The Unlikely Return of the Compact Disc

A decade ago, the suggestion that the Compact Disc would experience a renaissance might have seemed far-fetched. Yet, we find ourselves in a moment where the CD revival is picking up significant steam among audiophiles who value physical media. British audio manufacturer Ruark is leaning directly into this trend with its latest hardware announcements.


The New Ruark R710 and Talisman-R Speakers

During the High End Vienna exhibition, Ruark unveiled the R710, a successor to its popular R610 hi-fi console. The R710 represents a major step up in both size and power, designed to pair with the brand's new Talisman-R floorstanding speakers—a format Ruark hasn't produced for some time.


The decision to include an integrated CD player in the R710 was driven by customer feedback. According to the brand, many owners of their previous models were purchasing external CD players, prompting a direct request for a more streamlined, all-in-one solution.


Design and Technical Capabilities

The CD drive on the R710 is cleverly integrated, hidden behind the unit's wooden slats for a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Key technical highlights include:

  • Audio Fidelity: The system supports lossless 16-bit/44.1kHz audio, offering sound quality that often surpasses standard streaming services.
  • Versatility: While it serves as a high-end CD player (supporting CD-DA, CD-R, and CD-RW formats), it also functions as a hub for streaming, DAB radio, and Bluetooth audio.
  • Visual Appeal: The larger front display is designed to showcase album artwork, complementing the device's 1970s-inspired retro-chic design and signature walnut finish.
  • Connectivity: The unit includes an HDMI port for TV integration and features a powerful 200W output, a significant jump from the 75W found in the smaller R610.

Pricing and Availability

The Talisman-R speakers are priced at £1,499 per pair, while the R710 system is set to retail for £2,199. The system is scheduled for a broad release this October, with pre-orders currently available through various specialized audio retailers. For those with a collection of CDs waiting to be rediscovered, the R710 offers a compelling reason to clear off the shelf and start listening again.