A CONVERSATION WITH INNOVO’S YAIR RAZ
A Conversation With Innovo‘s Yair Raz
Engineering Elegance and Emotion Into Hi-Fi
At Audiophile Directory, we celebrate the makers who bring passion and artistry into the gear we love. For our first Makers Series interview, we sat down with Yair Raz, founder of Innovo, whose speakers have been turning heads at shows across the U.S. With roots in engineering, a spark of inspiration born in Silicon Valley, and a relentless pursuit of sound and design harmony, Yair shared his journey, philosophy, and vision for the future of Hi-Fi.
From Engineer to Innovator
Yair, can you tell us a little about your background?
I’m an engineer by education, with a lifelong love for electronics and music. I started tinkering with amps at 12—breaking things just to see how they worked. Music and technology have always been my twin passions.
What sparked the idea behind Innovo speakers?
It came from a personal dilemma. I wanted big, high-end speakers, but my wife wouldn’t let them into our living room. That tension between great sound and everyday usability stuck with me for years, until I finally decided to design speakers that delivered both.
Balancing Sound and Lifestyle
How did you move from hobbyist to professional audio maker?
For years it was just a hobby—building amps for friends, even for my wife when we were dating. Only after moving to Florida did we commit to building a company. It wasn’t easy, but passion carried us through.
Your wife was a key voice in the design process, wasn’t she?
Absolutely. She rejected many prototypes until we nailed the balance of form and function. We call it the “partner delight factor”—beautiful enough for the home, powerful enough for true audiophiles.
“Our goal is to make products that bring a smile the moment you see them and the moment you hear them.” — Yair Raz
The Innovo Sound and Philosophy
How would you describe Innovo’s design philosophy?
Unique, never “me too.” We want to make products that people are proud to show off, that deliver both visually and sonically.
What defines the Innovo sound?
Openness, clarity, and dynamic range that make you ask: Is this live or recorded? That’s always the guiding principle.
Do your speakers allow for tweaking?
Future models will. Everyone hears differently, especially in the highs, so we’re adding user-adjustable tuning for highs and lows.
Beyond Speakers: What’s Next for Innovo
Are you expanding beyond speakers?
Yes. We’re developing a compact preamp/DAC with proprietary DSP that renders stereo into 3.1 virtual surround, plus a future streamer-integrated model. We’re also introducing patented headphone personalization technology—Headphone Magic—that tailors sound to your ears like “room correction for your hearing.”
Do you offer customization for speakers?
Yes. Customers can choose from standard and premium woods, or go fully custom with finishes like piano black or color-matched veneers.
The Innovo Sound and Philosophy
Who inspires your approach?
European high-end makers for craftsmanship, Bang & Olufsen for design innovation, and PRS Guitars for their relentless quality control. These role models remind us that Hi-Fi can be both art and engineering.
Looking at the Industry
Where do you see Hi-Fi headed?
The high end is niche, but the real challenge is exposing younger listeners to quality sound. Many only know earbuds or soundbars. Once they hear true Hi-Fi, they can’t go back. Our mission is to make great sound more accessible and lifestyle-friendly.
Personal Listening and Passions
What are your listening habits?
I listen widely—from jazz and bossa nova to blues, rock, and progressive metal. I especially love live recordings; they reveal raw energy and artistry.
Lightning round: dream system, favorite albums, and dinner guests?
- Dream system: Sonus Faber with Macintosh amplification.
- Favorite albums/artists: The Rippingtons, Joe Bonamassa, Dream Theater, Al Di Meola, Chick Corea.
- Dinner guests: Al Di Meola, Joe Bonamassa, Joe Satriani, John Petrucci, Andrea Bocelli.