric grille. At first glance, it doesn’t just look like an audio device—it looks like a premium piece of home décor.

Built-in are two 75mm Ruark NS+ full-range drivers in a bass-reflex cabinet, with downward-firing bass ports and a 30-watt amplifier. Frequency response is rated from 40Hz to 20kHz, more than enough for small to mid-sized rooms.

Inside, it features a hi-res DAC supporting up to 24-bit/192kHz, with adjustable bass, treble, loudness compensation, and a 3D audio mode to widen the soundstage.

Versatile Playback Options

This isn’t just a speaker—it’s a complete audio system. The R3S can play music from multiple sources, including:

• CDs (Audio CD, MP3 CDs, CD-R/RW)
• FM Radio (with RDS, 87.5–108MHz)
• DAB/DAB+ Digital Radio
• Internet Radio
• USB Playback (via USB-C, supporting MP3 on FAT32 drives up to 48kHz/320kbps)

And yes, it supports Bluetooth 5.2 (SBC, A2DP, BLE) and Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), making it easy to stream from:

• Spotify Connect
• Amazon Music
• Deezer

Unfortunately, TIDAL isn’t natively supported, but external streamers like WiiM Pro or Bluesound Node can be connected via Line-in (RCA) or Optical In.

Connectivity & Controls

The R3S also offers:

• 3.5mm headphone out
• RCA Line-Out / Sub-Out
• Optical Digital In
• Stereo RCA Line-In

It can be controlled through the top-mounted rotary dial, the included remote control, or via the Oktiv smartphone app. One small usability note: navigating the on-screen menus using the remote is slightly unintuitive—you use left/right buttons to scroll up/down, because the up/down buttons are fixed for volume control.

Once connected to Wi-Fi, the system can receive firmware updates and stream online content. The slot-loading CD player even fetches track and album info from the internet—displaying artist names, album titles, and song names on the front display.

Sound Performance

At 5.2 kg, the R3S feels solid and premium. And it sounds just as good as it looks.

The dual full-range drivers offer clear and enjoyable sound with enough presence to fill a bedroom, office, or small living room. You won’t get subwoofer-level bass, but it’s tight and warm, ideal for casual or focused listening. The 3D audio mode can be used to broaden the soundstage further.

If you're craving more low-end or volume, the Line-Out/Sub-Out allows you to connect it to powered speakers or a full audio system.

Streaming Internet Radio and Podcasts through the R3S sounds vastly superior to listening on your smartphone or tablet speakers. And CD playback is smooth, with the slot-loading mechanism working quietly and efficiently.

Who Is It For?

The Ruark Audio R3S is perfect for anyone looking for a premium, all-in-one audio system with:

• Elegant, furniture-grade design
• Multiple input options
• CD playback
• Internet and traditional radio
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi streaming
• Expandable connectivity (optical in, RCA, USB, sub-out)

It’s ideal for use in bedrooms, living rooms, or offices—whether you're working, relaxing, entertaining guests, or even throwing a small house party.

Final Verdict

At ฿39,990, the Ruark R3S offers great value for its features and build quality. It's not just a speaker—it's a complete lifestyle music system designed with care, flexibility, and attention to sonic detail. Whether you're new to hi-fi or a seasoned audiophile looking for something stylish and simple, the R3S is absolutely worth a listen.