2-way multicell loudspeaker is handmade at the Klipsch factory in Hope, AR

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (September 12, 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.

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About The House of Suntory
Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as a pioneer of Japanese Whisky for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. Founder Shinjiro Torii built Japan's first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Torii's son and Suntory's second Master Blender, Keizo Saji, who continued to establish distilleries including the Hakushu Distillery. As the generations of Suntory's master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014). Suntory Whiskies are subtle, refined and complex. The portfolio includes Yamazaki, Hibiki, Hakushu, Chita, Kakubin, Toki and Ao. The House of Suntory portfolio also offers Roku Japanese Gin and Haku Japanese Vodka. Created from Japanese ingredients by the master artisans at The House of Suntory, Roku Gin and Haku Vodka represent the nature and spirit of Japan. Last year, Suntory Whisky celebrated one hundred years of whisky innovation—a major milestone not only for the brand's history, but for Japanese spirits culture as a whole. To mark this anniversary, The House of Suntory rolled out its centennial campaign throughout 2023.

About Ojas

Ojas is the creative pen name of Devon Turnbull. As a university student studying Audio Engineering he started using the name across a variety of disciplines including graffiti, music, graphic design and clothing design. In 2003 Turnbull co-founded the clothing brand Nom de Guerre with Isa Saalabi, Wil Whitney and Holly Harnsongkram. For the next decade, while primarily working in fashion, the name OJas was kept alive on sound sculptures Turnbull was crafting for himself and a growing number of audio enthusiasts around the world. With a particular interest in high efficiency speakers and low powered tube amplifiers, Ojas audio equipment aims to bring realistic, natural sound to the listener. These products are the result of two decades of experimentation, engineering and explorations in the audio underground.

About Klipsch Audio

Paul W. Klipsch, inventor, acoustics pioneer and maverick, founded Klipsch Audio with the sole purpose of bringing the power, detail and emotion of the live music experience into his living room. Using highly efficient speaker designs, handcrafted cabinetry and a thirst for real engineering breakthroughs – Klipsch, the great American audio company, was born in Hope, AR. Today, our diverse range of quality audio products includes speakers and headphones for almost any consumer and professional application – including cinema, whole-house, wireless, home theater and portable offerings. Honoring our founder’s legacy, Klipsch continues to be the legendary high-performance brand of choice for audiophiles and aficionados around the world. We are the Keepers of the Sound^®.

Klipsch^® is a trademark of Klipsch Group, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Klipsch Group, Inc. is a VOXX International Company (NASDAQ: VOXX).