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 recommend. The unique Evo methods have been an try to 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 severely premium hi-fi.
Cambridge Audio is late to the one-box streaming celebration. 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 believe 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 celebration, however the quantity is managed and the element exact. As such, the playback by no means feels compelled or distorted, even for those who’re pumping out neighbor-bothering beats.
Nice Setup
In my home, the place it competes in opposition to a Sonos system, Marantz HD-AMP1 amp, and Audio Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB turntable, and a procession of evaluate 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 kind of primary talent I can solely dream of with Sonos. It must be easy. It must 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 directly, it quickly grew to become the go-to selection for my household. Sure, some might have been responsible of streaming in lower than good decision, besides, it will get two thumbs up for usability. The one challenge I discovered whereas utilizing it was with quantity management in Spotify, the place one press would improve/lower by three or 4 large 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 easy, 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 obvious by the distortion-free efficiency—however particular point out has to go to the flawless wooden veneer. My pattern was particularly beautiful, however being an actual sliver of wooden, every will probably be distinctive. It’s a boxy unit although and lacks any curves or softness. Personally I prefer it, however I can admire why somebody may discover it a little bit scientific. The 6.8-inch show can also be not a touchscreen, which could irk a couple of, nevertheless it’s brilliant, the buttons work simply positive, and the choice to get pleasure from photorealistic old-school VU meters is a deal with. Watching them blip alongside to the music is a enjoyable retro contact. You may as well show the same old album paintings and observe particulars, in case your coronary heart is chilly.
{Photograph}: Chris Haslam
Totally Featured
Streaming chops and basic 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 inbuilt (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 technology, 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. It is a welcome further, 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 appears like one thing of a misstep in 2024, however in actuality, it could possibly simply be added to the Apple House or Google House app and managed with voice. Assuming you’ve bought a Nest Mini or equal it’s potential to combine it right into a multiroom setup. And in order for you Alexa management, an Echo Dot might be linked to both the BT or AUX enter.
Excellent Sound
That is the a part of the hi-fi evaluate the place I’d usually checklist 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
