Ruark R4i DAB - any good?
Discussion
Had an R4 for a couple of weeks and still have an R2. The 'i' added the iPhone dock on the R2 improved amplifier on the R4. Both sound really nice, the R4 especially had a really nice rounded sound. Both are a bit limited in soundstage compared to a proper stereo setup as the speakers are close together, but still much better than a single speaker system. Both very nicely built and finished.
I'd say they are worth the price if your main use is Radio, CD or playing off an iPod/Pad/Phone. Only downside is no streaming functions like Airplay, Internet Radio or the Sonos system, which is why I didn't keep the R4. From a sound perspective though I preferred the R4 to the B&W Dock (the Zepplin one). If you did want that stuff you could add a Airport Express or bluetooth adapter as they both have a couple of analog inputs. Don't think they have digital inputs though.
Seem to remember the R4 can play MP3s from a USB memory stick as well.
I'd say they are worth the price if your main use is Radio, CD or playing off an iPod/Pad/Phone. Only downside is no streaming functions like Airplay, Internet Radio or the Sonos system, which is why I didn't keep the R4. From a sound perspective though I preferred the R4 to the B&W Dock (the Zepplin one). If you did want that stuff you could add a Airport Express or bluetooth adapter as they both have a couple of analog inputs. Don't think they have digital inputs though.
Seem to remember the R4 can play MP3s from a USB memory stick as well.
survivalist said:
Had an R4 for a couple of weeks and still have an R2. The 'i' added the iPhone dock on the R2 improved amplifier on the R4. Both sound really nice, the R4 especially had a really nice rounded sound. Both are a bit limited in soundstage compared to a proper stereo setup as the speakers are close together, but still much better than a single speaker system. Both very nicely built and finished.
I'd say they are worth the price if your main use is Radio, CD or playing off an iPod/Pad/Phone. Only downside is no streaming functions like Airplay, Internet Radio or the Sonos system, which is why I didn't keep the R4. From a sound perspective though I preferred the R4 to the B&W Dock (the Zepplin one). If you did want that stuff you could add a Airport Express or bluetooth adapter as they both have a couple of analog inputs. Don't think they have digital inputs though.
Seem to remember the R4 can play MP3s from a USB memory stick as well.
cheers for reply. I wasn't overly impressed with the B&W i tried in John Lewis. Liked the sound of the Bang & Olufsen but doesn't have radio / DAB. The Ruark i've not heard yet but seems to get a few positive reviewsI'd say they are worth the price if your main use is Radio, CD or playing off an iPod/Pad/Phone. Only downside is no streaming functions like Airplay, Internet Radio or the Sonos system, which is why I didn't keep the R4. From a sound perspective though I preferred the R4 to the B&W Dock (the Zepplin one). If you did want that stuff you could add a Airport Express or bluetooth adapter as they both have a couple of analog inputs. Don't think they have digital inputs though.
Seem to remember the R4 can play MP3s from a USB memory stick as well.
Gassing Station | Home Cinema & Hi-Fi | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff