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 any case, it’s spent years creating inoffensive hi-fi separates that sound larger than the asking worth would recommend. The unique Evo techniques have been an try to lure in these prospects who crave good sound, streaming comfort, and aesthetics, however who don’t desire a vanilla-flavored Sonos or the bitter style of significantly premium hi-fi.
Cambridge Audio is late to the one-box streaming get together. Manufacturers like Naim, Sonus Faber, Bang & Olufsen all supply stand-alone techniques with loads of pizzazz and a premium price ticket. However after three weeks dwelling 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 get together, 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 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 type of fundamental ability I can only dream of with Sonos. It ought to be easy. It ought to be as dependable because the on/off swap, however so typically with streaming package, it’s simply not.
And secondly, as a result of it performed what was requested at once, it quickly grew to become the go-to alternative for my household. Sure, some could have been responsible of streaming in lower than excellent 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 enhance/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) superbly. 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, 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 definitely 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 beautiful, however being an actual sliver of wooden, every shall be distinctive. It’s a boxy unit although and lacks any curves or softness. Personally I prefer it, however I can recognize why somebody would possibly discover it a little bit scientific. The 6.8-inch show can also be not a touchscreen, which could irk a number of, but it surely’s vibrant, the buttons work simply high-quality, 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. It’s also possible to show the standard album art work and observe particulars, in case your coronary heart is chilly.
{Photograph}: Chris Haslam
Totally Featured
Streaming chops and normal connectivity are, as you’ll hope for $1,500, suitably complete. There’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, web radio, TV eARC, Roon and UPnP help, Spotify Join, TIDAL Join, Deezer, Qobuz, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast all in-built (with help 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 techniques.
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, nonetheless, is any out-of-the-box voice management through Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant. This looks like one thing of a misstep in 2024, however in actuality, it might simply be added to the Apple Residence or Google Residence app and managed with voice. Assuming you’ve bought a Nest Mini or equal it’s doable to combine it right into a multiroom setup. And if you would like Alexa management, an Echo Dot may very well be linked to both the BT or AUX enter.
Excellent Sound
That is the a part of the hi-fi evaluate the place I might usually checklist all of the peer-approved, chin-strokingly good music I listened to by 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
