(September 13, 2024) Klipsch and Ojas, two prominent names in the world of Hi-Fi, have teamed up for a heady collaboration that's resulted in a limited edition loudspeaker called the kO-R1. Defined by meticulous craftsmanship and cutting-edge design, the kO-R1 is a horn-loaded speaker that blends Klipsch's legendary horn technology with Ojas founder Devon Turnbull’s minimalist philosophy. The result is a sonic piece that caters to both audiophiles and design aficionados, making it a noteworthy release within the world of high-end audio.
Each kO-R1 is handcrafted at Klipsch's factory in Hope, Arkansas, a facility drenched in history and reflective of the vision of its founder, Paul W. Klipsch. His approach, grounded by high efficiency and low distortion, is a foundational underpinning of this modern speaker. The collaboration with Ojas builds on that foundation, introducing a fresh aesthetic and a unique approach to high-fidelity sound.
At the heart of the kO-R1 is its two-way multicell design, featuring an exposed biradial horn made from sandcast aluminum and a vented Baltic birch plywood cabinet. These bespoke materials highlight the premium nature of the product, which is offered in two finishes: Spiral Red Oak and Pewter Gray. Measuring 16.5" W x 28.1"H,13" D, and weighing 52 pounds, the kO-R1 is substantial in both form and function.
Armed with a 12" woofer and a high-frequency K-706 driver, the kO-R1 delivers a reasonably broad frequency response of 51Hz to 20kHz. Not surprisingly, it's easy to drive, presenting a sensitivity of 97.5dB @ 2.83V, and can handle 200W of power, allowing it to deliver clean, powerful sound with minimal distortion.
The kO-R1 isn't just about its technical specifications, though. It’s designed with flexibility in mind, offering an adjustable horn mount, anodized aluminum binding posts, and anti-vibration rubber feet to fine-tune the listening experience. A five-step high-frequency gain attenuator gives owners the ability to make output adjustments to suit different acoustic environments, and the included Klipsch KS-12 speaker stands make sure the kO-R1 is properly positioned for optimal playback.
The Klipsch/Ojas collaboration represents more than just a partnership between two brands; It’s a merging of philosophies—Klipsch's science-driven approach to acoustics with Ojas' design-forward ethos. As Turnbull explains, his strict adherence to horn speaker design philosophy made Klipsch the perfect partner for this project. His vision was supported by Klipsch’s chief acoustic engineer, Roy Delgado, who played a pivotal role in refining the speaker's performance. Delgado’s contributions reflect his years of experience working under Paul W. Klipsch, continuing the brand’s tradition of acoustic excellence.
The kO-R1 is being released in true limited edition fashion. Each speaker is laser-engraved with a metal ID plate and ships with a hardbound book that chronicles the speaker's design and manufacturing journey. With only a select number of units available, the kO-R1 is positioned to become a collector’s item amongst audiophile and design enthusiast circles.
The speaker can be purchased exclusively through Common Wave HiFi and IQ Home Entertainment for $8,498 per pair (MSRP).
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