Ruark Audio R1 Mk3 review, the only DAB radio you'll ever need

Ruark Audio's R1 has become one of the go-to devices for those after a simple no-fuss DAB radio solution. Now in its third generation and more polished than ever, it feels like all a radio fan could ever need.

The main thing that makes the Ruark such a persuasive buy is its simplicity. One screen, one speaker and a very straightforward control set basically cut back the number of steps required to get audio pumping out.

Out of the box, the only things you need to do with the Ruark are plug it in and screw the radio antenna to the back. Instructions are simple and the unit itself is very portable and lightweight.

It's also pretty small at just 170 x 130 x 135mm and 1.8kg in weight. An optional leather carry case is available should you want to lug the thing around.

On top of the R1 is a single control knob which you can click down. This is used to control just about every function there is on the radio, including the volume.

Around that knob are various functionality buttons, from an alarm setting to a preset function so you can quickly tune to your favourite station.

The R1 is capable of Bluetooth audio streaming, has DAB+ and FM tuners, and a line in and a headphone line out. It's all you really need from a simple bedside radio.

And it's the simplicity that really makes this thing stand out. The Ruark has woken us up with Radio 6 Music every day this week, played at exactly the volume we've asked at exactly the time we want.

We just bash the top of the thing and it shuts up when we want it to. Simple as.

As for sound quality, it's incredible what Ruark have managed from such a tiny unit. It'll easily fill a bedroom and the separation you get between the mids and trebles is phenomenal.

Bass response is also really impressive. The sound is roughly in line with what you would get from a single Sonos Play:1 unit, but the difference here is DAB and FM is built in rather than controlled through an app.

With Christmas round the corner, Ruark's beautifully-designed (ours was white) and excellent-sounding R1 is a definite contender for radio fans the world over.