Punchy, detailed, dynamic,very enjoyable and involving, (nearly) like being there

Lack of bass, can be a bit shrill, if I moved into a bigger room, they might sound a bit weedy, but these are minor quibbles

I use the Ruarks with a Rega Planet CD player, Rega Luna amp, Yamaha KX 580 SE cassette deck, various interconnects from Straightwire and Chorus, and Naim NACA5 speaker cable. The latter has helped to highlight the bass, and improved the imaging.

Compared to the Missions, they are not as muddled, but I think the Missions might be more bass-y. There is a sound like rumbling thunder on Madonna's Ray Of Light that was more in evidence on the Missions, but the Ruarks highlighted more elements of the mix, and were less fatiguing.

You need a good front end to appreciate the Ruarks at their best. The Planet is an excellent CD player, which I have upgraded to since owning the Ruarks. Elliot Smith's lovely Say Yes song from his Either/Or album, through my Marantz/Luna/Epilogue combo sounded very pleasant, like someone twiddling on a guitar late at night. With the Planet there was real rhythm. Proof that the Ruarks can cope with serious equipment, and should not be underestimated!

Similar Products Used:

Mission (audition) Wharfedale Diamond 7.1 (I own a pair of these)