The result? The exquisite kO-R1 speaker – a limited edition masterpiece that's already turning heads and pricking up ears across the globe.
This harmonious partnership was born from mutual admiration. When Klipsch extended an invitation to Turnbull for a special project, the Ojas founder didn't hesitate. At a recent launch event in the heart of New York City, Turnbull confessed, "If I had approached Klipsch, it might have been a long shot. Fortunately, fate had other plans, and they reached out to me first."
Turnbull's fascination with the Klipsch Heresy IV became the cornerstone of their collaboration. Drawing inspiration from this iconic model, the duo set out to create something truly extraordinary – the kO-R1 collaborative two-way loudspeaker.
Measuring a compact 15.5" x 24.81" x 13.25", the kO-R1 stands as the most diminutive offering in the prestigious Klipsch Heritage Series. Don't let its size fool you, though. This speaker packs a sonic punch that belies its modest dimensions. Turnbull himself recommends it as an ideal entry point for those venturing into the world of high-efficiency speakers.
The kO-R1's design is a testament to both innovation and tradition. Crafted from Baltic birch plywood and assembled with precision butt joints, it mirrors the Heresy's dimensions while carving out its own unique identity. Perched atop a KS-12 stand, the speaker boasts a standout feature – an adjustable sandcast aluminum horn, brought to life through cutting-edge 3D printing technology.
In a bold move, Turnbull opted for a two-way design, eschewing the traditional tweeter. His philosophy? "In the realm of audio, simplification is often the key to excellence. It's always worth exploring," he explained.
The kO-R1's aesthetic is as impressive as its audio capabilities. Adorned in a sophisticated gray lacquer finish and complemented by luxurious red oak veneer, each speaker is a work of art in its own right. With production limited to just 100 pairs worldwide, exclusivity is guaranteed.
For those eager to elevate their audio experience, the kO-R1 comes with a price tag of $8,498 USD per pair. These auditory gems are available exclusively through Ojas, but with such limited quantities, they're expected to vanish from shelves faster than a perfect high note.
As the curtain rises on this groundbreaking collaboration between Klipsch and Ojas, one thing is clear: the kO-R1 isn't just a speaker – it's a statement, a collector's item, and a gateway to unparalleled sonic bliss. For audiophiles and design enthusiasts alike, this limited edition marvel represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of audio history in the making.
Maya Torelli
Straddling the worlds of art and communication, this creative professional established People in 2009, a content agency specializing in the fusion of words and visuals. Over the years, her work has spanned a variety of projects, including magazines and documentary films. Beyond her commercial endeavors, she dedicates herself to exploring the nature of imagery, with a particular focus on its interplay with other media forms, especially music. Her passion for music not only fuels her writing but also deeply influences her work as a filmmaker, shaping both her documentaries and video installations. With a voracious appetite for knowledge across philosophy, sociology, anthropology, and various scientific disciplines, she weaves these diverse interests into a unique, interdisciplinary approach to content creation, perspective-taking, and writing.