Ruark MRX review
Contributing Editor
Ruark is one of the brands that we most love reviewing here at Radio Fidelity.
Not only is Ruark a leading business in the world of radio, offering excellent high-quality sound with sensational style, but the company has a habit of delivering something extra special with each product.
When you buy a radio from Ruark, you don’t just get DAB connectivity or FM.
A Ruark radio comes with unlimited opportunities to rediscover music and talk radio through seamless connectivity, sensational sound profiles, and more.
Today, we’re taking a closer look at Ruark’s unique approach to the wireless Bluetooth speaker.
The Ruark MRX is a Bluetooth device designed to create the perfect sound system for your kitchen, living room, lounge or study.
What’s more, it comes with the option to link to other internet-enabled devices in the Ruark portfolio, to create a full home sound experience.
Ruark MRX review: Design and build
At first glance, the Ruark audio MRX looks like a smaller, more compact version of the Ruark R5.
There’s the same marl grey fabric covering on the flagship model, as well as that fantastic wood surround that’s so common on Ruark products.
You also get the patented Rotodial solution built into the centre of the product, which you can use to control your music with ease.
The Ruark MRX was designed to be as immersive and straightforward as possible, for people who want to jump into amazing digital audio.
If you want to discover all the benefits of internet radio and streaming, but you don’t want to spend forever fiddling around with tuning knobs and EQ, this is the device for you.
Although the MRX is technically a radio, it doesn’t give you the same range of FM and DAB connections that you usually get from Ruark products.
Instead, the MRX was specifically created to take advantage of all the benefits that streaming technology has to offer.
With this device, you get a fantastic range of streaming options to choose from, including Bluetooth, broadband internet and more.
Although there’s no screen included on the Ruark audio MRX, we didn’t think that this made the device any harder to use. You can still find virtually everything you need using the immersive Ruark dedicated app for Android and iOS devices.
The Ruark Link app allows you to control all the functions of the MRX, and it lets you combine different devices around your home too.
The Ruark MRX is clearly intended to be one of the most futuristic devices from the Ruark line, intended for the modern generation that cares more about Bluetooth streaming and podcasts, than CDs and FM radio.
Ruark MRX review: Features
Feature-wise, one of the main things that set the Ruark audio MRX apart from the crowd, is the fact that its custom made to work as part of a complete audio system.
While, by itself, we think that the Ruark MRX is more than enough to fill a room with vibrant sound, you can definitely upgrade the party by connecting your device to more internet-enabled products from the Ruark range.
The MRX works seamlessly with the R7, R3, and R2, Mk3 models, so you can keep your whole home in tune and in sync with the same amazing music.
What’s more, the internet tuner built into the MRX means that you don’t have to worry about running out at music. You can easily use the web to connect to your favourite channels, whenever and wherever you like.
Coming in at a price of just under £400, the Ruark Audio MRX isn’t the most expensive option in the Ruark portfolio today, but it’s certainly not super affordable either.
On the plus side, you do get what you pay for when it comes to high-quality connectivity, sensational sound and flexibility.
Features include:
- Complete connectivity with other Ruark internet-connected devices
- Flexible usage – use it in landscape or portrait mode
- Mount your MRX in smaller rooms
- Access internet radio for a wide selection of listening options
- Sensational Bluetooth streaming with high-performance receiver
- Incredible sound quality with class A-B amplifier
- Wonderful volume levels
- Wired connectivity available with aux-in and digital input
- USB playback port
- Wireless music access
- Attractive and high-level design
- Ethernet connection option
One thing that we particularly liked during our Ruark audio MRX review is how Ruark has included the option to use an ethernet cable to connect to the internet if you need to.
This is an excellent extra feature for people who might have trouble maintaining a consistent wi-fi connection. It’s not something that most companies would think about.
However, Ruark seems to have a habit for going the extra mile.
Ruark MRX review: Performance
Although it’s nice to have a Ruark radio that looks amazing and comes with a bunch of versatile connectivity features, our Ruark audio MRX review isn’t complete yet.
If you’re going to spend a small fortune on an audio device, then you need to know that you’re going to get sensational sound quality throughout.
Fortunately, Ruark almost always delivers on sensational sound. If you’re looking for a wireless speaker that delivers as much beauty visually as it does via audio, then this is the device for you.
Like many of the products in the Ruark R range, the MRX features Class A-B amplifier technology with a built-in quality switch mode power supply.
To put the kind of audio you’re getting into context, the same technology that powers the Ruark Audio MRX is used in amplifier and audio equipment for leading musicians around the world.
The linear amplification means that you get a deep level of sensational sound profiles, whether you’re listening to music or speech.
Although the MRX price tag might be high, you can rest assured that you’re paying for some of the best audio technology on the market – not just a pretty face.
Ruark MRX review: Verdict
So, is this the wireless speaker that you’ve been looking for?
Well, that depends.
If you want amazing sound quality and money is no object, then Ruark will blow you away with an amazing speaker system.
The MRX is truly fantastic, with lightning-fast connections and a range of great ways to listen to music, although we did miss the option to browse through DAB channel.
However, there are definitely cheaper tools out there that do more or less the same thing. Ruark is a very expensive brand and something that won’t suit everyone.
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