Devore Fidelity Orangutan O/96


My neighbor had to move some heavy furniture from one room to another so he asked me for help earlier today. Although, we've been neighbors for almost two years I had never been inside his house up until this afternoon. As I walked through the foyer and into his family room, I saw the speakers hooked up to some McIntosh separates. I have to admit that these were one of the most beautiful speakers I had ever seen. He offered to play some music and of course I was not going to say no. They sounded quite decent, although the sound was not as hefty or lush as I was expecting. Don't know if it was his equipment or room (wood floor, no rug, lots of windows), or maybe the Devore's are not quite going after those big, lush, and slightly warmer sound characteristics.

I'm actually saving up money to buy Harbeth SHL5+, or used 40.1, sometime next year. But boy did the Devore Orangutans caught my attention. And yes I know I shouldn't be basing my decision on looks alone, but if they're comparable to Harbeth in terms of sound quality, I'm definitely interested in exploring.

Just wondering if someone has had a chance to compare them directly to the Harbeth speakers I'm considering. Anyone moved from Harbeth to Devore O/6 or vice versa? This will be a system that I'll be building from scratch so I do have the luxury of building the system around my speakers -- total budget is around $15000. I usually buy used equipment whenever I can.

Please note that I'm not soliciting advice for other speakers at this time. Mostly interested in hearing about real world comparisons between the Devore Fidelity Orangutans and Harbeth SHL5+ or 40.1/2.
128x128arafiq
Prof, having owned various Devore speakers for over 12 years, with a dozen or more amps coming through my house in two systems (now one), I agree with you.  Perhaps my point is better stated that- To me, the amp will define the sound you get from this speaker more than other speakers I've had.  If you think all amps sound the same, just as some believe all cables sound the same, you will find my statement pointless. 
@keithr 
Before I demoed the O/96 this past July, I spoke to Mr. Devore about the timing of any future upgrade since the same model has been out there for over a decade and I didn't want to get burned. He told me, yes there is a 2nd gen in the works and most likely would be released in the latter half of 2021.  So there you have it.  Anyone interested in an update to that, just call him, he picks up the phone directly. 
Interesting aj523.  Thanks for the info.  I also find John very transparent, I like what he’s doing.

aj523
Thanks for the info! 

I admit I still think about the Devores and have wondered what an update might sound like.  But if it's using trickle-down from the reference series I'd won't be surprised at a significant price increase.  (Which would put them out of my price range).   We'll see.
Good timing for the completion of my new listening space and a possible upgrade to the larger O/96!  I'm not holding my breath, because he keeps releases until he's convinced he can do no better. One of the reasons I have respect DeF.
For those that are interested, JD has increased his online presence with his Facebook page, and video's covering different audio enthusiast topics on his YouTube channel.
Best wishes with your pursuits everyone and arafiq congrats on pulling the trigger on a great speaker!