Cambridge Audio’s 2021 Evo vary of just-add-speaker streaming options—full with coloration 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 worth would counsel. The unique Evo techniques had 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 techniques with loads of pizzazz and a premium price ticket. However after three weeks dwelling with the Evo One, I believe the brand new Evo One deserves a seat on the prime 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 whole 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 pressured or distorted, even should you’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 overview audio system, streaming devices, turntables, and DACS, I used to be shocked 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 type of fundamental talent I can only dream of with Sonos. It needs to be easy. It needs to be as dependable because the on/off change, however so usually with streaming package, 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 could have been responsible of streaming in lower than good decision, besides, it will get two thumbs up for usability. The one concern 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 in all probability 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, nonetheless: 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 p.c 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 can be distinctive. It’s a boxy unit although and lacks any curves or softness. Personally I prefer it, however I can respect why somebody may discover it a bit scientific. The 6.8-inch show can be not a touchscreen, which could irk a number of, nevertheless it’s vibrant, the buttons work simply wonderful, 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 also show the same old album art work 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 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 technology, it’s a stable platform with good pedigree, sitting on the coronary heart of the MXN10 and CXN100 community gamers and each the Evo 75 and 150 techniques.
There’s additionally exterior digital and analog inputs, together with a stable built-in phono stage. This can be 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, nonetheless, 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 might probably 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 if you need Alexa management, an Echo Dot might be linked to both the BT or AUX enter.
Very good Sound
That is the a part of the hi-fi overview the place I’d 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 fundamental 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
