"It's the last physical format we'll ever have." How the demand for CDs, tactility and good design led to Ruark's new R710 streaming amplifier

Ruark R710 streaming amp in demo room at High End Vienna 2026 show.

When Ruark Audio launched the R410 all-in-one system and R610 streaming amplifier in the last couple of years, the 40-year-old brand thought it was done with CDs. These hi-res streaming-laden music systems also featured radio tuners and a phono stage, but silver disc playback was never part of the picture.

But then everyone started asking about CDs, says owner and managing director Alan O’Rourke. That led to an optional CD drive being offered that you could connect via USB-C to any of the R100 series, but a more integrated solution was clearly needed.