Cambridge Audio, the British specialty audio manufacturer and merchant of musically-inspired audio gear announced today the launch of the Evo One wireless streaming speaker that looks like it will be a formidable force in just about any home. Like Sonos on steroids, with 700 watts of power and no fewer than 14 speakers arrayed to provide room-filling sound – no matter what type of music you like…crank it up!
Learn more about the Cambridge Audio Evo One
Cambridge Audio says that the Evo One “offers unrivaled performance, connectivity, and versatility.” Ged Martin, a Red Dot Award-winning designer, is the creative force behind the design of the Evo One.
The company says that the Evo One combines the hi-res streaming smarts and musicality of their Evo 75 and Evo 150 streaming amplifiers with 14 perfectly tuned drivers powered by no less than 700 watts of power to offer users a truly unique omnidirectional audio experience.
Based on StreamMagic Platform
Incorporating Cambridge’s StreamMagic platform, music lovers everywhere can effortlessly access their favorite music content from almost any music service. StreamMagic is the same platform employed in the company’s CXN100 and MXN10 network players.
Our aim was to distill our decades of expertise in sound and streaming into a user-friendly, one-box experience. Evo One achieves all that and so much more. Aesthetically as well as sonically and functionally, it truly enriches every space and occasion.
Matt Dore, Cambridge Audio’s Chief Technical Officer
Further Exploring the Evo One
While the goal here was to provide end-users with a simple but supple sound solution, company engineers have outdone themselves in delivering a high-quality, room-filling source of music enjoyment in a box. The four sides of the Evo One are lined with 14 independent drivers including 4 – 1″ silk dome tweeters, 4 – 2.25″ aluminum cone mid-range drivers, and 6 – 2.75″ long-throw woofers.
To say the Evo One has a wide dispersion would be the understatement of the year, as it is said to deliver a “truly expansive soundstage.” Having friends over for a get-together and to listen to music? Everyone in the house, no matter where they are sitting, is in the “sweet spot” with the Evo One.
Lots of Drivers and Lots of Power Means Room-Filling Music
Those 14 drivers are driven by 700 watts of Class D amplification with enough power to deliver stunning crescendos and floor-shaking bass. Each individual driver receives 50 watts rms of pure power for fine control. Also onboard is an advanced Digital Signal Processor for perfect tuning of Cambridge’s signature sound.
The company says that via the StreamMagic control app, users can tune the sound to precisely meet their taste. This includes a 7-band equalizer that allows users an almost infinite amount of control combinations to dial in the sound quality you prefer. But also, there are multiple presets designed by experts and tailored to optimize for a wide range of music genres as easily as pushing a button. The app also offers room-optimization capabilities such that the system adapts to your space…rather than the other way around.
Connoisseur of Connectivity
Employing the 4th generation of the company’s proprietary StreamMagic platform, this is Cambridge’s finest streaming platform “for seamless, stable listening across an enormous number of services and formats,” the company says. With StreamMagic, users can direct stream from Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Deezer, Qubuz, Roon Ready, UPnP, and Internet Radio with support for up to 32-bit/192kHz hi-res audio over Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
Evo One is a connoisseur of connectivity with options for Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and Google Cast. It is fully compatible with Google Home, Apple AirPlay, and Roon multiroom systems as well. You can even use Evo One as the heart of your home theater system, connecting it to your favorite flat-panel TV via HDMI eARC.
If You’ve Got It You Can Connect It to Evo One
Other connectivity options included are a moving magnet phono stage to hook up your turntable, a line input for other sources, an optical digital input, and a USB-A media socket for further digital options. The Evo One is easily controlled via the StreamMagic app. However, thanks to the HDMI eARC connection, your volume can be simply controlled via the TVs remote control. The Evo One also comes with its own remote control.
The design to my eye is sort of a modern minimalist design. The wood veneer top finish is, according to Cambridge, a “real walnut” wood veneer which means there will be a bit of variation in every unit made. The company calls the design “retro-modern” which seems to me like a bit like an oxymoron…you know, like jumbo shrimp. But I agree with them that the lines are crisp and clean. It’s hard to tell from a photo if it exudes a luxury feel, but I certainly see that could be the case.
Maximalist Interior for a Minimalist Exterior
Removing the exterior shows an incredibly robust and intricate interior construction with the 14 drivers arrayed around the cabinet. It’s helps to illustrate how clean and elegant the exterior design really is.
The unit features a 6.8″ color screen that gives users even more options as to what it displays. Users can choose between album artwork, a clock, or my personal favorite, large virtual VU meters. Evo One is constructed of recycled plastic and other sustainably sourced materials and has been deliberately designed for precise power optimization.
Pricing and Availability
Cambridge Audio’s Evo One is available now at cambridgeaudio.com and select approved retailers. It sells for £1299 / €1499 / $1,499 MSRP.
Key Specifications of the Evo One
- 14 drivers (4 x 1″ silk dome tweeters, 4 x 2.25″ aluminium cone mid-range, and 6 x 2.75″ long-throw woofers)
- 700W Class D amplification (50W RMS per driver)
- Large 6.8” 1280 x 480 IPS TFT color screen with choice of VU meters, album artwork or clock display
- StreamMagic Gen 4 module supporting TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, Roon Ready, UPnP, and Internet Radio
- FSC-certified wood veneer and MDF cabinet with beautifully figured natural walnut top
- Supported audio formats: WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, DSD (DSF and DFF), WMA, MP3 (CBR and VBR), AAC, HE AAC and AAC+ (CBR and VBR), OGG Vorbis
- Support for up to 32-bit/192kHz audio resolution
- 7-band EQ adjustment with custom EQ save option, plus a range of EQ presets
- Room-optimization settings to tune the sound to your room and placement
- Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1 A2DP, AirPlay 2, Google Cast
- Wired connectivity: HDMI eARC, Ethernet, RCA line in, MM phono, digital optical, USB-A Media
- Supplied remote control
- 675 x 129 x 290mm (26.6 x 5.1 x 11.4″), 14.5kg (32lbs)
Very impressive product!
Congratulations Cambridge Audio.
Looks like a strong contender in the Naim and Devialet playground.