Klipsch has partnered with Devon Turnbull, the founder of the boutique audio brand Ojas, to introduce a limited edition loudspeaker, the kO-R1. This collaboration brings together the long-standing expertise of Klipsch in horn-loaded loudspeaker design and the distinctive aesthetic sensibilities of Ojas, resulting in a product that is as much a work of art as it is a high-performance audio device.

The kO-R1 loudspeaker, handcrafted at Klipsch’s factory in Hope, Arkansas, is a two-way multicell horn-loaded loudspeaker that draws inspiration from the Klipsch Heresy, one of the company’s most iconic models. However, the kO-R1 departs from the Heresy in both design and function, offering a fresh take on Klipsch’s horn technology while incorporating elements that reflect Ojas’s minimalist and industrial design philosophy.

“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 said. “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. ”

At first glance, the kO-R1’s design is striking in its simplicity. The loudspeaker features a cabinet made from full butt-joined Baltic birch plywood, a material known for its durability and acoustic properties. The design is intentionally minimalist, with clean lines and a no-frills aesthetic that some might describe as brutalist. The loudspeaker is available in two finishes: Spiral Red Oak and Pewter Grey, which provide contrasting but equally understated visual options.

One of the most prominent features of the kO-R1 is its exposed biradial horn made from sandcast aluminum. This horn is a nod to the early days of horn loudspeaker design, yet it has been updated with modern manufacturing techniques. The horn is not just a visual centerpiece; it plays a crucial role in the loudspeaker’s ability to deliver precise and powerful high-frequency sounds. The horn’s adjustable mount allows for fine-tuning, ensuring that the sound can be optimized for different listening environments.

Underneath the horn, the loudspeaker houses a large 12-inch woofer, which is responsible for delivering deep, resonant bass tones. This two-way design, a departure from the three-way setup in the Heresy, simplifies the audio path, potentially leading to a more cohesive sound output. The loudspeaker also features a five-step high-frequency gain attenuator, allowing users to adjust the sound to their specific preferences.

The development of the kO-R1 was a collaborative effort between Devon Turnbull and Roy Delgado, a veteran in horn loudspeaker design and a protégé of Paul W. Klipsch, the founder of Klipsch. Delgado’s expertise in horn design, honed over decades of working with Klipsch, was instrumental in bringing Turnbull’s vision to life.

“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," Delgado said.

"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.”

Turnbull, who started Ojas as a side project while running his streetwear brand Nom De Guerre, has built a reputation for creating audio equipment that blends form and function. His designs are often seen in high-profile locations such as Supreme boutiques and the homes of celebrities like producer Mark Ronson. The kO-R1 is a continuation of this philosophy, where every design choice serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose.

The kO-R1 is designed to deliver a powerful, dynamic audio experience. The horn-loaded design is known for its efficiency, meaning that the loudspeaker can produce high sound pressure levels with relatively little power. This design also helps to minimize distortion, a key aspect of Klipsch’s audio philosophy. The inclusion of the high-frequency gain attenuator further enhances the loudspeaker’s versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of listening environments, from small rooms to larger spaces.

Each pair of kO-R1 loudspeakers comes with the Klipsch K-12 speaker stand, which is designed to ensure that the loudspeakers are positioned at the optimal height for listening. Additionally, each pair is accompanied by a hardbound book that details the inspiration, research, and design process behind the kO-R1, making it not just a piece of audio equipment, but a collector’s item as well.

With only 100 units available, the kO-R1 is a truly limited edition product. The loudspeakers are priced at $8,498 per pair and are available through the Ojas store and select authorized Klipsch retailers.