For its size, Great Britain calls itself home to more high-end audio brands than you'd expect. One of these, Ruark Audio, has just teamed up with another British imprint, Fred Perry, for a collaboration that blends the best of both brands.
The Ruark Audio MR1, one of the company's most popular Bluetooth sound systems, has been reimagined in Fred Perry's signature black and champagne colorway – that most commonly associated with its iconic polo shirt. The limited-edition Ruark Audio x Fred Perry MR1 speakers are built with real wood and painted in an all-over matte black makeup, with Fred Perry's instantly recognizable laurel wreath logo appearing on the polyester-piqué-covered speaker grills. Standing at a small but solid 6.7" x 5.1" x 5.2" (170mm x 130mm x 135mm), the speakers are ideal for bookshelves, desks, and places with limited space.
Internally, the MR1 features a 75mm polypropylene woofer and a 20mm silk dome tweeter, both of which were custom-designed and operate with a neo magnet system. The speakers are aptX Bluetooth compatible and are capable of streaming of hi-res audio, but can be connected via cables thanks to dedicated analogue and optical digital inputs on the rear panel. They feature a dedicated subwoofer output, too, together with a 3.5mm stereo jack for an AUX input, providing users with multiple connectivity options. An adaptive EQ system adjusts the sound based on the environment the speakers are in, helping to ensure listeners have the best possible sound.
The speakers come packed with a compact remote control, however they will also turn themselves off with an automatic standby setting that activates after 20 minutes of inactivity. While the MR1 are mains powered, Ruark Audio offers an accessory that provides users with portable power; it's called BackPack 3 and the brand claims it provides "up to twelve hours of mains free listening depending on volume."
Ruark Audio was established in 1985 in Southend on Sea, Essex. It remains family-owned and still develops its products on its own premises. The brand's collaboration with Fred Perry is the perfect partnership, merging British audio and fashion heritage.
The limited-edition Ruark Audio x Fred Perry MR1 speakers are available now exclusively at Fred Perry, costing £375 GBP (approximately $474 USD).
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