A Collector’s Approach to Sound: The kO-R2 by Klipsch and Ojas

Debuting during Milan Design Week, the handcrafted speaker reflects a meeting of legacy engineering and contemporary acoustic philosophy.

Klipsch/ Ojas

This year's Milan Design Week features a remarkable visual enhancement of audio quality. Commemorating 80 years of high-fidelity tradition, the esteemed audio brand Klipsch has formally introduced the latest phase of its relationship with Ojas, the innovative studio of renowned acoustic designer Devon Turnbull. The kO-R2 loudspeaker, making its international debut at the Fondazione Luigi Rovati museum, is a remarkable creation that distils audio to its fundamental emotional essence.

Meticulously produced by proficient craftspeople in Hope, Arkansas—the birthplace of Klipsch since 1946—the limited-edition kO-R2 exemplifies exceptional acoustic design. The focal visual and auditory element of the bidirectional speaker is the Ojas 1506 multisectoral horn. Constructed from robust cast aluminium and adorned with a smooth flat black powder coat, the exponential horn is influenced by the geometric aesthetics of traditional Western Electric and Altec designs. The outcome is a unique, multifaceted configuration that provides exceptionally accurate, uniform frequency distribution in both horizontal and vertical dimensions. “Working with Klipsch continues to be an exploration of how we can strip audio down to its most essential, emotional core,” explained Turnbull. “With the kO-R2, we focused on creating something that feels immediate and human—where the technology disappears and the listener is left with a pure, physical connection to the music.”In addition to the impressive Baltic birch cabinets and distinctive horn, the kO-R2 is equipped with high-quality, state-of-the-art components. The simple construction features a premium compression driver, a five-position high-frequency gain attenuator for accurate sound calibration, anodised aluminium binding posts, and anti-vibration rubber feet.

Klipsch/ Ojas

Klipsch and Ojas have collaborated with USM Modular Furniture and Karimoku to present the kO-R2 through a special, appointment-only event in Milan. The curated listening sessions, running till April 26, provide fans with exceptional early access to the speakers, inviting attendees to bring their own recordings for a more personalised experience. The kO-R2 exemplifies a potent convergence of traditional workmanship and innovative design, tailored for discerning audiophiles. The collaborative speaker will have a production cap of only 600 pairs globally, available in two unique finishes: a warm Red Oak veneer and a sleek Hammertone Silver. Enthusiasts aiming to get a pair for their personal listening spaces can anticipate an official worldwide release in June.