I just upgraded my hi-fi with a subwoofer and should have done years ago – here’s why you should too

It was almost exactly a year ago that I obtained Ruark's R610 music streamer and a pair of Sabre-R speakers – which I liked so much that I wall-mounted them in my office, so I could always have quality music throughout my working days.

A year on and it became time for a spoil-myself upgrade: by adding a Ruark RS1 subwoofer into the mix to extend the low-range frequency output yet further. And it's such a massive upgrade that I would thoroughly recommend you do the same – whatever system you may possess.

The world of hi-fi is undergoing all manner of changes at the moment. Having recently visited High End Vienna, I came away from that audio show having observed 2026's biggest new trend – powered wireless speakers.

Well, that's one perspective. Other brands are pursuing all-in-one units instead, such as the exquisite Dali Vega (which I also saw in detail at High End). Ruark, meanwhile, revealed its upgrade over my R610, in its CD-toting and more powerful R710 system.

I'm yet to be convinced by the supposed CD resurgence, much as I enjoyed playing with the latest in Ruark's arsenal. So I instead elected to pick from the brand's current range and bagged the RS1 subwoofer. Any sub purchase would have worked – as it only requires a single RCA cable connection.

A design you won't want to hide

However, I really like this particular Ruark aesthetic. My R610 unit has a walnut finish – others may well prefer its satin 'Charcoal' alternative finish – and the RS1 subwoofer can also be purchased in this finish to match. It's covered in a "slate grey fabric grille" which covers the majority of this box – which has a silvery kind of finish.

You can buy subwoofers of all shapes and sizes, of course, but I like the fact that the RS1 looks good enough to be on display at all times, yet it's small enough to not be too obtrusive. It measures 25cm wide and deep, and is marginally taller, at 27cm, thanks to its silver feet – which ensure the sub sits above ground level.

That 'risen' feature is important for this sub, as it's got a 170mm downward-firing bass driver, paired with a front-facing 170mm passive radiator. The extra height allows the downward driver to deliver without any disruptive contact or muffling.

Pushing extra power

I've always found the Ruark R610 powerful enough for my space, with the 75W per channel going to those Sabre-R speakers being ample. While the newer R710 is more powerful, with 200W per channel, I've found adding a subwoofer has also added another dimension of power.

That's in a literal sense – as the RS1 is 100W – but also in scope of frequency range. The Sabre-R speakers are no slouches when it comes to low-end, as they're able to output to 50Hz. That's fairly low for a bookshelf-like speaker, but the RS1 takes that floor down to 25Hz. Yes, there are lower-frequency subs, but most tracks are produced with a clean sweep of anything sub-25Hz anyway (certainly 20Hz).

You don't hear such frequencies so much as you feel them – and it's that added 'movement', if you like, that's really given this hi-fi setup such a notable upgrade. It adds more weight and heft, without overdoing things. The sub has its own levels adjustment, so you can perfect output to your liking.

There's also a frequency crossover dial, from 50Hz to 180Hz, so you're able to match the sub to any speakers. Simply look up your speakers' lowest-end output and set your sub's crossover to match, avoiding any potentially clashy, 'muddy' sounding mix. I do think the Ruark dial should be more clearly marked per frequency, mind.

Love the low-end

Since installing my subwoofer over the weekend, the immediate benefit to audio was clear. So many tracks have more lower-end output than you might realise, adding a richness to so many tracks. I'm particularly into underground music, as I have been for years, where the focus on bass is inevitable – and a subwoofer unlocks that door.

It's why I should have made this upgrade ages ago. I'm no stranger to subwoofers, of course, as I test many of the best soundbars and surround sound systems as part of my job – and my second downstairs hi-fi setup also has its own dedicated (and larger) subwoofer connected. I've just been slow to bring such a needed upgrade throughout my home.

I can only thoroughly recommend it though. As part of a system, a subwoofer is a reasonably modest upgrade in terms of cost. Sure, they can get super-pricey – but the Ruark RS1 is a smaller-scale solution with a relative price attached. Check out the latest and lowest deals in the shopping widget below. It's a purchase you'll instantly love, just as I already do.