The latest brand to arrive at KJ West One, DeVore Fidelity, is a Brooklyn based speaker brand that does things a little differently to most. The company which was founded by John DeVore in 2004 specialises in designing high-efficiency speakers that shine when used with lower powered or valve amplifiers.
John DeVore builds his speakers to bring out the emotional depth and lifelike quality of music, rather than just chasing perfect measurements. His designs, especially in the Orangutan series, are highly sensitive and easy to drive, which means even low-powered amplifiers can produce rich, powerful sound without struggling. This approach lets the music breathe naturally, with all its texture and nuance intact, something that can be lost in more demanding, power-hungry speaker setups.
DeVore speakers have gained a cult-like following over the years. They are some of the best reviewed speakers of the last two decades. Audiophiles and journalists alike rave about DeVore. One particular group that loves these speakers if the valve community. DeVore speakers are such a fantastic match for a valve amplifier not just because they are efficient but also because their sound signature is very natural but also gives a live, three dimensional sound much like you expect from valve equipment.
John explained how his philosophy came about to Mono Stereo magazine. “While there were many solid-state amps I admired, I also loved tubes, including many mid-level vintage designs from Sherwood, Pilot, Dynaco and others. While some of them would perform decently with the typical 86dB, 4-Ohm speaker of the time, they really came alive with speakers presenting a more generous load. By 2000 I realized I had something to offer the speaker market that didn’t exist: a speaker that was very easy to drive, but wasn’t a giant hornloaded thing, or a single-driver compromise. A speaker that looked and sounded “normal” and worked in regular rooms. With the added bonus: if my speakers allow more amps to run with less stress, the amps sound better which makes my speakers sound better. That easy-to-drive ethos carries though every DeVore Fidelity model.”
The DeVore range range features two different series’. The rather comically named Orangutan series and the Gibbon series. John says the names were originally chosen to make fun of some of the serious names most hi-fi brands choose for their products.
The Gibbon Series were the original DeVore speakers. They are a more traditional looking speaker in a slim / compact cabinet. They provide lucid detail, rich tonality, focused imaging, and enveloping soundstage in a very compact, room friendly, and beautiful package.
The Orangutan Series is perhaps what DeVore is more known for these days. The classic box style design is beautifully retro. With the Orangutan series of speakers John built upon the strengths of the gibbon speakers and increased sensitivity, efficiency, and impedance to allow an even broader selection of amplifiers to be used. There are a number of speakers in the series, starting with the small bookshelf Micr/O speakers and going up to the four-box no compromise O/Reference system. There is an Orangutan speaker to fit all price points.
Whether you’re a seasoned valve enthusiast or simply someone who wants music to sound more like music, DeVore Fidelity offers a refreshing option. Their speakers are beautifully built, designed for sound and unapologetically different. With their arrival at KJ West One listeners now have the chance to experience what John DeVore has spent two decades perfecting: speakers that don’t just reproduce sound, but reveal soul. Get in touch to book a personal demonstration now.