Cambridge Audio unveils stylish Evo One music system

Cambridge Audio has taken the wraps off its first all-in-one designer music centre, the Evo One. The stylish unit features 14 drivers, each powered by a 50W digital amplifier, for a cumulative 700W of amplification.

The speaker array, which extends from the front to the sides, comprises four 25mm silk dome tweeters, four 57mm aluminium mid-range drivers, and six 70mm long-throw woofers.

The design combines a fabric grille with a stylish walnut veneer. A large 172mm colour display is used to display streaming album art, VU meters or a clock.

Inside CI had an opportunity to listen to the unit at an early London preview, and was impressed with its expansive soundstage, dynamic bass and inherent musicality of the system. There’s certainly no Hi-Fi compromises made to accomodate its fashionable form factor.

The Evo One shares much in common with the brand’s Evo 75 and Evo 150 streaming amplifiers. Inside is the latest iteration of its StreamMagic platform, which supports Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Deezer, Qobuz, and Internet Radio. The Evo One is also Roon Ready with UPnP. Wireless connectivity covers Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast. There’s compatibility with 32-bit/192kHz hi-res audio, over Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

Connectivity includes HDMI eARC, a moving-magnet (MM) phono stage for turntables, Aux analogue and digital optical audio inputs, plus a USB-A media port. The Evo One ships with a simple remote control, but can also be used with a partnering app.

The Cambridge Audio Evo One retails for £1,299 (€1,499).