Cool video about Devon Turnbull's Ojas Audio speakers. High efficiency speakers and low wattage tube amps. Nothing new here, but it's interesting to see a former DJ who visited Japan being inspired by Japanese DIY audio.
Ojas Audio - High Efficiency Speakers Made in NYC
- Thread starter jeff1225
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Just gone on his website. No spkrs or amps to buy, but plenty of t-shirts...clever marketing, get the young w apparel, then reel them in later w DIY tubes and horns to appeal to their deep desire to Slow Life down. Even the most frenetic social justice warriors need their calm place.
I'm saying their minds are so busy fighting the world, they could do w slowing down...tubes and horns are the ticket, and his prices might appeal.
I'm not making a serious point, just an aside.
I'm not making a serious point, just an aside.
who sets the status quo? really? the establishment, man! come on dude! we've all been 19 before... I never want to go back there!
Since this is an audio forum with strict rules, we can discuss the disruption imposed by the high efficiency speaker to the establishment approach represented for example by the Wilson/Dagastino/dCS/ Transparent Audio type system fully supported by the audio media and dealer networks. One approach gets established to become the status quo as the customers values shift and alternatives become available and increasingly popular. These days, it seems to be inefficient cone speakers, big SS amps, digital streaming, and fancy cables. Of course there are many options.
This guy in New York is doing something different. I think the thread was started to simply point out a refreshing alternative.
This guy in New York is doing something different. I think the thread was started to simply point out a refreshing alternative.
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Totally agree.
As I am a fan of horn speakers, I love when anyone is making new horn speakers and raising awareness to let people know good horn speakers don't need to sound like the mass-market stuff they are used to hearing.
It’s fantastic to see Devon Turnbull getting so much attention! His passion for high-fidelity sound and craftsmanship is truly inspiring.
I read an article where he presented his audio system that includes a Marantz 7 as preamplifier, his own Class D power amplifier and lots of different SUT. His use of various step-up transformers (SUTs) really shows dedication to fine-tuning every detail for optimal analog playback, but it strikes me that a lot of these SUTs were not that expensive. Perhaps I'm naive - but I'm also a beginner in the field of HiFi - but how can he achieve such good sound from these old SUTs (Altec 4722 for instance). What does that kind of SUT give his audio system? Why wouldn't he choose SUTs that are considered more "high end"? Please, if somebody can elaborate on this it would be appreciated!
I read an article where he presented his audio system that includes a Marantz 7 as preamplifier, his own Class D power amplifier and lots of different SUT. His use of various step-up transformers (SUTs) really shows dedication to fine-tuning every detail for optimal analog playback, but it strikes me that a lot of these SUTs were not that expensive. Perhaps I'm naive - but I'm also a beginner in the field of HiFi - but how can he achieve such good sound from these old SUTs (Altec 4722 for instance). What does that kind of SUT give his audio system? Why wouldn't he choose SUTs that are considered more "high end"? Please, if somebody can elaborate on this it would be appreciated!
My guess is that he listened, and they sound better.
With all due respect, but in my opinion, he is merely trying to sell new products and make money by exploiting the fame of older, highly renowned products that are widely accepted by audiophiles. Mimicking old, famous products doesn’t mean they will sound the same.
Sure. But somehow it seems fascinated, at least for me, that he chooses a SUT like that and not a high end model. It seems that the majority of consumers of HiFi generally tend to seek "expensive, larger, more high end" items for upgrades.
High-end audio is a luxury goods business. Hence the term “audio jewelry”. The methods employed to sell these goods are the same as those used by Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Bugatti or Patek Philippe, all of which have strong vintage appeal along with ongoing demand for new offerings.
Let’s face it - some people like to buy “stuff” and this is a hobby where there’s no end to the “stuff” one can purchase, including vintage.
Yesterday I was at a well-known WBF members’ house to pick up a piece of equipment I bought and he was kind enough to spin some vinyl for me. His system is a combination of new, vintage and DIY, but what stood out were his speakers, which were last made in 1980. Aided by a pair of modern subs and a fantastic room, he created the most holographic soundstage I’ve ever heard.
Now, these speakers have lived a hard life - nobody would confuse them with audio jewelry - so people who like to buy new “stuff” would probably take a hard pass in favour of something like big Wilsons or Magicos (the room was definitely up to it). But I’m in the camp that newer isn’t always better and this demonstration once again confirmed that belief. I honestly can’t imagine a better sounding system. And I suspect the speakers cost less than a set of M-pods.
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That is true. But I think it’s pretty cool that his place is open to the public. I remember the fancy Bang and Olofsenn retail store on Boylston Street in Boston or maybe it was Newberry Street in the very upscale shopping district near the famous hotels. If there is a “hip” quotient, and people think it’s cool to visit, he is increasing exposure to an alternative approach. Some people will surely like the presentation and others will not.
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