Cambridge Audio 2021 The Evo range of add-on-speaker streaming solutions – complete with colour displays and sculptural details – was something of an aesthetic about-face for the London brand, which has, after all, spent years developing unobtrusive hi-fi components that sound better than their price suggests. The original Evo systems were an attempt to attract those customers who crave good sound, streaming convenience and aesthetics, but don’t want a vanilla-flavoured Sonos or the bitter taste of truly high-quality hi-fi.
Cambridge Audio is late to the one-box streaming party. Brands like Naim, Sonus Faber and Bang & Olufsen all offer standalone systems with plenty of oomph and a premium price tag. But after three weeks with the Evo One, I think the new Evo One deserves a place at the top table. The 14-speaker system consists of 4 x 1-inch silk dome tweeters, 4 x 2.25-inch aluminium cone midrange drivers and 6 x 2.75-inch long-throw woofers. The combined total output of 700 watts of Class D amplification means there’s enough power for a moderately loud house party, but volume is controlled and detail precise. As a result, playback never feels forced or distorted, even when you’re pumping out neighbourhood-disturbing beats.
Great setup
In my house, where it’s up against a Sonos system, Marantz HD-AMP1 amp and Audio Technica AT-LP120XBT USB turntable, as well as a range of test speakers, streaming devices, turntables and DACS, I was surprised by two things. First, after setting it up via the StreamMagic app (beta version), it always connected, regardless of the streaming platform I chose. This is the kind of basic capability I can only dream of with Sonos. It should be easy. It should be as reliable as the power button, but with streaming kit, it often just isn’t.
And second, it quickly became the go-to for my family because it played what they wanted without lag. Yes, some may have been guilty of streaming in less than perfect resolution, but even so, it gets two thumbs up for ease of use. The only issue I encountered while using it was the volume control in Spotify, where one button press would increase/decrease three or four large steps. That’s an annoyance that’s probably easily fixed, but an annoyance nonetheless.
The Evo One also fitted my house like a glove, sitting beautifully in the corner (yes, yes, in real life you have to compromise on sound quality). At 675 x 129 x 29 centimeters (26.6 x 5.1 x 11.4 inches), you’ll need to find a generous sideboard, though. My advice here is simple: sell the tropical aquarium/Lego Millennium Falcon/Sonos and make some space.
Back to the design. The Evo One is made, sorry, “made” from materials such as aluminum, FSC-certified walnut and 50 percent recycled plastic. While the cabinetry around the speakers is solid – as evidenced by the distortion-free performance – the pristine wood veneer deserves special mention. My example was particularly beautiful, but as it’s a real piece of wood, each one is unique. It’s a boxy device, though, and doesn’t have any curves or softness. I personally like it, but I can understand why some might find it a little clinical. The 6.8-inch display isn’t a touchscreen either, which might annoy some, but it’s bright, the buttons work perfectly, and the ability to enjoy old-school photorealistic VU meters is a treat. Watching them blink to the music is a fun retro touch. You can also display the usual album art and track details if your heart is chilling.
Photo: Chris Haslam
Fully equipped
Streaming capabilities and general connectivity are suitably comprehensive, as you’d expect for $1,500. There’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, internet radio, TV eARC, Roon and UPnP support, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Deezer, Qobuz, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, all built-in (with support for high-resolution audio up to 32-bit/192kHz) and controlled via Cambridge Audio’s StreamMagic app and module. Now in its fourth generation, it’s a solid platform with good pedigree, forming the heart of the MXN10 and CXN100 network players and the Evo 75 and 150 systems.
There are also external digital and analogue inputs, including a solid built-in phono preamp. This is a welcome extra that allows you to simply plug and play your turntable. To finish things off, you also get a stereo RCA, digital optical port, USB-A and Ethernet for a bulletproof online connection.
What you don’t get, however, is out-of-the-box voice control via Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant. That feels like a misstep in 2024, but in reality it can easily be added to the Apple Home or Google Home app and controlled by voice. Provided you have a Nest Mini or equivalent, it’s possible to integrate it into a multi-room setup. And if you want Alexa control, an Echo Dot can be connected to either the BT or AUX input.
Excellent sound
This is the part of the HiFi review where I usually list all the peer-approved, incredibly good music I’ve heard via premium high-resolution streaming platforms and the Evo One. Normally I’d mention rock and acoustic music, as well as important classical recordings and something very simple to prove I’m not a total snob. Of course, I then contradict myself by pointing out the midrange subtleties of an obscure Will Oldham demo track.
Photo: Cambridge Audio
