Can we have a discussion about Ruark Audio? We feel that it is most certainly in order. UK-based Ruark Audio gets the cold shoulder from North American publications and none of that makes sense. Products like the new Ruark R-CD100 CD Transport are further evidence that manufacturers understand that interest in physical media is not going away and consumers with CDs want to be able to play them long-term.
Earlier in 2023, Ruark introduced the R410 Integrated Music System ($1,799) which integrates a hi-res network streamer, power amplifier, phono pre-amplifier, and loudspeaker.
More recently, we reported on their innovative R810 Hi-Fi Radiogram ($4,500) which is both a rather strikingly beautiful piece of furniture, and high-end audio console. Just far nicer than anything your father owned in the 1950s or 1960s.
Robert Silva recently covered their new R610 Music Console and Sabre-R bookshelf speakers and we are rather intrigued by this system (and you can use your own passive loudspeakers with the R610) because it offers all of the benefits of something like the Cambridge Audio Evo 75 for less money and has the option of adding a pair of loudspeakers that were designed for it — just like the Cambridge Evo S loudspeakers that we reviewed earlier this year.
Ruark R-CD100
So what’s so interesting about the $350 R-CD100?
It is being marketed as a “CD player” which is somewhat misleading as it does not include its own DAC. It’s a transport. A really cool looking transport — but let’s call it what it really is.
In terms of its front panel controls, the slot-loading R-CD100 features an eject button alongside the power LED housed at the front of the unit. It is also compatible with CD-DA, CD-R and CD-RW discs and features a USB-C connection at the rear, along with support for USB 2.0/3.0.
The industrial design matches the rather sleek looking components from the 100 series like the aforementioned R610, R810, and R410 — we love the walnut casing and aluminium top plate.
When you connect the R-CD100 to its powered siblings with the USB-C connection, the transport is immediately recognised as a “CD” source and you can control it with one of their Ruark RotoDial Bluetooth remotes.
The internal 32-bit/384kHz DACs do the rest. Granted, 99% of consumers will be listening to 16–bit/44.1kHz CDs and Ruark has not specified if the DAC upsamples everything. There is no support for DSD, SACD, or MQA.
Which for 99% of the consumers who might add this to an existing Ruark 100 Series system — means absolutely nothing.
Features:
- Custom CD Drive for 100 Series models
- Acoustically isolated enclosure
- Precision, slot loading CD mechanism
- Whisper quiet operation
- Compatible with CD-DA and CD-R discs
- Interface: USB 2.0/3.0
- Finish: Machined Aluminium top with Fused Walnut cabinet
- Included items: R-CD100 USB CD player, USB C cable
- Power input: USB 5V 1A (5W) max
- Product dimensions: H45 × W175 × D167mm
- Product weight: 1.2 kg
The Bottom Line
The Ruark R-CD100 adds an another physical media option to the 100 series and we really like the simplicity of the design and the ability to control it with one of the coolest looking Bluetooth remotes we have ever seen.
The 100 series offers a lot of value for the money and is unquestionably, one of the best looking ranges of affordable high-end components currently available.
$350 is not a huge ask for a high-end CD transport that will allow you to enjoy your CD collection for years to come.
For more information: ruarkaudio.com
Related Articles:
- Ruark’s R610 Music Console & Sabre-R Bookshelf Speakers: Preview
- Ruark Audio’s R810 High-Fidelity Radiogram: Preview
- Cambridge Audio’s Evo One Wireless Speaker: Preview
