Anthony checks out a DAB radio that refuses to be held back
Digital audio broadcasting presents something of a problem for radio manufacturers releasing products in the UK. No matter how good their products are, no matter what features they include, they’re still going to be hamstrung by the fact that we’re using an old version of DAB, which provides lower-quality audio than FM radio. Meanwhile, many other countries are using DAB+, which can potentially provide much better sound, thanks to its more efficient codec (aacPlus, instead of MP2).
At the moment, there are no plans to switch over to DAB+ in the UK, so whether you spend a lot or a little on a digital radio, you’re going to be limited to low-bitrate transmissions, which generally sound like someone talking through a Pringles tube.
Why, then, would you spend £200 on a DAB radio, like Ruark Audio is hoping you will? Well, for a start, it’s fully compatible with DAB+, so you won’t have to replace it, should that technology eventually be launched over here. However, that’s a bit of a risk, considering the uncertainty around that issue.
What’s more important about the R1 Mk3 is the fact that it’s built to the same high standards that have attracted numerous awards for this company’s products, including the previous incarnations of the R1. Finished in either black, white or ‘Rich Walnut’, it consists of a 17cm tall box with a 3.5” loudspeaker in the middle, a display on the front, buttons and a dial on the front, and underneath you can find the recessed area of the bass reflex cabinet.
It’s certainly not cheap, but this British-made radio oozes quality and, thankfully, that’s more than skin deep. Yes, you’re still limited by the DAB standard, but the R1 also functions as an FM radio and a Bluetooth speaker, and there’s also a 3.5mm input at the back as well. You’ll also find an extendable, detachable antenna back there, along with a headphone port and a USB port for charging mobile devices. Oh, and it also functions as an alarm clock, so you can wake up to your favourite One Direction songs (or, if you prefer, actual music).
It’s these extra features that really make the R1 useful, especially the Bluetooth. The sound quality is top notch, with clear highs and distortionfree bass notes, even at high volume. And if you’re connected to a smartphone or tablet, you can use the R1 controls to skip tracks, as well as altering the volume. We also tested this feature with a Mac and Spotify, but the radio simply displayed the word ‘unknown’, rather the name of the track and artist like it should have.
That might not be the case with all programs or operating systems, though and, to be honest, it didn’t really bother us too much. Although the R1 works perfectly well as a speaker for a desktop PC or laptop, it seems to be primarily created as a portable device. That’s particularly evident if you take into account the optional accessories that Ruark also sells. With the battery pack (£50) and the leather carry case (£40), you can easily stream music from a smartphone or tablet while out and about – and look good in the process.
No matter where you intend to use the R1, though, you’re looking at a serious investment here. It’s not cheap, but it looks good, sounds fantastic and feels as if it’s been built to last. Yes, it might cost a lot now, but if it lasts you ten years, rather than breaking and having to be replaced in one, then it’s worth the cost. If you’re looking for a well-made radio and speaker that you can take with you wherever you go, and you can afford something like this, then there’s very little reason not to buy it. Anthony Enticknap
Future-proof, and sounds as good as it looks.