Ruark Audio’s Made in England (MiE) project will see it work with some of the country’s most skilful master craftspeople to bring an unrivalled new level of finish to its designs. MiE will focus on bespoke products that are hand built using traditional techniques. Each unit has the same high level of care and attention, using only the finest FSC-approved timbers, veneers and materials.
The various elements that comprise the cabinet of the first MiE design, the R5, have been made in a Suffolk workshop, with the final product then hand-assembled in England at Ruark’s HQ, where all the design and engineering also takes place.
The slatted wooden grille is a new design feature for this Limited Edition R5. Handcrafted from multiple layers of walnut bonded to a black substrate the tolerances on this need to be exact, so the slats surrounding the display assembly line up perfectly.
Adding further to MiE’s individuality is the veneer that clads the enclosures. With truly green credentials, these veneers are man-made in Italy from sustainable woods such as poplar. By cutting, colouring and recomposing, the resulting veneers can closely mimic protected rare woods such as rosewood, but for MiE, Ruark has selected veneer patterns which are modern yet sophisticated, giving each a distinct look.
In terms of audio Ruark has carried over the enhancements created for its Limited Edition R5 Signature streamer, DAB/FM radio and CD player with Bluetoogh. Including revised routing of key signal paths, high purity oxygen free speaker cables and its Stereo+ sound processing.
Over the coming years, Ruark Audio expects its MiE products to become increasingly sought after. With a limited production run of just 35 units to celebrate the launch of the first Ruark Acoustics speakers in 1986. The UK retail price of R5 MiE will be £2,000 and it will be available exclusively through John Lewis from November 2021.