I don't 'know my stuff' except that I know Ruark were a very respected manufacturer. (And still are in their current 'incarnation' as
Vita Audio.)
The rest was garnered from a
1995 Gramophone review of the Ruark Paladins. (I wanted to check they would be an easy and 'efficient' load for the Sugden A21a.)
That A21a is even beginning to tempt me (even though it is completely incompatible with my current hifi needs). If you are not quick I may just buy it in a 'mad moment' and plonk an AirPort Express and my old Beresford DAC on it
(Ok, not actually on it. The Beresford would melt.)
The last time I heard an old A21 (with some Mordaunt Short Pageant 2s and my old Walker CJ55/RB300 turntable) it was amazing but I couldn't afford it then. They have always been quite expensive new.