Cambridge Audio 2021 A simply add-speaker streaming solution, the Evo Series, with its color displays and sculptural details, represented something of an aesthetic shift for the London brand. After all, the company had spent years crafting bland hi-fi separate speakers that sounded louder than their MSRP. The original Evo system was an attempt to lure customers who craved great sound, streaming convenience, and aesthetics, but didn’t want the vanilla Sonos or bitterness of full-blown premium hi-fi.
Cambridge Audio is a late entrant into the one-box streaming party. Brands like Naim, Sonus Faber, and Bang & Olufsen all offer attractive, and expensive, standalone systems. But after three weeks with the Evo One, I think the new one deserves a place at the top of the heap. The 14-speaker system comprises 4 x 1-inch silk dome tweeters, 4 x 2.25-inch aluminum cone midranges, and 6 x 2.75-inch long-throw woofers. A total of 700 watts of Class D amplification provides plenty of power for moderately loud house parties, while keeping volume controlled and detail accurate. So playback never feels forced or distorted, even when you’re blasting beats that will annoy your neighbors.
Great setup
In my house, with a Sonos system, a Marantz HD-AMP1 amplifier, and an Audio Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB turntable, along with a selection of review speakers, streaming gadgets, turntables, and DACs, I was surprised by two things. First, once I set it up with the StreamMagic app (in beta), it never failed to connect, no matter which streaming platform I chose. This is the kind of basic functionality you dream of with Sonos. It should be simple, and as reliable as an on/off switch, which is often not the case with streaming kit.
And secondly, it played whatever I requested without any lag, quickly becoming the go-to option for my family. Sure, the streaming resolution may not be perfect for some, but the ease of use is still very satisfying. The only issue I found in use was that the Spotify volume control was a big 3-4 notches up or down with each press. This is a minor issue that’s probably easily remedied, but a minor issue nonetheless.
The Evo One fits perfectly in my house, tucked neatly into a corner (yes, that’s right, in real life you compromise on sound quality). It measures 26.6 x 5.1 x 11.4 inches (675 x 129 x 29 centimeters), so you’ll need a sideboard that’s spacious enough. My advice here is simple, though: sell your tropical fish tank/LEGO Millennium Falcon/Sonos and free up some space.
Let’s go back to the design for a moment. The Evo One is made from materials like aluminum, FSC-certified walnut, and 50% recycled plastic. The case surrounding the speaker is certainly sturdy, and it shows in the distortion-free performance. But the standout feature is the flawless wood veneer. My sample was particularly beautiful, but it’s a slice of real wood, so each one is unique. It’s a boxy unit, though, with no curves or softness. I personally like it, but some may find it a bit inorganic. The 6.8-inch display is also not a touchscreen, which may be a turn-off for some, but it’s bright, the buttons work fine, and the option to enjoy photorealistic old-fashioned VU meters is fun. Watching the meters flash along to the music is a fun retro touch. If you’re feeling cold, you can also display the usual album artwork and track details.
Photo: Chris Haslam
Fully featured
Streaming features and general connectivity are more than adequate for the $1,500 price tag: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, Internet radio, TV eARC, Roon and UPnP support, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Deezer, Qobuz, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast are all built in (supporting Hi-Res audio up to 32-bit/192kHz) and can be controlled using Cambridge Audio’s StreamMagic app and modules. Now in its fourth generation, it’s a solid platform with a good track record that sits at the heart of both the MXN10 and CXN100 network players, and the Evo 75 and 150 systems.
There are also external digital and analog inputs, including a robust built-in phono stage – a nice addition that makes it easy to plug and play your turntable. Finally, there’s stereo RCA, digital optical, USB-A and ethernet for complete online connectivity.
However, voice control with Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant isn’t available out of the box. It seems like a blunder in 2024, but in reality it’s easy to add to the Apple Home or Google Home app and control it by voice. If you have a Nest Mini or equivalent you can integrate it into a multi-room setup. If you want Alexa control you can connect an Echo Dot to the BT or AUX input.
Great sound
It’s in this part of a hi-fi review that I usually list all the peer-approved, chin-strokingly awesome music I’ve listened to using premium-tier high-resolution streaming platforms and the Evo One. Traditionally, I’ll feature rock and acoustic tunes, major classical music recordings, and some super basic stuff to prove I’m not a total snob. Naturally, I then end up contradicting myself by mentioning the midrange delicacy of an unknown Will Oldham demo track.
Photo: Cambridge Audio
