The definitive Devon Turnbull / OJAS interview (feat. Klipsch, Denon)

[@dilbyjones]

She still has great editing skills. Id say even better. What a light touch. Really lets the subject shine through. Really nice. When Turnbull starts talking about "mid-range forward" its a SOUND its not easily achievable with run-of-the-mill speakers. Im glad he's putting out his own stuff to get it within the realm of the possible. We knew it was there just couldnt get to it. Dude is SO on point with his " bass solutions" this is how you know hes legit. Ill be honest its probably available with headphones too. I just don't know which .

[@dominikalbers6983]

Great and inspiring Interview, just to hear him talk about his big passion in such a reserved but open manner (if that makes sense) is so easy to listen to. Thanks Jana/John 👍

[@OgamJan]

Very inspiring to see hifi being elevated from a sedate and perhaps even a bit suspect hobby to a celebration of art and music. It has inspired me, made me listen more and feel more free to embrace the value that my hifi is providing me. Thank you John, Jana and Devon.

[@paullewis1750]

Excellent job Jana & John. Devon is a very interesting guy and his projects are also interesting.

[@Nesutaadesu]

This is interview mastery. Devon seems like a down to earth and genuine guy. Wonderful to hear more of his story and philosophies. Thank you!

[@Marko-sj2xh]

Wow, absolufely amazing. John thank you for your striving towards something new. Jana your interviews are always interesting like that on audioquest dragonfly cobalt dac, but this artistic aproach is such a treat. I didn't know nothing about Devon until now, amazing person.

[@caramelpop121]

I only recently subscribed to this channel and discovered this video just by chance. As a Japanese, I was interested in what Devon was saying about his experiences in Japan. But I was almost startled when he said he was in Fukushima once, because I worked there for a month before college a long time ago. I think the reason why Japanese like DIY is because they value things that are homemade. The things that you make by hand, whether its speakers or something else, has something of the maker's soul in it. So I think with DIY speakers, when you listen to them and wonder "why does it sound that way?", you know it's because that's what the maker wanted them to sound like.

[@g-train9372]

Great interview. I find what Devon is doing really interesting. Also a fan of horns and vintage designs/gear. We need more people like this to keep the spirit of HIFI alive.

[@m_DT]

Why do people have to comment that this video is too long for them? That’s fine I guess, but why announce it? Just odd to me.

[@jazzkatt7083]

Ikr. Watch it in three 20 minute chunks.😅

[@jdfarkash]

Where have you been since the dawn of social media? "Announcing" anything whatsoever is what it's all about, unfortunately.

[@fakeklg]

An epidemic of main character syndrome … very contagious and spreads wildly in KZbin comments.

[@Chris.from.1950]

Yeah, just folks out here in the cheap seats, trying to shape the narrative… 🤷‍♂️

[@m_DT]

@@jdfarkash haha. I was being facetious but you’re certainly right.

[@gilesdavis6345]

Great interview and really like the ojas approach to hifi. Horns, big paper cones and valves is such an absorbing and magical experience imo. Very confident young man with the personal comparison to Brian Eno.

[@stahlwork]

Jana thank you for this great Interview! Even more that you're not present in it. A good Interview is a underratet piece of art. Thumps Up from germany

[@mikehughescq]

I came to the interview convinced Devon was a hipster artist exploiting audio for headlines. The dangers of believing what you read I guess. I stayed for the hour and now believe he’s an audiophile of the highest order and found the whole interview mesmerising. In other words, job done Jana. This was magnificent stuff. Hour long interviews are a big ask in the attention economy and I would hope no-one takes enjoyment of this is indicative of a desire for more. Taken on its own terms though this was just fascinating. Well done all and thank you.

[@guyfender5267]

Kudos to Janna putting Devon foremost and editing herself out of the [Q &] A ! It really flows and the content is very original he's a very interesting innovator

[@johncolton]

I'm so happy to see this interview. John, thanks for arranging this and putting it out. Go NYC!

[@janwillemkuilenburg7561]

Hypnotic content & quality, thanks!

[@thomaskiefer1270]

Thank you for this interview! Mr. Turnbull, best of luck in your endeavors. Jana, I’m really looking forward to the relaunch of your channel.

[@robertpeterson8640]

I appreciate his acknowledgment of those who have been doing this sort of thing for a long time. He does a good job of presenting his work and concept to the public. His willingness to retain an industrial aesthetic is getting him more attention perhaps than if he had gone the more conventional “beautiful furniture” approach. Jana, this is a great production job!

[@TyRonKitzeRow]

He mentioned one artist he enjoys listening to. Wish I knew a few more of his favorites

[@ptbfrch]

His way of working patiently is a good lesson to not be in such a hurry all the time. He's got a lot of interesting things to say, and it's a bit like a podcast where the video isn't necessary, so plug in the headphones and go for a walk, or play it on the work commute.

[@rod8097]

Good interview! Looking forward to seeing the Denon video by Jana!

[@SpecialOne-wu4tk]

Thanks for the great interview

[@nosivadbor]

I love this. There is this idea that engineering isn’t art , but it can be if you have a vision. Homeboy is simply an engineer with good taste.

[@oldschoolaudioenthusiast]

I really enjoyed this video / interview. Devon Turnbull may not realize it but he's become an artist in his own right, similar to how a luthier might construct a fine violin or acoustic guitar. His approach to audio is a breath of fresh air. I would love to hear his creations at some point on a future trip to NYC.

[@SavageListener]

Very insightful. I went to SF Moma and spent hours listening to his custom system on exhibit. It really was one of the best rooms and systems I ever heard. And I've heard many $100k systems. Don't judge it until you hear yourself if you ever get the opportunity.

[@davidhanna88]

I enjoyed this video!

[@dilbyjones]

yes, its probably one of the "BEST" with regards to getting at what he's all about. Big ups to Darko & co.

[@IsaacChew]

I really appreciate the longer interview. I took 3 sessions but I completed listening to the entire interview. A longer interview has much more depth than a short interview. A short interview will be more superficial. A longer interview is hard to do (the planning, the execution and the after work) and offers depth that is hard to come by. Really appreciate the effort 👍.

[@Danceup-dh6kn]

I've seen Devon Turnbull live. Awesome!!

[@stevescudder1507]

Jana, very nice video!

[@kattenfrederik618]

Super interesting interview! Thank you!

[@shunpillay]

Awesome video. Enjoyed it.

[@jamesdwright]

Fascinating interview and well produced. Chapeau to the Darko team. The future of Hifi is bright with the likes of Devon at the helm. I like the cut of his jib and his taste in music. I was gutted i missed the recent Nala Sinepro concert in the Barbican. Next up a review of his speakers!? Pretty please.

[@faroese1304]

One of the most! Important videos and discoveries for me! His and your work are super inspiring! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@roblawrence4792]

Loved it !! Thx

[@craigsummerville8823]

I wouldn’t have bothered with this video if John hadn’t mentioned early on that this was Jana’s work. I wish she were more prominent on the audiophile scene but I understand her reasons for being reticent. Kudos to John for mentioning she’s putting content on her own channel again. While I appreciate Devon’s devotion and passion I don’t care for his design aesthetic. It comes across as too industrial/crude DIY but, if you don’t have to answer to anyone for how you set up your system or decorate your abode then it’s fine. I would have to close my eyes to listen to those loudspeakers. When I got into loudspeakers as a DIY hobby my wife had no problem with it but for one diktat: they all had to be furniture grade quality, no crude, unfinished boxes. As a cabinetmaker and hobbyist furniture designer I had no trouble with this and even enjoyed the challenge. Re: the Denon collaboration, if I understood him correctly, nothing was changed except the cartridge body which was made clear to see the inner workings but then the OJAS logo covered that up. I find that puzzling.

[@DrLothar]

I think his aesthetic is very similar to Scandinavian modernistic and functional furniture design of mid 20th century. Barebones visual style with lots of plywood and undestated finishes. Looks nice to me, but then again I'm from Scandinavia.

[@theotherserge]

I’ve seen these speakers and components up close, at the SFMOMA install. It was such an immersive and overwhelming experience that I went back two more times over that summer and only felt more appreciation each time. I’m also a career carpenter and thought the speakers (especially the Altec styled web-horns) amps/pre-ampscases to flawless in execution and very unique in design. I’m puzzled you can have such a strong opinion re: something you’ve only seen on the internet. But then again: it is the internet.

[@a.gunther2069]

@@DrLotharI also like the look. And I for one would also see a lot of Bauhaus in here. But then again… I‘m German 😅

[@petercrisp3006]

Sooo good I do this (small scale) for myself but came to all the same conclusions but by a completely different path. Just need self belief.

[@kenbbaker]

The Altec Lansing plant is close to me - 3 miles… and I struggled so hard not to go to the auction when they sold off the truckloads of parts! Now the local Great Plains Audio still makes and repairs the old Altec stuff!

[@esperla123]

Such a great video ! I didn't know about him, but his story is very inspiring

[@fredbissnette3104]

I completely get this guy

[@paulpavlou9294]

Kevin is an artist/audiophile and one hell of a cool dude that is welcome anytime for a listening session with wine, cheese and crackers anytime if he is in Sydney Australia. Love your work Kev.

[@rocketbrothers540]

I am so happy that Devon is doing what he is doing. I feel he is doing so much for our music reproduction industry.

[@traceonline]

Awesome interview, such a fun story. I saw a brilliant exhibit of Virgil Abloh's work at the Brooklyn Art Museum in Fall of 2022. While the main focus was Fashion and the LV and Nike connection, there was plenty of audiophile and "club" gear displayed. I wish I knew then of the OJAS connection as I really had no idea what I was looking at, but it was all so damn cool.

[@cabeallen1277]

I've been listening to Nala Sinephro for the past month or so. Beautiful music, and it was the bass that really caught my attention as well. I was delighted to hear Devon was a fan as well.

[@carminedesanto6746]

GM ☕️🍩☃️ Very interesting,thank you. Especially the point of young vs. old in “not enough bass” or “too boomy” ..kinda proves you can’t please everyone. Have a great Christmas 🎄

[@The_Mister]

I listened to the entire interview and wasn’t bothered a bit by the length. I liked the way he spoke so deliberately and carefully tried to explain what he was doing and why. What I got from it was that there needs to be a different relationship we have to the music we listen to, one that is not created for us, but one we shape and create for ourselves. I don’t know if his system would sound good or bad to me. I don’t think that was really the point.

[@TyRonKitzeRow]

Very interesting and smart guy. What a great Interview !

[@quma001]

that was absolutely fascinating

[@WoodyONeal]

Dude really knows how to spin enough mystique into his words and products that the consumer implies value. Have to hand it to him.

[@sensational_cellar8606]

Exactly. Most of the audio industry is run by clueless nerds and smarmy salesmen. Refreshing

[@JoTestLiu]

Its all about nothing

[@michaelrossmaessler200]

Thanks to all who brought us to this video. It's nice to hear from someone who values audio and music but is not your "typical audiophile". Diversity is good !

[@AllboroLCD]

Devon! ALTEC 950-8A, (milestone) thats the driver to work with! Just know folks, appointments are needed to check out this showroom in SOHO. I really wanted to check this out during my last pilgrimage, but the WFMU record fair happens only once a year. Will try again soon.

[@AllboroLCD]

And BTW, making a Heresy into a 2 way, no longer makes the speaker HiFi heresy. The heresy of the Klipsch Heresy was that it was a 3 way. you probly already know that im sure.

[@lesporque]

I heard the system he set up at the SF MOMA, it was... pretty good? To be honest I expected a lot more from something that was supposedly designed for that specific installation. The DJ when I was there was playing old jazz and soul records mostly, I was in there for probably half an hour, even moved to different seats waiting for the "a ha" moment and it never came. It was a big room but it was also a BIG system.

[@ibassnote]

I love this guy. I have a eighteen year old son who loves design, computers, and has a professional upright bassist father who lives in NYC and Japan. He has come to Japan three times and loves the country. I am trying to teach him that a life path is not at all linear but will look like a fairly straight line when you look back on it. You just have to move forward and follow the signs, be open to change or shifts. Don't get hung up on genre or category, or even training. Just keep exploring and following your own interests. One day you will likely find others who are interested in the same types of things. As a bassist I really relate to some of the things he is talking about. Playing an upright wooden bass for a living is a very unique way of hearing and projecting sound into the world. Most of the words people use to describe bass are lacking. I don't think people really hear bass in a very nuanced way. When you play an upright bass for thirty five years in rooms (and outdoors) all over the world you really get to know bass. This guy is really considering bass in a way that I don't often hear people talk about.

[@arize84]

Really enjoyed reading this. Thanks!

[@dreherpaul]

Great work!

[@jebrehbaker8613]

Not a fan of the price points or cabinets, but salute to the young keeping the flame and moving it forward

[@mickeyparker]

Awesome Interview! I always wanted to know more about why and how he does his thing! Big fan here. Thanks!

[@BobbyRowett-c7r]

Would love to see some playlists from Devon. Avant-garde music is tough to approach.

[@g-train9372]

Second that!

[@theotherserge]

There’s an Ojas playlist on Spotify!

[@glen7589]

I’ve watched several videos of this guy, he’s a unique guy that’s doing what he loves.

[@markmedeiros3137]

Loved this. Videos like this are why Darko stands above the rest. TY!

[@zzillezz]

Very interesting in depth video thanks!

[@gamerfinn3634]

Fantastic!!

[@albiepalbie5040]

Nice man Working hard Creating his vision Would love to hear what his speakers sound like

[@earlfenwick]

I'm wishing for a diy process that could get me into a system like Ojas. The kits are perpetually sold out (and still quite expensive). It seems like one could build like this on a modest budget. I really love the carpenter style! It figures that he ended up making a Heresy, with it's plywood aesthetic.

[@gaza4543]

Sorry darko whatever way he spins it he's a graphic designer with an interest in industrial design. He's basically taken a dream and made it his and was in the right place at the right time he Networked like his life depended on it and made some good friend and contacts. All us designers do this, we have to do this. Good on him! but trying to glorify behind a load of twaddle well thats what all good designers do when they've made it.

[@bnieverajr]

One of the most refreshing episodes, and a fantastic reveal on Devon's passions and tech. Brava Jana and John.

[@nickroden]

Cool interview Jana. I get the impression that Devon is taking the unsolicited advice and criticism to heart. How could you not I suppose? Surely, like so many other aspects of modern life, this is just a vocal minority? I love what he's doing and wish him all the best.

[@appukili677]

Very interesting topic 😊

[@goranlaslavic5985]

Well done, Darko.

[@dksculpture]

Super well crafted video and very interesting. I will enjoy following Devon and Ojas.

[@JohnTaylor-ee7jm]

Cool gear, had a chance to see and hear it in person recently. Odd to see someone be offended by their work being described as a phenomenon and then go on to confirm that it is a phenomenon.

[@gaza4543]

thats because he's pretentious

[@louiesipes2257]

Devon is old enough to know opinions are like…….😊 Never heard his systems but it sounds like one I’d set up.

[@jazzkatt7083]

His vocal inflections are like a teenager when their voice goes up at the end of sentences. Also, I think a pair of Cornwall IVs and a Rel sub would best the Ojas / klipsch speaker for same money.

[@tritisan]

I really resonated with his comments about the generation bass gap. My dad, who inspired me to become an audiophile, always thinks my music is too “boomy.” Ironic coming from a Boomer.

[@thomashornstein4253]

Not sure what I should think of Devon Turnbull. He talks like a high school student and it seems he is more an artist than an engineer. I acknowledge that he serves a very particular niche market and attracts a distinct group of audiophiles, but it’s not my world and it doesn’t cover my way of consuming music (I favor more the pro studio way of reproducing music)

[@marcgabor9690]

The terms “engineer” and “artist” can both mean a lot of different things. There are engineers who are very creative and artists who are very technical. Live sound engineers may be more focused on technicalities while studio engineers have more creative leeway. At the end of the day, the point is to engineer the sound in order to maximize the listener’s connection to the performance. Yes, Devon is a designer and he’s concerned with aesthetics but he’s also a tinkerer and if engineers love anything it’s tinkering.

[@JJJ-2121]

Great video as always. Devon champions a lot of vital music by artists who often deserve much wider recognition. I think his work is equally as valuable as a source for music discovery and appreciation as it is for audio (so is Darko’s channel). Whether by design or not, he’s centered OJAS as a cultural connection point, bridging Japanese DIY, the gallery world, retail design, industrial design (USM, Denon, etc), audiophile communities, along with a musical landscape spanning everything from Blue Note master tapes(!), to new age, dance music, AACM artists, Minimalism, etc. - and it’s all cohesive, because it's so personal. He’s right to conceive it as an art practice rather than simply a consumer brand. Any criticism is mostly coming from the usual gatekeepers, and, as evidenced by this thoughtful interview, he’s the exact opposite of that. More longform Jana collabs please!

[@davidwakefield7096]

I would really love to watch this, but if he said "like" one more time I am going to loose it.

[@kawask99]

Very interesting, it is good he has been able to develop his ideas at his own pace.

[@himanshubhaimehta]

Dear Darko, I am going to buy Focal Aria EVO X N°1 (best I can afford right now in India). I need to choose between Naim Atom and Marantz 40n. Which one should I get? Will I need a subwoofer in a 165 square feet bedroom? Much regards, Himanshu.

[@leeseet2336]

Devon if u come melbourne, u are welcome to listen to my altec a7 custom tune

[@GaMeR11sHoT]

I learned about Devon Turnbull from Steven Guttenberg, and I've been an admirer of his practice ever since. Say what you want about the man, but you have to admit his work brings more to the audio scene, not less. I was ecstatic when I learned that Klipsch is partnering with Ojas to create a Heresy-inspired speaker. I always wanted to have a brash speaker like the Heresy but I had always desired to see it made in a less-heritage more contemporary look two-way design with a big and sexy horn on top, and then the kO-R1 came to be! Alas, such a boutique product came with a price tag too steep for me as a university student, but I can always delay gratification and wait a few more years and study harder so one day I can have an Ojas piece in my home!

[@midmodaudio6576]

Everything about this video was inspiring. He presented his products, ideas and philosophy eloquently. Also, the production was gratifying with the absence of the often in your face interviewer. Well done.

[@metatron007]

is that picture behind you on the wall a Jackson Pollock by any chance. I am a big fan of the great JP..

[@islandbalboa]

Just way too much word salad. Don’t understand why he can’t just call himself an equipment designer.

[@Chris.from.1950]

Maybe because he’s not “just an equipment designer”?

[@cubrini1]

No he is not " just" he is person offering basic t-shirt for 58 euros.....just No. Thanks to all hipsters they make fasion out off everything.

[@brianlewis5042]

Living in NYC I am quite aware of Devon. My plans in December is to visit his space in SoHo (South of Houston Street). Jana knocked it out of the park with this interview. A great insight to Devon’s creative mind and work. Thanks

[@guillermobrito4987]

Damn you great, creative, humble, creators. Now im a bad person....hahahaha, dude you're great

[@johnmalone8790]

I have no idea who this guy is, but i no longer have insomnia, so that's a plus

[@Another_Audiophile]

I went to his exhibition in London. I do appreciate what he is trying to do with respect to audio from the 50s adding his own brushes. From a sound point of view I wasn’t impressed. It was a very boxy sound. Just like the sound from 60 years ago.

[@Drackleyrva]

Great interview. My local dealer just got a pair of the KO-R1 speakers.

[@thomasmarker8198]

Feel a need for 103O…

[@bloodyhell451]

Hi Fi is such a fantastic thing, but it has it's share of wanky warriors. Anybody that gets any success needs a teflon exterior, and this dude clearly doesn't, which makes me like him - even if I do not subscribe to his journey. More power to him, and sod the wanky warriors.

[@hauxon]

I've been following him for a few years. As an audio DIY-er I feel a relation to much he's saying in the interview, especially the part where nobody understands your pursue and what you're doing and why. 🙃 I also agree with the Japanese thinking that a DIY component from someone who knows whats he or she is doing is of higher quality than most production components. I've had conversations with a (non-DUY-er) who felt this was ridiculous and one man could never achieve what a group of engineers at a large company could. He's partly right but most products probably have lead designer and then the rest of the engineers work is making it cost effective and maximize profit. A good example could be the Klipsch KO-R1 which probably has lower quality components in the crossover than Devon would put in himself.

[@kenmace933]

Very cool video!! Loved his story.

[@nicstevens5650]

What a breath of humility in a pursuit saturated in unfounded superiority.

[@markyexley9440]

Klipschter?

[@stephenharding428]

The future of hifi is secure, highly enjoyable video thanks

[@billbloomfield4972]

Thank you! Wonderful insights.

[@David-Ellis]

Fascinating video - thank you. I heard Devon's system at 180 Studios in London - I wish I could have stayed longer.

[@toddcovington1172]

I have seen many interviews with Devon. Would love to hear his creations. I think he is a real guy. Meaning he is passionate and creative. I wish him the best. Keep introducing others to quality audio.

[@itsrobynandabiforever2029]

Fascinating insight into his art and design process.

[@hocktooey]

This was a once-in-a-lifetime event (once being various visits throughout the summer of '24) at the SFMOMA! I made four long visits to the Turnbull room. The sound was large and well-focused. But the thing that was great about my six-hour sessions in the sweet spot was the music. There was such a beautiful variety of music playing on the various days. Julian Lage, Moondog, Kahil El' Zabar, Philip Glass's Mishima soundtrack, Jeff Parker, and Michael Muller's Mirror Music, which Devon turned me on to were some of the records I enjoyed (Steve Tibbetts's Safe Journey, too!). It was cool to deeply listen to cool music in a museum. And it was great to share this with others who connected with the music for hours at a time. It's still hard to believe this happened!

[@funknote77AN]

Very inspiring ☀

[@contemporaryartist6542]

Loved every moment. Been watching Devon since the early DIY speakers. If you’re criticising him, you’re criticising an enquiring mind with the balls or more politely, stamina, to see it through. I’m hoping he’ll reconfigure my Cornwalls. And he hasn’t been gobbled up by apple or Musk because frankly they need him. Deep admiration from Australia.