There’s nothing like the deep growl of a great bass line to make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. Unfortunately, without the space for massive floor-standing speakers, getting a big bass sound is not easy unless you opt for a subwoofer, a particular type of speaker designed for lower frequencies.
British audio brand Ruark has decided to provide its loyal customer base with more bass by developing the RS1, the brand’s sub-woofer. The new speaker follows on from last month’s announcement of the new R410 digital streamer, which I previewed here. The new subwoofer will also make an ideal partner for Ruark’s award-winning MR1 Bluetooth speakers.
The all-new RS1 subwoofer can transform the bass performance of any home audio system by producing a large and deep soundscape that the listener can both hear and feel. Like the rest of the Ruark line-up, the design and technical specifications of RS1 are suitably premium.
While the average subwoofer is rather dull, black and square, the Ruark RS1 has a tailored speaker grille and hand-crafted panels that make it look more attractive when placed in a domestic setting.
Ruark claims that enjoyment of music is at the core of all the audio products the company produces and says the RS1 is no different. In a press release issued today, Ruark explains that the RS1 isn’t an overblown and unsubtle subwoofer; it aims to produce a deep and controlled bass that can impart a rhythmically musical low end to any music. The extra bass brings a much more satisfying and fulsome soundstage.
To achieve a controlled and mellow character, Ruark has optimized the RS1’s enclosure by fitting it with custom drivers tuned to deliver a more natural and extended bass, a fast and rhythmic bass. To drive the subwoofer, Ruark has used a 100W Class D amplifier with plenty of headroom but with soft clipping and protection in the unlikely event the subwoofer is overloaded.
Setup and adjustment of the RS1 is straightforward and it includes an auto-on and standby function so it can turn itself on and off automatically as required. The RS1 is designed to deliver the low bass frequencies that smaller speakers and music streamers can’t manage. Ruark says that the new RS1 subwoofer is suitable for use with the company’s MR1 and R3S models or any other system where the extra growl from a subwoofer is needed.
Pricing & Availability: The Ruark RS1 subwoofer is available from September 14 and costs $499 / £349.
More info: ruarkaudio.com
Tech Specs:
- Frequency response: 25Hz – 200Hz.
- Cabinet: Tuned passive radiator enclosure.
- Drivers: 170mm treated fiber long-throw active driver and 170mm passive radiator.
- Amplifier: 100W RMS Class D with soft clipping filter.
- Controls: Adjustable crossover 50–180Hz, input/volume level control and 180-degree phase switch.
- Input: Sub-input via Mono RCA input (up to 2.3Vrms).
- Finish: Lead Grey cabinet cloth with Rich Walnut top and bottom panels.
- Power consumption: 0.5W standby, 2.0W idle.
- Product dimensions (HxWxD): 300 x 250 x 265mm.
- Product weight: 6.7kg.