A Brooklyn Resonance: Why the Baffle is Mightier than the Bitrate

In the landscape of modern high-end audio, a peculiar trend has emerged over the last decade. Many manufacturers have pivoted toward a “technological arms race,” utilizing aircraft-grade aluminum, beryllium tweeters, and complex digital signal processing to achieve a clinical, often sterile perfection. While these speakers measure brilliantly in a laboratory, they frequently fail to capture the one thing that matters most: the breath of the artist.

Stepping into this void is a philosophy that feels both radical and deeply traditional. It is the belief that a loudspeaker should not just be a piece of electronic equipment, but a musical instrument in its own right. This approach prioritizes the natural resonance of wood, the speed of paper-cone drivers, and a benign impedance that allows even the most modest amplifiers to sing. When you sit down in front of a pair of these speakers, you aren’t just hearing a recording; you are witnessing a performance.

The Brooklyn Standard of Sound

The story of artisanal audio often leads to a specific corner of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Here, the focus remains on small-batch production and a rejection of the “disposable” nature of modern tech. Every cabinet is treated as fine furniture, finished with hand-rubbed lacquers and exotic veneers that look as stunning as they sound.

The designer’s intent is clear: to create a product that honors the golden age of hi-fi while utilizing modern engineering to eliminate the flaws of the past. By focusing on wide baffles and high sensitivity, these designs solve a common problem in the audiophile world—the need for massive, heat-generating power plants just to get a speaker to move. Instead, these units are famously “tube-friendly,” allowing the nuanced, holographic texture of vacuum tube amplification to reach the listener’s ears without distortion or strain.

Engineering for Emotion Over Measurements

While many brands chase a perfectly flat frequency response at the expense of “soul,” the experts in Brooklyn argue that measurements are only half the battle. John DeVore, the mind behind these creations, often speaks about the “lie” of high-end audio—the idea that a speaker that measures well must sound good.

• High Sensitivity: Most models hover around 93dB to 96dB, meaning they require very little power to reach lifelike volumes.
• Impedance Stability: A steady 10-ohm load ensures that your amplifier stays in its “sweet spot,” reducing harmonic distortion.
• Material Selection: Using solid copper binding posts, silver wiring, and oil-filled capacitors ensures the signal path remains as pure as possible.
• Paper and Silk: The preference for paper-cone woofers and silk-dome tweeters results in a tonal warmth that mimics the natural sound of human voices and acoustic instruments.

Expert listeners often describe the experience as “vivid and visceral.” In a notable case study involving the O/96 model, reviewers found that the speaker’s ability to “disappear” was unmatched, even when compared to significantly more expensive rivals. This “disappearing act” is the holy grail of audio; it occurs when the listener can no longer localize the sound to a box, and instead feels the presence of a three-dimensional soundstage in the room.

The Orangutan and the Gibbon: Two Paths to Perfection

The lineup is generally divided into two distinct families, each catering to different room sizes and aesthetic preferences. The Gibbon series offers a more traditional, slender profile. These are the “Rhythm Kings” of the lineup, known for their incredible speed and ability to thrive in smaller Manhattan apartments or modern living spaces.

On the other hand, the Orangutan series represents a return to the wide-baffle designs of the 1950s and 60s. These speakers are unashamedly bold. By using a wider front surface, the designer can control the way sound waves interact with the cabinet, resulting in a scale of sound that feels massive and effortless. For those seeking the ultimate in high-fidelity reproduction, the devore fidelity line offers a gateway to a level of musicality that few other brands can replicate.

1. Orangutan O/96: The flagship of the standard line, featuring a 10-inch paper woofer and a 96dB sensitivity rating.
2. Orangutan O/93: A slightly more compact floorstander that retains the soul of its larger sibling.
3. Gibbon Super Nine: A 2.5-way design that provides a more flexible footprint without sacrificing the signature “Brooklyn sound.”
4. O/baby: A concentrated dose of the Orangutan magic designed for listeners who need high performance in a smaller package.

A Legacy of Longevity

One of the most refreshing aspects of this brand is its refusal to engage in the “model of the year” cycle. While other companies release “Mk II” or “Signature” versions of their speakers every eighteen months, these designs often remain in production for a decade or more. This is a testament to the fact that when you get the physics right, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel.

This longevity also benefits the owner. A pair of these speakers is an investment in an heirloom. Much like a Steinway piano, the value lies in the craftsmanship and the timeless nature of the sound. They are built to be the last speakers you ever buy, standing as a permanent fixture in your home much like the enduring cultural institutions of NYC that have defined excellence for generations.

Expert Advice for Your Listening Room

When integrating high-efficiency speakers into your home, there are a few professional tips to keep in mind. Because these speakers are so revealing, they will highlight the character of everything upstream.

• Amplifier Pairing: While they can handle high-wattage solid-state amps, they truly flourish with Class A or Single-Ended Triode (SET) tube amplifiers. Even 5 to 10 watts can be enough to fill a large room with sound.
• Room Placement: Wide-baffle speakers often benefit from a slight “toe-in” (turning them toward the listener). This helps lock in the center image and enhances the holographic depth.
• Cable Quality: Don’t bottleneck your system with poor wiring. Use high-quality copper cables to maintain the natural tonality of the paper drivers.

According to long-term owners and industry veterans, the transition to this type of speaker often changes how one listens to music. Instead of analyzing the “highs and lows,” you find yourself listening to entire albums from start to finish. The “fatigue” that often accompanies high-tech, bright-sounding speakers is nowhere to be found.

Conclusion

In an era where digital convenience often trumps artistic integrity, choosing a loudspeaker that prioritizes the human element is a powerful statement. Whether you are a seasoned audiophile or someone simply looking to bring the magic of a live concert into your home, the offerings from Brooklyn provide a rare blend of art and science. By moving away from clinical measurements and toward a more soulful, resonant design philosophy, these speakers ensure that the music remains the star of the show. It is not just about hearing the notes; it is about feeling the intent behind them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are paper cones used instead of more modern materials?

Paper remains one of the most musical materials available for speaker drivers. It offers an excellent stiffness-to-weight ratio and natural damping properties, which prevents the “ringing” or “metallic” sound often associated with aluminum or ceramic cones. This results in a much more lifelike reproduction of vocals and acoustic instruments.

Can I use these speakers for home theater as well as music?

While they are designed with high-fidelity music as the priority, their high sensitivity and incredible dynamic range make them excellent for home theater. They can handle the sudden shifts in volume found in movie soundtracks with ease, and their clear midrange ensures that dialogue is always intelligible.

What is the “Gibbon” crossover circuit?

The Gibbon circuit is a proprietary, point-to-point hardwired crossover used in these speakers. Unlike standard circuit boards, which can be prone to vibrations and signal loss, this method ensures a pure signal path and is potted in a special resin to isolate it from the internal pressures of the cabinet.

Do I need a subwoofer with the Orangutan series?

For most listeners, a subwoofer is unnecessary. The O/96 and O/93 are capable of reaching into the high 20Hz and low 30Hz range, providing deep, textured bass that is well-integrated with the rest of the frequency spectrum. However, for those in very large rooms or those who listen to pipe organ music, a high-quality subwoofer can be added.

How long do these speakers take to break in?

Like any high-end mechanical device, these speakers require a “settling in” period. Most experts suggest that while they sound great out of the box, they will truly open up and reach their full potential after approximately 100 to 200 hours of playing time.