Ruark RS1

The Ruark RS1 is a compact active subwoofer designed to reinforce the bass of a pair of speakers, aiming not for spectacular impact but for a deep, controlled reproduction. It is intended for systems whose main speakers lack extension in the lower part of the spectrum, providing them with a coherent complement rather than a demonstrative effect.

The subwoofer features a 100 W RMS Class D amplifier, paired with a progressive clipping filter that limits distortion as sound levels increase. This electronics drives a 170 mm active driver with a treated fibre cone, supported by a second 170 mm passive transducer positioned beneath the base of the subwoofer: this active-passive configuration promotes even bass reproduction at different listening levels. The frequency response extends from 25 to 200 Hz, and the crossover frequency is adjustable between 50 and 180 Hz, allowing the subwoofer to be matched to the frequency response of the associated speakers. Input is via a mono RCA connection (2.3 V RMS), with a 0 or 180° phase adjustment to fine-tune integration with the rest of the system. An automatic power-on and standby function removes the need to manually manage the subwoofer's switching on and off.

Thanks to its compact size (H 300 x W 250 x D 265 mm for 6.7 kg), the RS1 is particularly suited to installations where space is a constraint, complementing bookshelf speakers or small floorstanding speakers whose bass it extends in a measured way.