Get a load of this...Ojas Collab

[KT88]

I hadn't heard about the project before Steve G's video because I rarely watch that section, and I was just about to post the video here in ‘two channel,’ but Billybob1 has already done it. I've known about Ojas since Guttenberg made a video with Devon a few years ago...and his love of Japanese (sound) culture and beautiful design, such as USM Haller cabinets and tables.

 

https://industrialkonzept.com/blogs/magazine/devon-turnbull-devonojas?srsltid=AfmBOor24RDyHRJNVXAnK635JgzJ3DsMLJlqlOALxSxqOa7vRlVBIzLA

 

KOR1 looks very interesting. It makes me curious to know who the target group will be? I assume that such questions were discussed internally by Roy and Devon before the joint venture, of course. It could be a win-win situation. More awareness for Devon's speakers and more freedom for Roy to create something new that doesn't clash with the Heritage Lineup under this new name, even if it hits pretty much the same price range.

I really like the functional design of the KOR1. It reminds me of the old Klipschorn Decorator models, which I love very much, even though they require more dusting. But I'm also very happy with my 1973 regular Klipschorns. The horn of the KOR1 reminds me a bit of the old Altec horns, which doesn't have to be a bad thing in terms of design. Ok, you think more of a loft with this speaker, but it could also inspire users for the living room with its shape.

[KT88]

If it hasn't already been brought up somewhere, I find it very interesting what some people have to say about the taste of the youth in audio... a Steve Hoffmann page in a thread below about Klipsch/Ojas. I think the renaissance of large loudspeakers is continuing or even intensifying.

 

https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/ojas-x-klipsch.1209101/page-2

[John Warren]

OJAS also has a line of incense cones.  They seem to be sold-out, however.

 

Can't make this stuff up.

 

Also, why is the package shown being shown outside on the ground?  

 

 

 

[billybob1]

On 9/25/2024 at 3:20 PM, Travis In Austin said:

 

I think he is confused about that, Okoume plywood is desirable for it's appearance. Grade A/A can be finished without any veneer. It is void free

 

This is Okoume plywood with marine grade varnish:

 

Saw a similar good design -ish carrying more than one for 1200 on bulletin board here. Took a pic but, could have done better... coolish.

[beetles]

On 9/14/2024 at 10:38 PM, richieb said:

These may well appeal to the NY hipster crowd even at $8500. A natural finished cabinet with an artsy looking sectional

horn perched on top.  Regardless of sound they will probably sell all the  couple hundred they produce.  Or, have Crites build one their Hersey “near” replicas and mount the Faital horn on the top. Bingo. Save yourself $6K. Arkansas chic - 

These are obviously not meant for modders or DIY-ers. This is a product aimed at a small market: NYC and LA audio fanciers with a decent budget and who want the vintage look, the backstory with the Altec look and Klipsch provenance, and some reassurance of manufacturer support. They will sell out. There won't be a crash in value on the resale market, because few will be resold and the small limited edition numbers produced will support their market value. This is a product for moneyed enough buyers who want speakers for a tube setup (or a prestige ss amp, McIntosh, Sugden, AR) that still fit in an apartment living room. These aren't the buyers of Linn or B&O high-end "lifestyle" systems, and they aren't buyers of stratospheric stuff from OMA. Maybe they would cross-shop DeVore or Audio Note. They want something more exclusive than Klipsch Heritage.

[Vivi]

On 10/2/2024 at 10:52 PM, billybob1 said:

How are things going down your way?

 

swimmingly. house less full of speakers. pallet of new (old) speakers en route to fix that problem. multiple la scala, forte, kp201 all wrapped up and floating on a boat from LA to SYD right now. 

 

but yet I still want a pair of these k0-r1s

[Vivi]

On 10/5/2024 at 9:46 PM, KT88 said:

KOR1 looks very interesting. It makes me curious to know who the target group will be? I assume that such questions were discussed internally by Roy and Devon before the joint venture, of course. It could be a win-win situation. More awareness for Devon's speakers and more freedom for Roy to create something new that doesn't clash with the Heritage Lineup under this new name, even if it hits pretty much the same price range.

 

I would dare say that questions such as the "target market" are decided by Vinny Bonacorsi, and passed down from Indy to Hope. Vinny, from my limited dealings, is a very sharp dude.

 

It's pretty apparent that said market is people who are into the intersection of design and audio. USM, etc. Perhaps they find Heritage too old school, or too MCM, or whatever. 

 

And as to the incense... my understanding is that Devon uses OJAS as a multidisciplinary channel for things he finds interesting. I don't get people throwing shade at him for being an artist. It's a big, exciting world, where you don't just have to be a speaker guy (or gal, or they). He founded a very (underground) famous fashion label about 20 years ago called No De Guerre, which is tremendously influential now.

 

In short, he's done more with his life than most of the hecklers on here. And it's mad that he's collaborating with a company and a philosophy that we are all so madly passionate about.

[billybob1]

1 hour ago, Vivi said:

 

swimmingly. house less full of speakers. pallet of new (old) speakers en route to fix that problem. multiple la scala, forte, kp201 all wrapped up and floating on a boat from LA to SYD right now. 

 

but yet I still want a pair of these k0-r1s

Would say you are doing well indeed 😊. Thanks!

[John Warren]

3 hours ago, Vivi said:

In short, he's done more with his life than most of the hecklers on here. 

 

And you know that how?  

 

[billybob1]

Yes well don't know much still,  yes  Ojas, not Ojab lol...

 

[Vivi]

8 hours ago, John Warren said:

 

And you know that how?  

 

 

Look, as an example, he's built sound systems that have been displayed in MoMA as an art exhibition. Last night he did a collaboration with Mercedes Benz and Moncler. I believe this weekend also saw his collaboration with NNNN being showcased at ADE. Two days, mate, and he's got countless things happening worldwide. Cool things. Things of artistic and engineering worth. It's impressive.

 

He builds his own tube amps, just like you, John. Only difference is that his ones are in Louis Vuitton stores.

 

Park the vitriol. 

[KT88]

5 hours ago, Vivi said:

 

Look, as an example, he's built sound systems that have been displayed in MoMA as an art exhibition. Last night he did a collaboration with Mercedes Benz and Moncler. I believe this weekend also saw his collaboration with NNNN being showcased at ADE. Two days, mate, and he's got countless things happening worldwide. Cool things. Things of artistic and engineering worth. It's impressive.

With Devon, everything is certainly different than with someone who makes just good audio, like someone who focuses his life, knowledge and skills on building and developing good tube amps... for example.

I assume that someone who has dedicated their life to technology knows a lot more about tube amps (and/or horn systems or recording mixing or anything else). When someone like that starts a business, something like McIntosh or Klipsch or SME can come out of it...a tinkerer or a scientificly educated person) becomes a workshop, the workshop becomes a factory and (at the same time) the factory becomes a strong brand. That's the usual trajectory.

 

It's different with Ojas. Ojas is not a brand that has developed alongside a factory. Ojas is a concept. I have to say that Devon has managed to aestheticize audio. His strategy is that he not only selects good audio for his goals, but that it must also look interesting to his customers and have a story to tell. At the same time, Devon's audio takes a back seat to other interests, e.g. the artwork or the Mercedes brand or the Luis Vuitton bag or the USM cabinet is more important than Devon's amps or speakers at the moment of presentation, exhibition, vernissage or show.

I don't begrudge Devon his success, he has found his place in a world of the beautiful and the rich, but he also opens audio in a way that he offers DIY courses for amp building. But these courses are not designed to help someone understand the basics of physics and electrical engineering. As far as I understand it, Devon's DIY courses help stressed managers or otherwise burdened people to relax while DIY. The participant is probably more into tinkering with prefabricated components, etc. But even in this case it is very comparable... It is not the DIY course or the tube amp as a result that is most important, but the relaxation therapy of the participants. Devon's courses are a form of group therapy, and people learn to slow down because Devon incorporates traditional Japanese Zen elements into the courses. This experience is suddenly perhaps more valuable than someone having cobbled together an amp at the end

I would never go so far as to compare Devon or his company Ojas with a traditionally structured audio manufacturer. Devon's recipe for success is really the aestheticization of an art and advertising business. That's what makes him successful. If I were to position him, I would say that he is neither a technician nor an artist. He doesn't have to be either, because there is obviously a lot of room for Devon's business idea.

If I may be a little critical, I would say that Devon itself is just a phenomenon, and if at all, people will later only remember the phenomenon Ojas but not a technical contribution or a great work of art.

The current buzz surrounding Ojas could also be a sign of a flash in the pan that won't interest as many people in 10 years as it does now. But it doesn't have to end that way if Devon manages to position himself timelessly in his world (if it knows how).

 

 

[billybob1]

Would it be fair to call him a Renaissance man, if label one must.

☕

 

[hanksjim1]

I got a pair of Altec 414s and 511b horns if anyone wants to build a set...just saying (joke).

[KT88]

1 hour ago, billybob1 said:

Would it be fair to call him a Renaissance man, if label one must.

☕

 

If it is about the new discovery or the new view of art and science, enlightenment and personal freedom, as we understand the Renaissance, then it might be a bit far-fetched. Because it would presuppose that we have ended up in a dark age, similar to the Middle Ages, with its cruelties and dogmas, inhuman power games, with the prohibition of science and discoveries. It has not come to that yet, but Devon certainly represents a free spirit and his own approach. Something like that is always good for societies, also as an immunization against the possibility of relapsing into dark times. In this respect, Devon is a good role model for how to think and act across different categories. Please, I don't want to exaggerate or glorify Devon, I hope I made that clear in my previous post. But I also think it's important to appreciate what he's doing and not just dismiss it.

[Dave1291]

Bottom line as I see it?  Just another day at the office. 

 

Collabs have happened forever.  Some good & some bad.  What's so wrong with out-of-the-box thinking today?  The times they are a changin whether you like it or not.  Always have.  Where's the beef or is there really one? 

 

Perfect example.  Apply as needed.  Alexis Korner, Mick, Frampton et. all. 

 

Just make it work so ya can chill and smile.  Your circle kick back and smile? It ain't rocket science or is it?    Ya makin money and producing a superior quality product?  75 years?  

 

 

Option B?  BULLSHIT!!!  YOU make the call.  Go buy ya a big ole BOSE system and get back to me.       

[Tom05]

The heavy lift of audio technology took place 100 plus years ago by ground breaking engineers . The basic  principles of audio reproduction was understood and developed long ago . It’s early mastery is obvious when listening to The amazing quality of fine audio recordings from 90 years ago , the quality is absolutely astounding , likewise the finest loudspeakers from 75 years ago (or more)were no slouch either ,as they can arguably  hold their own against  some of the best available today  . Amplifier technology    Has followed a similar course with certain changes to the sound quality with the introduction of solid state components .While there’s always room for improvement, Today’s audio advances are not the groundbreaking work of the past , but more of a tinkering around the edges, with “advances” confined  to the altering of the icing on the cake , as the basic cake recipe was developed long long  ago . I give this guy and Roy Delgato credit for offering a new exciting product that hopefully will appeal to the consumer wanting something different and unique . I d like to hear the multi cell horn, I imagine that the careful listener will detect some interesting differences in sound quality. If I had the right room for them , I’d  be  interested for sure. 

[82 Cornwalls]

Looks like a modern slightly smaller Jensen Type E system to me.

yawn

[Tom05]

Patty Duke had an Identical cousin , they were matching bookends , but they were different in every way . Kathy for example enjoyed a minuet , whereas Patty enjoyed a crepe suzette ,(or something like that )and so forth  and so on . I would be inclined to compare two speakers by their sound quality and not by their looks . 🤓

[82 Cornwalls]

So which one was new and exciting?