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A British Hi-Fi Brand Just Made Its Signature Audiophile Speaker Even Cooler

The gorgeous speaker celebrates the audio maker’s 40-year hi-fi heritage.

Close-up of a wooden surface with curved inlaid lines, a black circular control knob, and a small display with a yellow logo.Ruark Audio
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By Tucker Bowe

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Ruark Audio is well known for its wireless speaker systems and compact radios that blend vintage aesthetics with modern acoustics and technologies. Its flagship 100 Series of hi-fi components — which consists of music streamers, streaming amplifiers, and wireless speakers — exemplify that.

In late 2023, the British hi-fi manufacturer introduced the Ruark R810, a highly versatile all-in-one wireless speaker that resembles a media console (hence the term “radiogram”). At $5,000, it’s been the most expensive hi-fi component that Ruark makes.

Now, as part of the brand’s 40th anniversary celebrations, it has introduced a special-edition version of that gorgeous all-in-one wireless speaker.

Ruark R810 MiE Radiogram

Two modern wooden speakers with black front grills and geometric patterns on top, one in dark wood and one in light wood, on metal stands.
The two finishes of the Ruark R810 MiE: Penta-Chord Walnut and Leaf-Line Oak.
Ruark Audio

Made in England

The Ruark R810 MiE is part of the company’s “Made in England” project, which the company says “focuses on limited production bespoke hand-built products using traditional practices.” Basically, they’re premium versions of the company’s existing hi-fi components.

The first product in its Made in England project was the R5 MiE wireless speaker, which was released (and promptly sold out) in 2021. However, due to Covid and other “subsequent component shortages,” Ruark pumped the brakes on the project.

Now it’s reigniting it with the second MiE product: the Ruark R810 MiE.

Wood-finished audio system with black control knobs and a digital display showing a green circular pattern.
The R810 MiE comes with a wireless remote that matches the speaker’s top dial for playback control.
Ruark Audio

Modern sound, centuries-old craft

The difference with the R810 MiE is purely aesthetic. Ruark partnered with Storm Furniture, an artisan maker based in Norfolk (and a proud member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen), to hand-build the cabinet and grille components using a centuries-old art called “marquetry.”

Ruark describes marquetry as a meticulous process that involves cutting and arranging select veneers, then carefully bonding them to the cabinet in a beautiful, intricate design. Then, multiple layers of lacquer finish are applied to create a lustrous finish.

The Ruark R810 MiE comes in two finishes: Penta-Chord Walnut and Leaf-Line Oak. Only 50 of each — so, 100 total — will be made.

Back panel of a black audio device with RCA, optical, HDMI, USB, Ethernet, and DAB/FM antenna ports on a metal stand.
The R810 MiE is an all-in-one speaker that supports wired and wireless connections.
Ruark Audio

A highly versatile wireless speaker

Aside from the elevated looks, the R810 MiE is the same all-in-one wireless speaker as the standard R810 — which is far from shabby.

The speaker packs five drivers — two 28mm silk dome tweeters, two 100mm mid-woofers and a single 200mm long-throw subwoofer — and its built-in Class AB amplification outputs up 180 watts of power.

Back panel of a high-fidelity radiogram with power switch, fuse, AC input, and wooden plaque on a black frame.
Each MiE edition speaker bears an engraved plaque as proof of authenticity.
Ruark Audio

On the Wi-Fi streaming side, the R810 MiE supports most everything you’d need, including AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Qobuz Connect, and Tidal Connect. It can play high-resolution audio up to 32-bit/192kHz. It supports Bluetooth streaming, too.

On the wired side, it has a built-in MM phono stage for easy turntable connectivity. It has an HDMI eARC input for connecting it to your TV and using as a soundbar. It also has line-in and optical inputs for hooking up other playback sources.

Close-up of two wooden surfaces with geometric patterns, each featuring a circular black control dial with buttons.
Each of these special edition speakers has a unique design. Like a fingerprint.
Ruark Audio

Price and availability

The Ruark R810 MiE Radiogram is available now on the company’s website. It costs £6,495 (or roughly $8,955), making it significantly more expensive than the standard Ruark R810, which currently sells for about $5K.

About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

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