Yes — most of us gasped when we saw the price but the reality is that Klipsch and Devon Turnbull will sell every pair with very little effort. Klipsch has partnered with renowned multidisciplinary artist Devon Turnbull, founder of OJAS. The first result of his collaboration is the debut of the kO-R1 horn-loaded loudspeaker. This speaker blends minimalist elegance and bespoke craftsmanship with the category-defining horn technology Klipsch has perfected over 75 years.
kO-R1
With a minimalist look, using the Klipsch Heresy as inspiration, the kO-R1 horn-loaded loudspeaker features a multicell design and an enclosure with butt-joined Baltic birch plywood. This limited-edition speaker also features an exposed biradial horn made of sand-cast aluminum, as well as an adjustable horn mount, anodized aluminum binding posts, and anti-vibration rubber feet. A five-step high-frequency gain attenuator enables precise sound tuning while a laser-engraved metal ID plate adds a touch of exclusivity.
From Devon Turnbull, Founder of OJAS: “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…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. ”
From Klipsch COO, Vince Bonacorsi: “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 the kO-R1 to life, Turnbull worked closely with Paul W. Klipsch’s (PWK) protégé, Roy Delgado, who has carried high-efficiency horn design from his early days of working under PWK after his passing. Delgado is a leading authority on horn loudspeaker design. Delgado is responsible for 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 approaches and a wide variety of horn shapes and sizes.
Originally, horns were molded from wood, then fiberglass, and eventually transitioned to a cast metal process. Continuing the legacy of PWK, Klipsch’s current products provide high-efficiency, low-distortion horns that provide a dynamic impact on the live music experience. This acoustic horn philosophy and the ultimate respect for science-based audio reproduction are the common links between Klipsch loudspeaker and OJAS designs.
From Roy Delgado: “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 create a museum-worthy masterpiece that redefines audiophile expectations. I believe Mr. K would approve.”
Devon Turnbull and Roy Deldago Conversation
K-12 Stand
Every limited-edition kO-R1 comes with the Klipsch K-12 speaker stand to ensure the perfect speaker height and presentation.
Finish Options
The speakers are available in two finishes: Spiral Red Oak or Pewter Grey.
kO-R1 Specifications
- Speaker Configuration: 2-way, Bookshelf/Stand Mounted
- Frequency Response: 51 Hz – 20kHz (+/- 3dB), 40 Hz – 21kHz (-10dB)
- Power Handling: 200W (28.3V) 40 Hz – 10kHz
- Max SPL Continuous Output: 117db 40 Hz – 10kHz
- Sensitivity: 97.5 db @ 2.83V
- Crossover Point: 970 Hz
- Horizontal Coverage Pattern: 90 degrees, +/- 30 degress, 600Hz to 15kHz
- Vertical Coverage Pattern: 60 degrees, +/- 30 degress, 2kHz to 15kHz
- Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms (4.40-ohm min. @ 133 Hz)
- Transducers: K-28-E 12” Woofer; K-706 HF Driver
- Enclosure: Slotted Vent (bass reflex) system
- Enclosure Material: 13-ply Grade A Baltic Birch Plywood
- Connection Terminals: 5-way binding posts
- Dimensions (WHD): 16.5″ (42cm) x 28.125″ ( 71.4cm) x 13.0″ (33cm)
- Net Weight: 52 lbs. (23.6 kg)
- Shipping Weight: 59 lbs. (26 kg)
Initial Impression
This is definitely an interesting partnership. Klipsch already has a great design and performance history when it comes to horn-loaded speakers, but adding the input of Devon Turnbull brings a fresh look to Klipsch speaker design – with an accent on a retro look.
Turnbull already has a star-studded client book that includes professional athletes, musicians, and movie stars and many will grab one of the 100 pairs and not think twice about the price.
The thing that popped into my mind when I saw the provided images of the Klipsch + OJAS kO-R1 is that it looks like a “mini-Klipschorn” which would look and sound great without taking up a lot of room real estate – but there is a very high price tag.
Price & Availability
Limited to a smaller number, the Klipsch + Ojas kO-R1 loudspeakers are available for $8,498/pair from the Ojas store and at select authorized Klipsch retailers, such as Commonwave and IQ Home Entertainment.
Bonus: The kO-R1 comes with a hardbound book that chronicles the journey of inspiration, research, ideation, design, and manufacturing behind the creation of the loudspeaker.
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kc
September 23, 2024 at 1:28 pm
AC/DC anyone????
Don’t want to knock them or imply they cannot play classic, jazz, and other forms of music but betting they are fantastic for rock music.
I am a fan of horn speakers and would love to sit in front of a pair.
Happy Listening