Klipsch’s Newest Audiophile Loudspeaker Blends Elite Sound with Innovative Design
The American hi-fi company is calling its latest loudspeaker "the pinnacle of audio collaboration."
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In late 2024, Klipsch teamed up with Devon Turnball of Ojas, the hyped New York-based audio maker specializing in highly customized audiophile speakers, to create a truly unique loudspeaker: the kO-R1 .
In a nutshell, the kO-R1 was a customized version of Klipsch's Heresy loudspeaker from its iconic Heritage line. It's built on the same platform but features a new two-way design, new stands, and an adjustable sandcast aluminum horn that Turnball created with a 3D printer.
All were manufactured in Klipsch's famed Hope, Arkansas, facilities. Only 100 were made.
Two years later, Klipsch and Ojas have teamed up again.
Klipsch x Ojas, round two
After being revealed in April, the loudspeakers finally have a price and a release date. - Credit: Klipsch
Enter the kO-R2 . It's a two-way, sectoral horn-loaded loudspeaker built similarly to the kO-R1, but it's a significantly larger floorstanding speaker with a more sophisticated, custom-designed horn on top.
This Ojas 1506 multi-sectoral horn is the true focal point of the kO-R2. The company claims it draws from key elements of classic Western Electric and Altec designs, resulting in "a distinctive square and isosceles trapezoidal mouth arrangement that is as visually striking as it is acoustically precise, delivering even frequency distribution across both horizontal and vertical planes."
The main additions from Ojas are the custom-designed multisectoral horn and exquisite Baltic birch cabinetry. - Credit: Klipsch
The Klipsch Ojas kO-R2 is a passive 2-way loudspeaker that features Ojas' 1506 Multisectoral horn. - Credit: Klipsch
Aside from Ojas's strikingly elaborate horn, the kO-R2 has a pretty minimalist aesthetic. The speaker features a beautiful Baltic birch cabinet, a premium compression driver, anodized aluminum binding posts and anti-vibration feet.
The two brands are calling the kO-R2 "the pinnacle of audio collaboration." - Credit: Klipsch
Each pair of kO-R2 loudspeakers is individually numbered. - Credit: Klipsch
"The kO-R2 represents a powerful intersection of heritage and forward-thinking design," claims Vinny Bonacorsi, COO of Klipsch.
"Partnering with Devon allows us to honor Klipsch's 80-year legacy while pushing into new creative territory … delivering a product that is as culturally relevant as it is acoustically exceptional."
The kO-R2 will be available in two finishes: Red Oak veneer or Hammertone Silver (shown). - Credit: Klipsch
Atop is a five-step high-frequency gain attenuator. - Credit: Klipsch
Limited to 600 pairs
Klipsch and Ojas debuted the kO-R2 at Milan Design Week in late April. At the time, most details about the loudspeaker, including specs, price and availability, were unknown. But that has now changed.
Right now, the kO-R2 is available for pre-order. A pair costs $11,995.
Only 600 pairs of the kO-R2 will be produced. And they'll be available in two finishes: Red Oak veneer or Hammertone Silver. Each will have the same matte-black, powder-coated horn.
Klipsch is expected to ship the speakers between August and October, depending on when the orders were placed.
Klipsch Ojas kO-R2
About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol's editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.
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