Ruark CL-10, CL-30, CL-20 Brochure

Press Release CL10, CL20 and CL30

Introduction:

1986 saw Ruark’s entry to the marketplace with the original Classic Series defining strengths of sonic
and aesthetic design. With only minor updates in subsequent years, they continue to engage the
senses of audiophiles world-wide.

Our New Classic Series, reaffirms Ruark’s position as leaders in
systems that combine traditional audiophile standards with
exquisite contemporary design. Traditionally Ruark has always
given products distinct names, however translation to an
increasing international marketplace has meant for the first time
a numbered identity.

Multi-channel demands will soon be satisfied with the addition of
the CL15 centre channel and CL300 active powered subwoofer.

System design:

All models present a wholly uncompromising approach to the art of loudspeaker design. The CL10 is a
compact two-way bookshelf/stand monitor, CL20 a two-way floor-standing design and CL-30 a full
blown three-way design. All loudspeakers are intended to complement systems of the highest calibre
and incorporate innovative solutions to achieve the desired levels of performance. The significant
components and technologies are summarised below:

Cabinet:

Ruark has always believed enclosure design to be
fundamental to a system’s overall performance, as are
the drive units and crossover networks themselves.
Design integrity and manufacturing excellence distinguish
the Stradivarius from other instruments of the violin
family, and our philosophy concludes that loudspeaker
enclosures are no different. Ruark’s Acoustic Design
Technology (ADT) was created to research, develop and
take advantage of the performance gains possible by
providing the ideal acoustic and mechanical enclosure to
achieve optimum performance from the drive units. This
new generation of Classic products applies this
philosophy to the full.

All models from New Classic employ our dual baffle and
side panel technology. This not only gives New Classic a
unique visual identity, but also controls the acoustic and
structural parameters of the enclosures, providing
strength, where needed as well as controlling and
dissipating unwanted cabinet energy. Panel shape,
substance and density have been carefully chosen for
their absorption characteristics, with internal bracing and

chambers strategically placed to afford maximum
structural integrity. Additionally, the irregular shape of the enclosure aids internal standing wave
dispersion.

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The Drive Units and crossovers:

Exceptional driver technologies were required to achieve our pre-requisites of power handling,
transparency and dynamics. It was thought of the utmost importance that the character of sound
remained similar, particularly if the speakers were to be used together in 5.1 systems, therefore
shared units and technology are featured across the series. The same innovative tweeter is used in all
models with our advanced 180mm bass unit utilised in both the CL10 and CL20. Being a true three­way system, the CL30 features a highly advanced mid-range and bass unit but even so the system
has been carefully engineered to match the character of the smaller models in the series.

Tweeter (CL10, 20 & 30): An open weave, pure silk dome driven by 28mm aluminium wound coil
immersed in a low viscosity Ferro-fluid makes for an extremely light and agile moving assembly. The
special coating applied to the dome achieves the desired damping results without adding excess
mass. Resonance’s created behind the dome are effectively controlled by a vented pole piece leading
to a damped chamber at the rear of the magnet system, which absorbs the unwanted rear radiation.
The resonant frequency of the unit was also tailored to be well below all the system’s crossover
frequencies, allowing maximum damping and control of the drive unit by the amplifier. Again a
carefully optimised magnet system drives the moving assembly and completes a tweeter which
exhibits extraordinary clarity and dynamics but remains natural in character.

Midrange (CL30):

The benefits of a good three-way system become apparent as soon as the CL30 is heard, with purity
of sound, wider bandwidth and pin-point imaging. Much of these enhancements come from the use of
the dedicated midrange unit, as it is the function of this unit to accurately reproduce frequencies
across 3-4 octaves, from the upper bass through to the lower treble. The midrange unit in the CL30
has been engineered to fulfil this function perfectly. Made for us by Scan-Speak (a company world
renowned for its drive unit technology) this unit features a Kevlar cone mated to a PVC/Rubber
compound surround. The Kevlar cone material gives an extremely clean detailed sound and the
surround provides the ideal balance of damping and compliance to suit midrange reproduction. The
powerful motor system has also been fully optimised for mid-range reproduction featuring a short coil
in a long gap making for a light moving assembly. In summary, the clarity, detailing and balance of this
driver are outstanding.

Bass/Mid Unit (CL10 & CL20):

This 180mm bass-mid unit combines trusted materials and construction techniques, but incorporates
the latest technology. Much attention has been paid to the acoustic and mechanical parameters,
giving a unit of extraordinary ability. The moving parts and magnet system are coupled together by a
strong die-cast aluminium basket, with considerable attention paid to chassis contour to promote a
free airflow. A profiled air-dried pulp paper cone was selected for its excellent acoustic properties, and
is driven by a long stroke motor assembly, with a 40mm diameter two-layer coil wound on to a Kapton
former. A fully optimised suspension and rubber surround, gives unusually good linearity and is
progressively controlled at extremes, to avoid unit damage at high volume levels. Driving the moving
assembly is a powerful 110mm-ferrite magnet system. The vented pole-piece is machined to optimise
maximum flux yield within the gap. The resulting high flux ensures superb control and dynamics, whilst
creating a true synergy between loudspeaker and the amplifier’s power stage - making the most
effective use of the high damping factor in top quality amplifiers.

Bass Unit (CL30): As mentioned previously, although the CL30 was developed to match tonally the
virtues of the CL10 and CL20, its real talents run much deeper, capable of greater bass extension and
sound pressure levels than its smaller siblings. The 22cm bass unit in the CL30 has been developed
to fulfil these functions fully. Like the bass-mid unit used in the CL10 and CL20, the unit features a fully
optimised 125mm vented magnet system coupled to die-cast alloy chassis with minimum air
resistance. Long a favourite of ours, a treated air-dried pulp paper cone coupled to a low damping
rubber surround was chosen for its superb bass reproduction properties. Driving the moving assembly
is a 50mm diameter long throw voice-coil. Whatever the choice of music, this driver provides a control
and foundation that allows the CL30 to compete with other more substantial and costly units.

Crossover: As with enclosure design, creating an optimised crossover network for each system is
fundamental to a neutral sound. A flat frequency response is relatively easy to achieve, but more
important are phase integration and distortion, particularly when a loudspeaker’s perceived frequency
response will vary considerably with every listening environment.

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