Klipsch, a renowned audio brand, has joined forces with Ojas, a high-end New York-based brand, established by Devon Turnbull. Turnbull, once a streetwear designer, has made a name for himself due to his unwavering commitment to superior audio systems. Their first joint product is the exclusive kO-R1 horn-loaded loudspeaker. This sizeable, cuboid speaker is available in Spiral Red Oak or Pewter Grey finishes, retailing at $8,498 per pair.

Turnbull’s journey from streetwear to speaker design began as a hobby during the early years of the millennium while he was building his Nom De Guerre streetwear brand. His passion eventually blossomed into a full-fledged business named Ojas, a Sanskrit word which loosely means “life vitality”. Ojas’ speakers have gained popularity among retail giants like Supreme and have even found their way into the residence of renowned producer and musician Mark Ronson.

The kO-R1 speakers exhibit Ojas’ distinct design style, often referred to as brutalist. The simple, Baltic birch plywood box houses a large 12-inch woofer, topped with a huge, adjustable sandcast aluminum multi-cell horn containing a high-frequency driver. The horn is completely exposed, including the wiring that connects it to a five-step attenuator for sound fine-tuning.

The speaker also features five-way anodized aluminum binding posts at the back, and anti-vibration rubber feet at the base. A laser-engraved metal ID plate adorns the side of the speaker, affirming its authenticity.

Each speaker is meticulously hand-crafted at Klipsch’s facilities in Hope, Arkansas, and is accompanied by a dedicated Klipsch stand.

To bring the kO-R1 to life, Turnbull collaborated closely with Roy Delgado, a protégé of Klipsch’s founder, Paul W. Klipsch, who mastered the art and science of high-efficiency horn design. For Turnbull, who has been experimenting with horn-loaded designs for years, Klipsch was the ideal partner.

Turnbull expressed his respect for Klipsch, stating, “Klipsch is one of the few brands that aligns perfectly with my vision due to my strict adherence to the horn speaker design philosophy. Both our brands prioritize superior audio coupled with classic design. Few visionaries have had a more significant impact on the history of horn speakers than Paul W. Klipsch, and I am honored to add to this legacy.”