Whether you’re considering purchasing the R410 Integrated Music System or the R810 High Fidelity Radiogram, every product in the Ruark 100 Series has the connectivity smarts to deliver the convenience, choice, and quality of wireless music streaming.
The ability to stream music from source to speaker without cables has revolutionised the way we enjoy our favourite tracks – and Apple AirPlay is one of the most popular ways you can do this. Keep reading for our top tips to stream everything from podcasts to albums from your iPhone or iPad straight to your Ruark system.
What is Apple AirPlay?
AirPlay is a piece of Apple technology that allows you to wirelessly stream content from your iOS devices to your speakers. (Have an Android phone? Read our guide on using Google Cast.)
Like Google Cast, it works over your home Wi-Fi network to deliver better than CD-quality sound. It also means you can stream directly from apps such as Apple Music, BBC Sounds, and Spotify.
The tech is now in its second iteration, which is why you may hear it referred to as ‘AirPlay 2’. This 2018 update finally brought Apple into the multiroom audio game, making it simple for music lovers to create cable-free networks of AirPlay-compatible speakers. That means you can play the same music across your entire home or even play different things in each room – all controlled with one device.
Which Ruark products support AirPlay?
AirPlay is supported natively by the R810 High Fidelity Radiogram and the R410 Integrated Music System. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the benefits of Apple’s wireless streaming technology with any Ruark model.
Hooking up a WiiM Pro or WiiM Mini device to any Ruark radio or music system via the auxiliary or optical inputs brings instant Wi-Fi capability alongside AirPlay support and a host of other benefits, including Hi-Res Audio.
How to stream music from your iPhone or iPad to your Ruark speakers with AirPlay
In true Apple style, using AirPlay to stream from your iOS device to your speaker is very, very simple. You can do it either using your device’s Control Centre or in your AirPlay-enabled app of choice.
Control Centre:
First, make sure your iPhone/iPad and Ruark 100 Series speaker are on the same Wi-Fi network. Begin playing music on your device and then open Control Centre.
If you’re using an iPhone X or later or iPad, swipe down from the top right corner of your screen. For iPhone 8/iOS 11 or earlier, swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
Tap the AirPlay logo in the group of controls in the top right corner (it looks like a pyramid with its peak surrounded by a series of rings). Then, select the speaker you’d like to hear your audio on.
In-app:
You can also use AirPlay to stream audio directly from an app you’re using on your device. You’ll usually see an option for AirPlay in the app’s media player, although in some cases it might be more hidden.
For instance, Spotify requires you to select the ‘Devices’ icon, and then the name of your Ruark speaker. Similarly for TIDAL users, you’ll need to hit ‘Sound Output’ in the ‘Now Playing’ bar to select your 100 Series system.
Once you’re connected, you’ll be able to stream music, radio stations, and podcasts straight to your Ruark R410/R810 as well as adjusting the volume and playback of content from your iOS device.
Want to streamline the process even further? Devices with the latest version of iOS can suggest or connect automatically to speakers you use regularly with AirPlay, thanks to Apple’s Handoff feature. Head to your device’s settings to toggle this on and off.
How to stream music from your Mac to your Ruark speakers with AirPlay
Playing music from your Apple laptop or desktop to get through the workday? If you’re using Apple Music, you can click the AirPlay logo in the playback controls and then select your Ruark R410/R810 from there.
If you’re using a different streaming app on your Mac, select Control Centre in the menu bar. Then, click the AirPlay logo under Sound and select your speaker of choice.
How to use AirPlay for multiroom audio
If you’d like to play music throughout your entire home with a network of AirPlay-enabled speakers, simply follow the steps above. When it comes to choosing your output device, you’ll be able to multiple speakers – and you now have an instant party sound system.
Want to play different tracks in various rooms in your home? You can set up your AirPlay multiroom system so that you have your favourite Spotify playlist playing on your downstairs R810 while your other half enjoys BBC Sounds on the R410 in your bedroom.
The easiest way to do this is to start one piece of audio on your iPhone, open Control Centre, and assign the track to your speaker of choice. Then, repeat the same steps for the next speaker. It’s best to have the audio playing before you assign a speaker, otherwise your iPhone may try to stop playing audio from one app to begin playing from another.
Looking for an even simpler shortcut? Asking Siri to do the heavy lifting is a key benefit of using AirPlay to stream music from your phone to your 100 Series speakers. Here are a few commands to get you started:
“Hey Siri, play BBC Radio 1 on R410”
“Hey Siri, play Handel on R810 and my Morning Jams playlist on R410”
“Hey Siri, turn down R410’s volume to 50% and turn up R810 by 25%”
“Hey Siri, play Destiny’s Child on all speakers”
What about Apple TV?
If you’re using your R410 or R810 as a soundbar alternative, you can send audio from Apple TV to your 100 Series speaker. As before, you’ll need to make sure they’re on the same Wi-Fi network. You’ll also need to set both devices up on the Home app on an iOS, iPadOS, or macOS device.
Should I use AirPlay or Bluetooth to stream music?
While the R410 and R810 both feature a high quality Bluetooth receiver, those with an iOS device may prefer to use AirPlay for streaming music where possible.
This is because, unlike Bluetooth, you don’t need to pair your device with your Ruark 100 Series speaker before hitting play – you’ll already be hooked up via your Wi-Fi network.
That Wi-Fi connectivity comes with the added benefit of being able to connect more than one device at a time with your Ruark 100 Series speaker, making switching between a track stored on your MacBook Pro and BBC Sounds on your iPhone seamless.
While Bluetooth is much more reliable than it used to be, it can still be affected by distance and physical objects interrupting its range. AirPlay, on the other hand, means you can control your speakers from anywhere in your home without pesky walls getting in the way of a good time.
What other connectivity options come with the Ruark 100 Series?
Both the R410 and R810 were created to bring music lovers closer to treasured tracks, which is why they offer comprehensive support for digital and analogue sources.
Alongside AirPlay, the 100 Series features Internet/DAB/DAB+/FM radio, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Google Cast.
There’s plenty of support for physical formats, too, with dedicated phono inputs and the ability to connect a CD drive via USB-C for vinyl and CD-enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the HDMI/eARC inputs on both music systems mean they can connect to your TV for cinematic movie nights.
