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Our History

13 years from idea to concept.
2 years from concept to reality
2004-2012
The founder and chief engineer of Copra, Maxim Chizhov from Odesa, began his journey by creating audio systems for himself and his friends — guided purely by curiosity and passion for sound.

Later, he entered I. I. Mechnikov Odesa National University, majoring in Theoretical Physics, where his technical foundation took shape.

During his studies, he completed the first two commissioned acoustic projects.

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The first full-scale system was built at the age of 17 (2005)

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2nd project - built-in 5.1 speakers (2010)

During the same period, two key ideas emerged — the ionic acoustic system project and “acoustics from coconut”, which quickly attracted investor interest. This marked the formation of the team and the arrival of the first partner — electronics engineer Alexander Korzun.
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Acoustic testing of one of the first Waveion ionic acoustic prototypes.
Amphiton Design Bureau, Anechoic Room, Lviv (2011)

Acoustic measurements

Alexander Korzun is the firm's chief electronic engineer, partner (2012)

Over a decade of research and development was dedicated to the Waveion ionic loudspeaker system.
During this time, the first patents and working prototypes were created.
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Research Institute of Plasma Physics, I.I. Mechnikov Odesa National University (2011)

As a result of graduate studies, a thesis titled “Stable Generation of Sound Waves in a Weakly Ionized Gas Medium” explored and mathematically described a new physical phenomenon — the ability to make air pulsate without any visible processes.
This intangible sound source, known as an acoustic monopole, requires no enclosure, making it an ideal wide-range loudspeaker.
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One of the earliest prototypes of the ion-acoustic system.
Research Institute of Plasma Physics, I.I. Mechnikov Odesa National University (2011).

2013-2017
The ion loudspeaker system remained in the development stage due to an unexpected physical limitation encountered during the path to commercialization.
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Today, highly specialized engineers continue to develop this technology.
A functional prototype of the Waveion system was showcased at two major exhibitions in the United States.
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CES 2017

After CES 2017 we discussed with our partners the further development of the company.
After the team gained recognition and professional expertise, the idea of using coconut endocarp received serious attention and support — leading to the creation of the Hydra system, and with it, the founding of Copra Acoustic.
Hydra system

The first MVP of the Hydra system (2017)

2018-2020
Between 2017 and 2019, the amplifier electronics were upgraded and the small series production technology was perfected.
An updated Waveion prototype was prepared for IFA 2019.
A key milestone for the company was the relocation to its first production facility — a 150 m² workshop.
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Working environment in one of our premises in Odesa (2018)

hidden part of the ionic speaker

The hidden part of the ionic speaker system (2018)

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Work in progress on one of the first Hydra enclosures (2018)

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Polymer-concrete reinforced casing developed by our team (2019)

Power supply

Power-supply transformers capable of delivering up to 8 kW of power (2019)

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Electromagnetic safety testing of the system (2019)

Working with a fellow assistant

Collaboration with a colleague on an ionic loudspeaker element (2019)

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Participation in IFA 2019

Between 2019 and 2021, we organized numerous private presentations for sound engineers, musicians, designers, and dealers across Ukraine.
As a result of 2019, Copra Acoustic LLC was established. Following the exhibitions, we began receiving orders for Hydra systems, initially serving only the domestic Ukrainian market.
In 2020, after several trial purchases of coconuts from India and other Asian countries, Max Chyzhov personally traveled to Sri Lanka to find a reliable supplier.
Maxim Chizhov went to Sri Lanka
That same year, custom Hydra systems were commissioned — featuring unique paintwork, branding, and monochrome finishes in black and white.
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The year 2021 was marked by several major milestones — including the relocation to a new 550 m² facility.
Our new working environment looked like this:
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The electronics, fully developed from scratch, deserve special recognition.
The electronics
All internal circuit modes and signal-processing logic were designed and implemented by Alexander Korzun, Copra’s partner and electronic engineer.
Using advanced PWM controllers and transistors with ultra-low distortion (as low as 0.001%), Alexander managed to increase the operating voltage to ±90V, significantly expanding the dynamic range and improving sound purity.
He also developed a hybrid amplification technology that combines pulse-width and frequency modulation with deep feedback, resulting in exceptionally powerful and transparent signal amplification — the technological foundation of Copra.
Another milestone was completing a government-funded acceleration program, which provided the team with their first structured business training and entrepreneurial knowledge.
Unit school of business
After completing the ISE program, the project was recognized by representatives of the UNIT School of Business.
Following this program, we received a $50,000 grant from the Ukrainian Startup Fund (USF) to support the company’s development. Among 17 winners, our project earned 2nd place according to the expert jury.
grant from the USF
At the end of 2021, we were granted the honor of representing our products in the Ukrainian Pavilion at Dubai EXPO 2020.
EXPO2020

EXPO2020

2021-2023
By the end of 2021, we identified a region with an endemic coconut variety ideally suited for crafting speaker enclosures, and received the first batches from our partner factory.
the Cyclops system
Between 2021 and 2022, the Cyclops system was developed, drawing on our years of experience and the evolving needs of our customers.
the Cyclops system 2 the Cyclops subwoofer

Process of sanding and polishing the Cyclops subwoofer cabinet (2022)

the Cyclops subwoofer port

Cyclops subwoofer bass-reflex port: delivering clear, distortion-free sound even at high volumes

Cyclops tweeter enclosure

Cyclops tweeter enclosure (2022)

The first comparison test

An example of one of the many listening sessions of the Cyclops system — conducted by sound professionals, dealers, and distributors

In 2022, they made their debut at the Munich High-End Show.
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The first orders from Germany, Lithuania, and Finland came shortly after our participation in the industry exhibition.
At the end of 2022, Maxim Zavyalov — founder and owner of several technological companies— joined as a supervisor of our project.
Our goal was to expand into international markets and scale the business.
Together toward a shared goal

Our Team

Maxim Chizhov
Maxim Chizhov
Company manager,
design engineer
Hennadiy Kravchenko
Hennadiy Kravchenko
Investor
Alexander Korzun
Alexander Korzun
Chief electronic
engineer
Maxim Zavyalov
Maxim Zavyalov
Production Consultant
Vladimir Kosolapov
Vladimir Kosolapov
Master molder
polymer concrete
Maxim Zubenko
Maxim Zubenko
Marketer
Konstantin Stepanov
Konstantin Stepanov
Master engineer
for electronics assembly
Mykola Drumchoglo
Mykola Drumchoglo
Master of the art
with coconut shells
Maxim Zenoviev
Maxim Zenoviev
Master grinder
and polisher
Katerina Kostanji
Katerina Kostanji
Chief accountant
Hryhorii Kornienko
Hryhorii Kornienko
Master in the manufacturing and
assembly of acoustic components
Ekaterina Bugaenko
Ekaterina Bugaenko
Office manager
Skachko Valery
Skachko Valery
Patent attorney
COPRA Acoustic LLC — a Ukrainian manufacturer of premium-class audio systems with a multifaceted story of creation and growth
Incredible variety of perception effects, the ability to change the parameters of the musical scene
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