Outrageous horn speakers and tube amps, straight outta Brooklyn

Oswalds Mill Audio products are made by hand in Pennsylvania, using locally sourced, sustainable hardwoods, slate, cast bronze, iron and aluminum.
The Audiophiliac visited their Brooklyn showroom.
Oswalds Mill Audio, oswaldsmillaud...
#audiophile #highendaudio #hornspeakers
Follow me on Twitter @audiophiliacman

[@fc872e1]

I was fortunate enough to be able to spend the weekend at Jonathan’s a few years every spring when he hosted an annual Tube Tasting. He’s actually an incredibly kind, giving, generous person. People came from all over, and brought their homemade stuff, and got a chance to play them for everyone. One year the scientist / engineer who led the development of the modern loudspeaker driver when he was at RCA gave a lecture on the project. Fascinating. Oswalds Mill is definitely different

[@dilbyjones]

I wonder if he would do more public events once covid finally dies

[@mag-wp6yt]

Art most certainly has a function.

[@HareDeLune]

Agreed wholeheartedly, and thank you.

[@arkman8109]

I like this guy, very smart and easy to follow his logic. He's like me, just keeps explaining his passion and why it works .

[@luke78333]

Looks like we're in the props department for the Wizard of Oz

[@pigwillnot8281]

or dr suess !!!

[@weatheranddarkness]

Makes some sense since the technology is the same and or inspired by what would have been behind the screen at the premiere of Wizard of Oz.

[@estebannemo1957]

Steve: Please say you are going to follow up with a review!

[@StCreed]

Nope - OMA has a no-review policy. For good reason, I assume :)

[@ianmedium]

@@StCreed god, you internet know it all’s! They actually do have their products reviewed, their speakers have been reviewed as has their new top of the line record deck reviewed by Michael Fremmer very very favorably has have their speakers. Before spouting conspiracies actually do some work and research facts, I can only assume you must be a Trump supporter based on your lack of FACT!

[@playbackvintagehifihunter9669]

I like his philosophy, if only wisdom wasn’t so expensive 😢

[@jamesoneil658]

If you accept the proposition that vinyl source, super efficient loudspeakers, and tube power is the way to go, you can enjoy the OMA ideas on a very limited budget.

[@craigsummerville8823]

Regarding more OMA videos, to quote Steve, "I think we're done here!". I'm sure the equipment sounds fine but to pitch the idea that advancement in sound reproduction reached its zenith in the early 20th century? C'mon...

[@ronaldrice2936]

Agree

[@FOH3663]

@@craigsummerville8823 I didn't take it like that at all. Granted, he's a salesman. He was merely pointing out that designers were compelled to utilize force multipliers, in this case baffle width, to maintain a more constant acoustic load with respect to frequency. Regardless of era, that's good engineering that's still in use today at the highest levels of playback quality.

[@TheChadPad]

It ain't the wisdom that's so expensive. It's all the damn hard work!

[@Mooseman327]

Love this guy. A champion of good sound. Also love that he doesn't bother with ironing his shirt.

[@JohnVander70]

That’s real craftsmanship.

[@cau8365]

This really open my eyes. May be one day, I can afford to open my ears as well. Thanks Steve for taken us to this journey. I'm voting with both hands to continue the series for other components.

[@thegrimyeaper]

I vote for a series!

[@CreamyBone]

Probably wouldn't be buying this type of gear even IF had the money to spend.... but I absolutely love to see and learn about it. I could watch hours of this!

[@wa2368]

Yes, yes, you are very used to the expensive ugly box. It's too late for ya.

[@Hippiekinkster]

Yeah, with that level of funding I could buy some drones and start a war somewhere.

[@scubalbany]

Loved this. No compromise HiFi. "My way or the highway" attitude.

[@bigblueocean]

Do viewers want to know? We certainly do! More from this guy please.

[@Another_Audiophile]

It’s funny how people who have never heard the gentleman’s speakers have an opinion already. The gear looks great and I am very curious how these speakers would sound.

[@3rdaxis649]

Regardless of what his product line is capable of, It's the guy's demeanor. It's off putting, desperate and very much full of something. Just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Like a day old bagel, lol.

[@jareknowak8712]

They probably sound as good as nothing. But they smell very well.

[@3rdaxis649]

@@jareknowak8712 I'm sure they sound incredible but coming from someone with my skill set I don't see the value. Minus the drivers you have something that can be made very easily and with materials that are very common place.

[@usandthemx]

Don't have to hear them. Horns ALWAYS color the sound, never in a good way!

[@progressiveguy9959]

@@usandthemx Says the man who is proud of his Confederate flag.No! You wont rise again. You will be deported again.

[@Michael-xz1nk]

I enjoy Jon's passion. I also love that his customers just want to hear music and not get into the mix and match component game. Very cool stuff for sure, marrying great design with great audio with unique esthetics...perfect for one of those cool Brooklyn Heights abodes. Just not affordable for most of us.

[@thegroove2000]

This man has clear vision and knows his stuff..

[@thegroove2000]

The term art is an insult to him and I can see why.

[@srdjanbasaric517]

Two thumbs up for this guy.

[@johnevans9751]

Brilliant. Like an endless supply of your finest wine or whiskey. You place the stylus on the vinyl, and off you go.

[@minicoop3366]

It is really enjoyable to see dedicated people like this who think so far out of the box, and are truly looking of ways to move the high end audio outside of the norm. I have been an audiophile for many decades, and I was very lucky to move from being an audiophile hobbyist, to being able to own and operate a semi high end audio store in Wisconsin in the 70's and 80's. I was able to travel to the CES shows and see many amazing products, but more important to people who are so dedicated to the determination of designing the very best products they can, even sometimes when they might no make a large sum of money. It is the science first and the cash second. I know sometimes those thoughts do not make for a successful business, but just the thoughts of someone doing things like this is truly impressive. Many years ago I met Doctor Hill at the Vegas winter CES show. Everyone was talking about his Hill's Plasmatronic speakers. Dr Hill was an atomic physicists who happened to be an audiophile. So he used his technical knowledge to build a truly amazing plasma driver in a very unique system. When questioned about the price (at that time about $25,000) he replied, that he and his son are driven by the technology to achieve his goals, not really a price point. So people out there are more interested in designing the very best, and they think very far out of the box.

[@markpelletier4505]

I'm impressed by the contrast between equipment like this, extremely large and extremely expensive versus equipment like Dayton Audio, small and inexpensive. Terrific range of equipment that Steve presents to us. I love it.

[@scottyo64]

Agreed I like to see all sides of audio.

[@broggsey]

Totally bonkers, totally fascinating

[@christophernoto]

Of course, this stuff is outrageously expensive, and the marketing babble is almost laughably twee, but I’D LOVE TO HEAR IT! Thanks, Steve! 🔥

[@williamcurwen7428]

What I have learnt by building my own hornspeakers is that really good engineering is always simple, thus beautiful.

[@Santos.Sarmento]

12:42 “there’s a lot of schmucks in this world”, I simply love this guy's direct and lucid honesty!

[@richardr.5177]

Make it a series, please. Strong design philosophies and passions are always interesting to hear.

[@seeburg10]

In the realm of what one could call "unaffordable audio", I have no more problem with this guy, what he says and what he builds than any other guy and what the other guy says and builds. This guy builds cool looking gear, says it's cool looking for a practical reason AND builds it in Brooklyn. If it sounds great, as good as other unaffordable gear, good for him and the rich guys who buy it.

[@i20010]

Yes, I want to see more videos of this guy explaining his no-A (rt) beautiful audio stuff! Awesome equipment he's got there.

[@bkatbamna]

I don't have the money or the room for those components and speakers but I'm glad that a company like Owens Mills Audio exists and is doing well.

[@vernemattson3300]

Two requirements to have that gear in your home. A huge room and a forklift. Very enjoyable interview.

[@dougg1075]

Verne Mattson And a huge bank account.

[@Projacked1]

LOL

[@MichaelLaFrance1]

Along with reinforced floors and hopefully no neighbors.

[@airgead5391]

Yes, a second one with this gentleman.

[@thegrimyeaper]

That turntable looks downright delicious.

[@gdwlaw5549]

This is quite simply outstanding

[@cpopefly]

I heard a few at OMA Brooklyn, and the Imperias changed my life.

[@ianmedium]

Oh and yes, more of this wonderful company please including a tour of their mill in Pennsylvania please, this company needs to be seen way more than it is!

[@asianfighter62]

His company is one of many that are not know the general public because it is UTLRA HIGH END. His company like many others CATER to those who can afford such systems which is basically the FILTHY RICH. You are talking about spending over $100,000 just for loudspeakers alone.

[@morris7025]

Yes! I love their work - i just wish i had the money to put it in my home! : ) but it's great to see someone working like this in Hi-Fi. Would LOVE to see more!

[@Fred-ck1gh]

Without guys like this, the world would be a sad place to live in! Pushing the boundary = Evolution!

[@rogeta1776]

I loved this guy. Awesome stuff!

[@johnnymossville]

Very cool products. I am glad there are people making it, and there are people that can afford it.

[@justthebeginning1448]

I love this guy's passion and his, "the ultimate or bust" mentality. An AMAZING Interview.

[@PicaDelphon]

I still want to HEAR the STUFF..

[@notlessgrossman163]

I love this, bring more Jonathan

[@firelord675]

He has to be the most interesting man in high end audio Next time I’m in Delaware, I’ll plan a trip to his shop

[@howard5992]

This man exemplifies intelligence.

[@mornecoetzee735]

I think this guy used to be a marketing director.

[@18000rpm]

"Our customers are not audiophiles" says it all really.

[@thomasanonymous594]

What a wonderful video! Two refined music lovers and true gentlemen having a nice, highly interesting conversation on sound and sound reproduction. Thank you for this! God bless you both!

[@AlbertKel]

He bragged about his product. No conversation.

[@ianmedium]

If ever I won the lotto I would fly in buy amp, speakers and record deck and invite them to deliver it to me here in Austria! I love their products.

[@fredbissnette3104]

Pre 1930 audio was big and efficient due to need but we forgot how good it was

[@paulcampise3050]

Makes me drool dreaming of having a room large enough for the big horns and enough disposable income to purchase all his gear. Fantastic interview!

[@DismasM]

That's great, Steve. Take him up on his offer: I'd watch any hi-fi topic the two of you'd expound on--his turntable idea is especially good. Thanks!

[@OrlandoQuiros]

I would like to hear the sound of the various speakers they manufacture.

[@ggc7318]

Wow...so cool ! Really creative and hardworking entrepreneurial people. I want to see his turntables. Thanks

[@ryry7886]

This guys turns turns denying art into an art.

[@xanderguldie]

Is it me or was Steve like:, "I'm done with this stuff" at the end?

[@davidmathewbonner]

Maybe his battery was flashing or data was filled up. Seemed rushed. But as someone who does videos, having a battery warning flash can cause stress.

[@motorradmike]

Xander Guldie, Hahahaha!

[@TheChadPad]

I think it was more like "Well, that explained it better than anything else could! There's nothing more to add"

[@mosespray4510]

I think Steve was polite and a good listener, but he'd definitely had enough. The Weiss guy was incredibly boorish.

[@louisxiiii]

I wonder if he had been expecting to hear all the stuff, rather than jsut the owner ramble on. I know if I had spent that much time there and never heard anything play, I would have been miffed.

[@playingforthecheapse]

I have sat in that room, heard the most life-like reproduction of music i could have imagined. He played Coltrane-Blue Train, amazing. He uses field-coils to drive the horns on (all, some?) of his speakers, this has a huge effect on the sound. If I had the money, and space, I would buy an OMA system and never look back. Since OMA as a company is so obsessive, the time-alignment, cross-over and interaction the amps makes for a very coherent sound. JW can be a politicizing figure, but his heart is in the right place and he is not selling BS.

[@holeephuc007]

Would you be so kind as to give a larger description of your experience. Thanks in advance.

[@estebannemo1957]

C R Thanks!

[@jorgerodriguez6042]

ok thats was different steve thank you for this video

[@laundrieshanging9077]

love this guy's passion. I'd work for him anyday

[@pingjockeyproductions6968]

This goes several levels above my hi end experience - will my ears hear the difference? Probably ! Great video ! Keep it going !

[@newtechgs7471]

Good luck to him, he obviously has customers. I doubt I will ever afford to own anything they make, but I enjoy that it exists

[@gil3green]

THIS IS EXACTLY WHY I WATCH! WHERE ELSE, THANKS!

[@HoomanR17]

Count my yes for a follow up video on their turntables.. great interview.

[@spunkthecombo]

I enjoyed the interview. It's cool to see what the 1% can afford, beautiful designs.

[@neilstern7108]

Thank you, i use my wall to get more bass, and it works. So if they use wood baffling I can use my wall. Very interesting man thanks for sharing.

[@paulgolub6823]

Bring on more, why not? It's at least free for us to watch. Like reading car magazines about crazy expensive cars while we drive Hondas and Toyotas.

[@mikelalande4561]

Intresting ideal. Speakers that sound good and look good.

[@ricbyer3603]

Enjoyed this. I'd like to know more about the direct drive vs idler :)

[@gurdyman1]

Me, too!

[@ptbfrch]

Me too!

[@kirarittberg5088]

Ric Byer Research Lenco L 75. It was a classic idler. Apparently idlers have less loss of speed when the stylus drag (friction) changes due to the density of the recording. Apparently this can be heard. I used to have an idler in the early 70's. In the 80's all I heard was that belt was better, less rumble so I got a belt drive. Then CDs were the way to go so I went digital. Now someone wants to tell me turntables and vinyl are better?

[@kevinfestner6126]

me, three

[@AALavdas]

@@kirarittberg5088 A well implemented DD with quartz control is better than either idler or belt-driven turntables. Just look at the rumble and W&F measurements. I have the L75, and I now use it for my 78s. I used it as my main table for some time. It's great, but my JVC QL50 with an SME arm is much better. CDs are also great. In most cases, when a CD sounds bad it's because of bad mastering, not because of the medium itself.

[@alexandrethethe1412]

I FUCKING LOVE THIS GUY OH MY GOD THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

Definitely more of this fella he’s a bit out there but very smart 😊

[@HouseofRecordsTacoma]

Art of Sound - rolling of the eyes. But Best Art&Sound ever. IRONIC, I wanna see the review.

[@sidneyfrederickson3941]

Love his philosophy. When I started building my all vintage system I went with large, high efficiency speakers paired with 100 watt amps so the amps would loaf along at normal levels. OMA has a new turntable coming, btw.

[@MegaEpstein]

"There is a lot of schmucks in this world" - oh boy, absolutely agree with you......

[@billdunn8542]

The non conventional all ways speaks to me. In all things. More please.

[@julioestebanperezescudero6246]

Art also has a function, opens new frontiers and feeds the soul.

[@Gary_M]

Sounds like a bunch of wing-ding to me.

[@eddiel1538]

You are absolutely right, I have done electronics engineering whole my life, I am 59 years old and learn a lot trough my life, this is just another cork sniffer

[@ScottBeattyProSound]

One day this guy will learn what a quadratic diffusor is......

[@JonathanDillonfds-fx]

There are a few of his personal ideas in there that won't appeal to the text bookers, but the ideas are worth the exploration, I'm happy he explored without boundaries because to me all audiophile explore based on personal biases reinforced with theoretical knowledge. He may have explained some aspects from a position of lesser knowledge but the concept of the idea is still worth the appreciation.

[@mosespray4510]

Usually, when Steve interviews someone there is a lot of back and forth discussion and you can tell he really enjoys the interaction. This guy can't stop blowing his horn long enough to engage in any actual discussion. It's just him telling us how it is, and you can see what a gentleman Steve is by the way he responds.

[@MikeDawson1]

@@mosespray4510 I 100% agree with you.. Steve tries to jump in a few times and eventually just gives up and lets him talk.. This guy is full of himself and believes he's a genius

[@TheChadPad]

I definitely wanna hear about his designs with turntables. This stuff is dope

[@juliocubias9600]

Interesting approach to home audio, yes more of it will be appreciated.

[@evdb9255]

When David Lynch makes audio gear :)

[@jessej.cortez2576]

More please, perfect for youtube.

[@christopherdoolan925]

Aspirational system. I have been waiting for this video. Thank you.

[@byrong1561]

I suspect the original video of this interview had the f word @ 7:30, which Steve has (almost) seamlessly removed. The horn speakers must have incredible sensitivity to be driven by amps with so few watts. Jonathan Weiss is an interesting guy and Oswalds Mill clearly manufactures interesting kit 👏👏

[@savusilviu]

get this guy back on the show Steve, he's an incredible marketer I'd like to hear more about his view on gear but from his marketing-ish perspective ;)

[@HareDeLune]

I would like to see more from this guy as well.

[@wa2368]

He put all the dummies hauling monoblocks around in their place in under 10 seconds. This guy is good.

[@JM-zs5hp]

I'm guessing you like all the used car salesmen you meet.

[@robineur]

Oh YES. Let's hear about turntable drives!

[@mikaelmllersnnichsen539]

Another great video, Mr. Guttenberg - indeed you may even say I've been waiting for this one, and its horn-likes..! Please return with a follow-up(s) from Mr. Weiss and his OMA adventure.

[@jemi7566]

This is a fascinating company - would love to see a series on this Steve, and updates as products come out. Probably priced into the stratosphere but allegedly justified by performance, plus good old fashioned American work using American raw materials, it's part of what makes this country great.

[@vaneast411]

gorgeous looking gear would love to hear🌸

[@vader540is]

Yes another video please!

[@jarodreddig63]

I would absolutely love to hear his full audio solution.

[@lapetitemortbis]

Wow. What a character! Really enjoyed watching it. You should do the follow up video

[@freeradical431]

In my private library, I have many leather bound books, and the walls are covered in rich mahogany........... :)

[@johnpeschke7723]

he should call it art because it certainly is

[@benho6541]

High efficiency always rules. Great interview.

[@carpetcleaningprofessor]

More please!!!!!!

[@TheAlberto6842]

Hi end audio is exactly that because of places and companies like this ...people that dare to think differently an not follow convention.....I applaud their effort to challenge convention ....love to see more please ....

[@dilbyjones]

Wow such a great way to do it, wish he did indeed do another one.after a lot of study one ends up here

[@oliverbeard7912]

These pieces certainly make a visual statement.Very high sensitivity (Loud)speakers there.A very retro/industrial feel .Quite different from the mainstream.

[@sebastianalleyne1073]

part 2 please, thanks steve!

[@helio231]

I want to know. Thats my vote, bring him back on!

[@roycemcmahon6940]

About four years ago I was trying to figure out how to get the quality of sound back that my old Linn LP-12 had, without spending big money on a system. I kept coming across youtube videos of great sounding turntables. I finally figured out that the Lenco or Bogen turntables were behind it. I found a Bogen 62 on Ebay and bought it pretty cheap. I found Lencohaven and saw the tweaks these people were doing to these tables. I ended up replacing the Plinth with a 40-lb plinth, new idler wheel. I also pulled out a SME 3009 III that was collecting dust. I put the V-15 IV on it and hooked it to the tube system that I use. Also I have Yamaha NS-1000's . I will say this, This turntable kicks the crap out of the linn system that I had back in the day. Dynamics, speed. Sade has such a special voice, The Doors I never used to be that big of a fan, Every note seems to have emotion behind it. There is a lot of truth behind a good idle table.

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

Of course we want to know about the difference between idler and direct drive turntables. Also this had to be perhaps the most interesting video you have done this guy is the Schiit. Oh wait.

[@pigwillnot8281]

actually , with SCHIIT YOU ACTUALLY DO get what u pay for !!!!

[@gurdyman1]

Being an idler fan, I'd like to hear his turntable thoughts.

[@christopherfox735]

What a great video. More of these amazing designs please.