Roksan streaming amp is £300 cheaper, but consider the five-star Ruark option as an alternative instead
Ruark Audio R610 Streaming Amplifier Outshines Roksan Attessa in Sound Quality and Streaming Options
The Ruark Audio R610 Streaming Amplifier has been praised for its dynamically engaging and detailed sound, offering a warm tone that many listeners find satisfying. With high frequencies that soar and well-controlled basslines, the R610 delivers greater textural depth.
The R610 boasts a distinctive design, featuring handcrafted slatted wood grilles and metal front details, complemented by a large, clear five-inch full-color TFT screen that displays album art and information with good contrast.
Key features of the Ruark R610 include streaming support for Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Apple Music, Deezer, and more, with native streaming apps and the ability to handle hi-res files up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM. It also offers connectivity through HDMI ARC/eARC input for TV integration, digital optical, RCA analogue inputs, and a moving magnet phono stage for turntables.
In contrast, the Roksan Attessa Streaming Amplifier, while on discount, is considered less dynamically engaging than the Ruark R610. Its sound presentation is good, but the R610 delivers more detail and involvement in the music. The Roksan uses a dedicated BluOS app for streaming control, which could be a pro for users who value integrated app ecosystems, whereas the Ruark relies on third-party apps for NAS streaming.
A summary comparison of the two amplifiers is as follows:
| Feature | Ruark Audio R610 | Roksan Attessa Streaming Amplifier | |--------------------------|------------------------------------|------------------------------------| | Sound | More dynamically engaging, detailed, warm tone, textured | Good but less engaging and detailed sound | | Streaming Platforms | Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Hi-Res | Uses BluOS app for streaming | | Control Interface | Rotary remote, no dedicated app, third-party apps for NAS | Dedicated BluOS app | | Connectivity | HDMI ARC, digital optical, RCA analogue, phono stage | Not detailed in source | | Design | Classic 1970s-style, wood and metal with 5-inch screen | Not detailed in source | | Hi-Res Audio Support | Up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM | Not specified |
In conclusion, the Ruark R610 stands out for its sound quality, design, and versatile streaming options, making it a superior and more engaging choice compared to the Roksan Attessa Streaming Amplifier. The R610 is available at John Lewis and other retailers for £1199.
The Roksan Attessa Streaming Amplifier, while having multiple streaming features including Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Internet radio, Amazon Music, Qobuz, and Deezer, is available at Richer Sounds for £1299, a discount of £300 from its retail price of £1599.
Both amplifiers offer a unique listening experience, with the Ruark Audio R610 delivering a modern hi-fi performance with a gorgeous design, ample features, and excellent sound, and the Roksan Attessa Streaming Amplifier having a rhythmic, agile, and musical sound. The Ruark Audio R610 pairs brilliantly with Ruark Sabre-R speakers.
- If you're in the market for a new streaming amplifier, consider the Ruark Audio R610, which offers a dynamically engaging and detailed sound.
- The R610's handcrafted design, complete with slatted wood grilles, metal front details, and a clear TFT screen, adds a touch of sophistication to any home-and-garden lifestyle.
- With support for various streaming platforms like Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, and more, the R610 caters to a wide range of listeners' technology preferences.
- For audiophiles seeking hi-res audio support, the R610 handles files up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM, providing an immersive audio experience.
- Connectivity options on the R610 include HDMI ARC/eARC input for TV integration, digital optical, RCA analogue inputs, and a moving magnet phono stage for turntables.
- If you're a fan of Ruark's Sabre-R speakers, the R610 pairs brilliantly with them, offering a deal that aligns with your lifestyle and taste for hi-fi technology.
- Although the Roksan Attessa Streaming Amplifier also has multiple streaming features, including Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Internet radio, Amazon Music, Qobuz, and Deezer, it falls slightly behind the R610 in terms of sound quality and streaming options.
