Price Paid:  $0.00 from Audio-T, High Wycomb

Summary:
I bought these based on magazine reviews and extensive listening. The smaller size, styling and real wood (Ihave the cherry) were also major selling points. I bought them when I was living in the UK and would still consider them now even though the US price is higher. Simply put they have wonderful sound. I bought them with the Dialogue One and Epilogue speakers for a 5.1 surround set up. I also run them with a Rel Strata III sub, that also conveniently has the same would finish as the Ruarks (they are both made in Essex UK). These should not however be simply categorised as home theatre speakers. They are way better than than. They are very musical is a way most HT speakers are not. They can hold their own as two channel music speakers in their own right, but can also handle the cut and thrust of HT. Films, which tend to be very music heavy, sound better as a result. At the moment I run the speakers from Yamaha DSP-A1 amp. This is my weakest source in my music chain. The speakers deserve better. I tested them with a Tag 32R processor and Primare A30.5 amp and it was some of the best sound around. It proved that with a nice clean amp and quality processing, the speakers just sound better and better. In summary, I am so impressed with them, that I bought a second pair of Epilogues for matching 7.1 surround, even though at the moment I do not have the means to use them. Quality product. Enough said.

Summary:
First of all, it appears as thought Ruark is marketing these more as Home Theater speakers than audiophile-quality speakers for use in a traditional 2-channel setup. It's a shame, because I almost missed these in the shuffle! I had a pair of Martin-Logan Aerius-i's that I really liked -- for a while, that is. What they do well, they do REALLY well -- they sounded great on the 50's and 60's jazz I listen to mostly, but as time passed I felt more and more like I wanted a more versatile speaker to accomodate the different kinds of music I like to listen to. My system currently looks like this:
*Systemdek IIX 'table/AQ PT6 arm/Grado Platinum/VPI PLC II
*CAL Audio Delta/Alpha transport/D-A
*Audio Research LS7 line stage
*Audio Research PH3 phono stage
*old 60's-era Scott Stereomaster tube tuner
*Quicksilver M-60 tube monoblock amps (60W ea)
*REL Strata II sub

These are a WAY EASIER load on my amps than the M-L's, barely dipping below 6 ohms (according to a Stereophile Home Theater review reprint I got from dealer). They image very well, and the 1.25" silk dome tweeter is never harsh. The cabinet is very well-braced internally, and the only parallel surfaces are the two sides -- a combination that results in a very "un-boxy", uncolored sound. I'm very happy with these -- did I mention how beautiful they are? I coveted ProAc's for some time, in no small part because of the quality of their finishes and construction. The Ruarks have nothing to apologize for in that regard, believe me. These were stuck in the "home theater" demo room of the dealer where I bought them, and I saw them almost on accident. I'm glad I did. If you're interested in a small, sleek-looking, smooth-sounding, easy-to-drive speaker with beautiful "cosmetics", check these out. (My rating below takes into consideration the reasonable ($1900/pr) price)

Strengths:
Narrow front baffle provides for great imaging. Very well-balanced. Very easy to drive! (8 ohms nominal, 89 db/1 W efficient)

Weaknesses:
No real weaknesses per se -- as long as you're not expecting too much bass from two 5-inch drivers.

Similar Products Used:
Replaced my Martin-Logan Aerius-i's. Almost bought Vienna Acoustics Mozarts -- glad I found these.

Summary:
Outstanding set of speakers, well worth the price. After break-in, during which the bass was weak and the highs were too sharp, these guys are ready to show you what you've been missing with Infinity and other brands you can get at Circuit City, not to mention plenty of other brands that sell at the audio stores - e.g. Boston Acoustics, Mirage, and Def. Tech. Excellent imaging, soundstage, and a sense of air around each instrument are the things that led me to buy these speakers. That and the beautiful finish! These speakers are a joy to behold, both sonically and visually. No cheesy plastic, just real wood veneer. I got the cherry. These speakers can be a little too good for home theater, as they can reveal some of the mixing and special effects for what they are. If you have the luxury of being able to buy separate speakers for your audio and home theater setups, then you MIGHT be able to do better. Oh, did I mention that Ruark also has the Dialogue One and the Epilogue? Dialogue has identical drivers as the Prologue, in a center channel configuration, and Epilogue are stand-mount (but small enough to hang with some sturdy brackets) which function well as rears. Just add a subwoofer and you've transformed your incredible listening experience into an incredible A/V experience. Enough rambling - go check these out at your nearest opportunity.