Cambridge Audio Evo One Review: A Gorgeous High-End Speaker

Cambridge Audio’s 2021 Evo vary of just-add-speaker streaming options—full with shade shows and sculptural detailing—was one thing of an aesthetic proper flip for the London model. In spite of everything, it’s spent years creating inoffensive hi-fi separates that sound greater than the asking value would counsel. The unique Evo methods had been an try and lure in these prospects who crave good sound, streaming comfort, and aesthetics, however who don’t need a vanilla-flavored Sonos or the bitter style of significantly premium hi-fi.

Cambridge Audio is late to the one-box streaming occasion. Manufacturers like Naim, Sonus Faber, Bang & Olufsen all provide stand-alone methods with loads of pizzazz and a premium price ticket. However after three weeks residing with the Evo One, I feel the brand new Evo One deserves a seat on the high desk. The 14-speaker system consists of 4 x 1-inch silk dome tweeters, 4 x 2.25-inch aluminium cone midrange, and 6 x 2.75-inch long-throw woofers. The mixed complete of 700 watts of Class D amplification means there’s sufficient energy for a reasonably raucous home occasion, however the quantity is managed and the element exact. As such, the playback by no means feels pressured or distorted, even for those who’re pumping out neighbor-bothering beats.

Nice Setup

In my home, the place it competes towards a Sonos system, Marantz HD-AMP1 amp, and Audio Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB turntable, and a procession of assessment audio system, streaming devices, turntables, and DACS, I used to be stunned by two issues. Firstly, as soon as arrange through the StreamMagic app (Beta model), it by no means failed to attach, whatever the streaming platform I selected. That is the form of primary talent I can solely dream of with Sonos. It needs to be easy. It needs to be as dependable because the on/off swap, however so typically with streaming equipment, it’s simply not.

And secondly, as a result of it performed what was requested at once, it quickly turned the go-to alternative for my household. Sure, some might have been responsible of streaming in lower than excellent decision, besides, it will get two thumbs up for usability. The one situation I discovered whereas utilizing it was with quantity management in Spotify, the place one press would improve/lower by three or 4 huge steps. It’s a niggle that may most likely be simply sorted, however a niggle all the identical.

The Evo One additionally fitted my home like a glove, slotting into the nook (sure, sure, sound high quality compromises in actual life) fantastically. At 26.6 x 5.1 x 11.4 inches (675 x 129 x 29 centimeters) it does require you to discover a beneficiant quantity of sideboard. My recommendation right here is straightforward, nevertheless: Promote the tropical fish tank/Lego Millennium Falcon/Sonos and make some room.

Again to the design for a second. The Evo One is made, sorry, “crafted” from supplies together with aluminium, FSC-certified walnut, and 50 % recycled plastic. The casing surrounding the audio system is actually inflexible—as is clear by the distortion-free efficiency—however particular point out has to go to the flawless wooden veneer. My pattern was particularly attractive, however being an actual sliver of wooden, every might be distinctive. It’s a boxy unit although and lacks any curves or softness. Personally I prefer it, however I can admire why somebody would possibly discover it slightly medical. The 6.8-inch show can be not a touchscreen, which could irk a couple of, but it surely’s shiny, the buttons work simply wonderful, and the choice to take pleasure in photorealistic old-school VU meters is a deal with. Watching them blip alongside to the music is a enjoyable retro contact. You may also show the same old album art work and observe particulars, in case your coronary heart is chilly.

Absolutely Featured

Streaming chops and common connectivity are, as you’ll hope for $1,500, suitably complete. There’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, web radio, TV eARC, Roon and UPnP assist, Spotify Join, TIDAL Join, Deezer, Qobuz, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast all in-built (with assist as much as 32-bit/192-kHz hi-res audio) and managed utilizing Cambridge Audio’s StreamMagic app and module. Now on its fourth era, it’s a strong platform with good pedigree, sitting on the coronary heart of the MXN10 and CXN100 community gamers and each the Evo 75 and 150 methods.

There’s additionally exterior digital and analog inputs, together with a strong built-in phono stage. This can be a welcome additional, enabling you to simply plug-and-play your turntable with out fuss. To complete, you additionally get a Stereo RCA, digital optical, USB-A, and Ethernet for bulletproof on-line connection.

What you don’t get, nevertheless, is any out-of-the-box voice management through Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant. This seems like one thing of a misstep in 2024, however in actuality, it could simply be added to the Apple Dwelling or Google Dwelling app and managed with voice. Assuming you’ve received a Nest Mini or equal it’s attainable to combine it right into a multiroom setup. And in order for you Alexa management, an Echo Dot could possibly be linked to both the BT or AUX enter.

Very good Sound

That is the a part of the hi-fi assessment the place I might sometimes record all of the peer-approved, chin-strokingly good music I listened to by means of utilizing premium-tier high-resolution streaming platforms and the Evo One. Historically I’d point out some rock and acoustic stuff and key classical recordings, and one thing tremendous primary to show I’m not a complete snob. Naturally I’ll then contradict myself by referencing the midrange subtleties of an obscure Will Oldham demo observe.

{Photograph}: Cambridge Audio