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2021 by Cambridge Audio Evolution The range of streaming solutions with extra speakers, featuring colour screens and sculptural detailing, was an aesthetic departure for the London-based brand. After all, it has spent years creating inoffensive hi-fi sets that sound better than their asking price suggests. The original Evo systems were an attempt to appeal to those customers who crave good sound, the convenience of streaming and aesthetics, but who don’t want a vanilla-flavoured Sonos or the bitter taste of premium hi-fi.
Cambridge Audio is late to the party for single-box streaming systems. Brands like Naim, Sonus Faber, and Bang & Olufsen offer standalone systems with plenty of style and a hefty price tag. But after three weeks of living with the Evo One, I think the new Evo One deserves a place at the table of the best. The 14-speaker system consists of 4 1-inch silk dome tweeters, 4 2.25-inch aluminum cone midrange speakers, and 6 2.75-inch long-throw woofers. The combined 700 watts of Class D amplification means there’s enough power for a moderately raucous house party, but volume is controlled and detail is precise. As such, playback never feels forced or distorted, even if you’re playing beats that annoy the neighbors.
Great setup
In my home, where it competes with a Sonos system, a Marantz HD-AMP1 amplifier and an Audio Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB turntable, and a procession of test speakers, streaming devices, turntables and DACS, I was struck by two things. First, once set up via the StreamMagic app (beta version), it never failed to connect, regardless of which streaming platform I chose. This is the kind of basic ability I can only dream of with Sonos. It should be simple. It should be as reliable as the on/off switch, but often with streaming gear, it just isn’t.
Secondly, because it played whatever I asked it to without delay, it quickly became my family’s go-to choice. Yes, some may have been guilty of playing in a resolution that wasn’t perfect, but still, it deserves two thumbs up for ease of use. The only issue I encountered when using it was with the volume control in Spotify, where one press would increase or decrease it in three or four large steps. It’s an issue that can probably be easily fixed, but it’s an issue nonetheless.
The Evo One also fit my home like a glove, slotting neatly into the corner (yes, yes, sound quality suffers in real life). Measuring 675 x 129 x 29 centimetres (26.6 x 5.1 x 11.4 inches), you need to find a generous sideboard. My advice here, though, is simple: sell the tropical fish tank/Lego Millennium Falcon/Sonos and make some space.
Let’s go back to the design for a moment. The Evo One is made – sorry, “made” – from materials including aluminium, FSC-certified walnut and 50 per cent recycled plastic. The casing surrounding the speakers is certainly rigid, as evidenced by the distortion-free performance, but special mention must be made of the impeccable wood veneer. My sample was especially beautiful, but being a real sliver of wood, each one will be unique. It is a square unit, though, and lacks any curves or softness. Personally, I like it, but I can understand why someone might find it a little clinical. The 6.8-inch display is also non-touch, which may bother some, but it’s bright, the buttons work well and the option to enjoy old-school photorealistic VU meters is a treat. Watching them flash in time with the music is a fun retro touch. You can also display the usual album art and track details, if you’re cold-hearted.
Photography: Chris Haslam
Fully equipped
Streaming capabilities and general connectivity are, as you’d expect for a $1,500 price point, comprehensive enough. You’ve got Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, internet radio, eARC TV, Roon and UPnP support, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Deezer, Qobuz, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast, all built in (with support for Hi-Res Audio up to 32-bit/192kHz) and controlled via the app and Cambridge Audio’s StreamMagic module. Now in its fourth generation, it’s a solid platform with a good pedigree, sitting at the heart of the MXN10 and CXN100 network players and the Evo 75 and 150 systems.
There are also external digital and analog inputs, including a solid built-in phono stage. This is a welcome extra, allowing you to easily plug and play your turntable without any hassle. To finish off, you also get a stereo RCA, digital optical, USB-A and Ethernet for a bulletproof online connection.
However, there’s no voice control offered via Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant. This seems like a misstep in 2024, but it can actually be easily added to the Apple Home or Google Home app and controlled by voice. Assuming 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 the BT or AUX input.
Magnificent sound
This is the part of the hi-fi review where I’d normally list all the peer-approved, amazing-quality music I’ve listened to via top-tier hi-res streaming platforms and the Evo One. Traditionally, I’d mention some rock and acoustic music and key classical recordings, and some super-basic stuff to prove I’m not a total snob. Naturally, I’ll then contradict myself by referencing the midrange subtleties of a little-known Will Oldham demo track.
Photo: Cambridge Audio