“This speaker is for those who appreciate the artistic and technical aspects of sound,” Set Free explains. “It’s more than a listening device—it’s an art piece that belongs in the homes of those who value creativity and craftsmanship.” Am I dreaming?
Regular readers with good memories will be having an “I’ve seen something like this before” moment. Here’s a refresher:
That photo is from my “Hip-Hop and Hi-Fi: Common x Pete Rock Record Release Event at The Compound” Road Tour post about attending the Common x Pete Rock release event for their then new record, The Auditorium Vol.1, at founder and Creative Director DJ Set Free Richardson’s The Compound. It seems that was the beginning of what turned out to be a fruitful collaboration and the DEF COM speakers are the result.
Set Free brought his aesthetic vision to the well-loved, by me and others, DeVore O/96 for a striking new look marrying a sustainable black rosewood front with beautifully grained wood top, back, and sides, the DEF COM speakers are designed for the eyes and ears.
“The DEF COM speaker represents more than just superior sound quality—it’s a statement piece,” says Set Free. “I’ve always believed in bringing art and sound together. Partnering with DeVore Fidelity, whose craftsmanship and reputation in the Hi-Fi world are unmatched, was a natural fit to make this vision a reality.”
Works for me.
The DEF COM speakers are available for preorder from the Compound website and DeVore Fidelity distributors for $21,700/pair.
Here’s the press release:
The Compound and DeVore Fidelity Collaborate to Launch DEF COM: A Hi-Fi Speaker Blending Art, Sound, and Culture
Now You Can Have the Same Speakers as Jay Z and Carmelo Anthony
Brooklyn, NY – Nov 10, 2025 – Set Free Richardson, the visionary creative director, producer, and founder of Compound, a renowned creative collective and gallery, has unveiled DEF COM, an ultra-high-end speaker collaboration with Brooklyn-based speaker manufacturer DeVore Fidelity. DeVore’s first ever collaboration, this partnership brings together two cultural powerhouses, merging innovation, craftsmanship, and hifi culture into a powerful audio experience.
Inspired by his journey into the high-fidelity sound world, Set Free envisioned DEF COM as a marriage of artistic expression and sonic excellence. Known for his work with global brands like Nike, ESPN, and EA Sports, as well as creating the AND1 Mixtape phenomenon, Set Free continues to push creative boundaries with this latest project.
“The DEF COM speaker represents more than just superior sound quality—it’s a statement piece,” says Set Free. “I’ve always believed in bringing art and sound together. Partnering with DeVore Fidelity, whose craftsmanship and reputation in the Hi-Fi world are unmatched, was a natural fit to make this vision a reality.”
The DEF COM speaker is a combination of form and function. Featuring a unique two-tone wood design—a sustainable black rosewood front paired with lighter wood sides—the speaker challenges traditional speaker aesthetics. Set Free worked closely with DeVore Fidelity founder John DeVore to bring this bold vision to life, creating a product as visually captivating as it is acoustically remarkable.
“This collaboration with Set Free Richardson and Compound is very exciting for us at DeVore Fidelity. In our first partnership it was natural to start with our longest lasting and most popular speaker the O/96. With his exquisite taste Free brings a fresh eye to our design and the result is a stunning rejuvenation of a beloved product.”
Priced at $21,700, the DEF COM is designed for Hi-Fi enthusiasts, music lovers, and art collectors alike. “This speaker is for those who appreciate the artistic and technical aspects of sound,” Set Free explains. “It’s more than a listening device—it’s an art piece that belongs in the homes of those who value creativity and craftsmanship.”
Early adopters of DeVore Fidelity speakers include cultural icons such as Jay-Z and Julie Greenwald of Atlantic Records, making the DEF COM a coveted addition to any audiophile’s collection.
The DEF COM speaker is available through the Compound website and DeVore distributors.
About Set Free + Compound
Set Free is a Creative Jedi known for merging brands with culture and sound. Compound is a creative collective and gallery where art, music, fashion, and sports converge, fostering an atmosphere of innovation and cultural exchange.
About DeVore Fidelity
Founded in Brooklyn, DeVore Fidelity has been a leader in high-end speaker manufacturing for over 35 years, celebrated for their craftsmanship and commitment to sonic perfection.
Speaker Specifications:
Frequency Response: 26Hz-31kHz
Sensitivity: 96 dB/W/M
Impedance: 10 ohms
Dimensions: 12″d x 18″w x 35.5″h including stands