Vita Audio R4

Premium build quality and retro design ; Smooth, punchy sound quality ; Simple, hassle-free operation

Loses composure at loud volumes ; Plasticky remote ; No network streaming

The R4's screen is another feature inherited from the R1 and R2 but this is something we definitely don't welcome. Viewed straight on it's fine but, being an LCD display, it's viewing angles are mediocre at best and there's obvious backlight bleed...

Excellent audio clarity ; Decent bass response ; Lots of sources

Lacking network audio ; Slight volume distortion ; Expensive

Ruark's latest version of the R4 is one of the most user-friendly players I've tried, and the walnut cabinet, with its twin drivers and active sub, gives it some excellent acoustic properties. There are a few missing features, namely network...

Well specified ; Offers very fine value ; Multiple sources ; Lively sound ; Attractive design

Can be a little shrill at times ; The remote control takes some getting used to and it uses non-standard batteries

Offering CD, DAB and surprisingly good FM, plus USB, iPod and line inputs, this unit has it all at a very attractive price. One may be able to assemble a more sonically impressive system for the money, but the single-box convenience makes this a winner

Warm, rich sound ; simple operation, excellent build

Plays things a bit safe ; challenged by more conventional systems

The new Vita is a stylish choice, but gives away a little to the more obvious micro-system choices

With a potent mix of features, style and substance, the R4 is well worth its premium

Meet the Ruark Audio R4 Mk3 stereo, the latest version of one of the company's top stereo systems that first launched in 2008. It's been given plenty of upgrades but still retains its chic retro-future style. Along with its timeless wooden...

While a solid performer solely in the audio stakes, compared to Ruark's own R2 speaker system, or other multi-room audio setups on the market, the R4 lags behind. It's not capable of streaming down any networked tracks, unlike the R2 which boasts...

The Ruark Audio R4 Mk 3 is a solid performer with tip-top audio, great balance throughout and an easy to use interface, but it's let down by its lack of network streaming and reliance on rather dated technologies - not everyone still has CDs, and many...

Warm bass and bright treble. Stylish retro looks

Expensive. Slightly irritating remote control