In Perfect Harmony: Klipsch + Ojas Announce Collaboration on Limited Edition Horn Loudspeaker
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (September 13, 2024) — Klipsch, a leading tech-driven audio company, is proud to announce its visionary partnership with renowned multidisciplinary artist Devon Turnbull, founder of Ojas. The kO-R1 horn-loaded loudspeaker was born from a collaboration and mutual respect between Ojas and Klipsch, blending minimalist elegance and bespoke craftsmanship with the category-defining horn technology Klipsch has perfected over its legendary 75-plus year history. Handcrafted in Hope, Arkansas, the limited edition kO-R1 will be available worldwide.
Embodying a minimalist ethos and using the Klipsch Heresy as inspiration, the kO-R1 horn-loaded loudspeaker boasts a captivating multicell design and an exquisite cabinet of full butt-joined Baltic birch plywood. This limited-edition model also features bespoke materials such as its exposed biradial horn of sandcast aluminum, as well as such cutting-edge components as an adjustable horn mount, anodized aluminum binding posts, and anti-vibration rubber feet. A five-step high-frequency gain attenuator makes possible precise tuning of the sound, while a laser-engraved metal ID plate adds a touch of exclusivity.
“My strict adhesion to the horn speaker design philosophy means that Klipsch is one of the few brands that has 100% conceptual cohesion with my own vision,” Turnbull commented. “Both our brands prioritize premium audio packaged with classic design. There are few visionaries more important in the history of horn speakers than Paul W. Klipsch and I’m proud to contribute to that legacy. ”
Klipsch COO, Vince Bonacorsi added, “This partnership is more than just a product—it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, audio purity, and a shared passion for delivering exceptional sound experiences. The kO-R1 is where heritage meets modern artistry, and we can’t wait for you to hear it.”
To bring his vision to life, Turnbull worked closely with Paul W. Klipsch’s (PWK) protégé, Roy Delgado, who carried the torch of high efficiency horn design from his early days of working under PWK and through the decades since his passing. A global authority on horn loudspeaker design, Delgado’s resume includes updates to the legendary Klipschorn, La Scala and other Klipsch Heritage speaker models.
PWK spent his entire career in the field of acoustics working on perfecting his horn-loaded designs, among many other endeavors. His early experiments included multi-cell iterations and a wide variety of horn shapes and sizes. Originally, horns were molded from wood, then fiberglass, and eventually transitioned to a castmetal process. Continuing the legacy of its beloved founder, Klipsch’s current products are identified by high-efficiency, low-distortion horns that provide the dynamic impact of the live music experience like no other brand.This acoustic horn philosophy, and the ultimate respect for science-based audio reproduction are the common link between Klipsch loudspeaker DNA and OJAS designs.
Delgado added, “This partnership fuses nearly a century’s worth of audio experimentation and engineering into an exceptional loudspeaker handmade at our facility in Hope with the same care and craftsmanship of PWK’s beloved Heritage products. Working alongside Devon on this journey of nearly a year, I was quite impressed. I believe we have fully realized our goal to to create a museum-worthy masterpiece that redefines audiophile expectations. I believe Mr. K would approve.”
Every limited-edition kO-R1 comes with the Klipsch K-12 speaker stand to ensure the perfect speaker height and presentation. As a keepsake, each pair of kO-R1s is accompanied by a meticulously crafted hardbound book chronicling the journey of inspiration, research, design, and manufacturing that has resulted in this exceptional loudspeaker. The speakes are available in two finishes: Spiral Red Oak or Pewter Grey.
To celebrate this monumental launch, Turnbull hosted a series of listening events at The Listening Room at USM and the Nine Orchard Hotel, sponsored by The House of Suntory.
The Klipsch + Ojas kO-R1 loudspeakers are available from the Ojas store and at select authorized Klipsch retailers. To learn more please visit Klipsch.com. MSRP: $8,498/pair.
Tags: DEVON TURNBULL KLIPSCH LOUDSPEAKER MANUFACTURING NEWS OJAS