Cambridge Audio's Evo promises timeless design and cutting edge technology, all brought together in an all-in-one streaming hi-fi that just needs you to add speakers. Evo is available in two models: the 150 watts per channel Evo 150 and the Evo 75, which, no surprise, has 75 watts per channel.

Designed in Cambridge Audio's London studio, Lead designer Ged Martin chose premium materials and is said to have used the wood trims of the iconic P40, Cambridge Audio's first-ever product from 1968, as inspiration. This can be picked out by the Evo's walnut wood side panels that complement the sleek, black anodised aluminium cabinet.

Additionally, Evo is available with black side panels made from Richlite, an innovative new material made primarily from recycled paper. The side panels can be switched out according to each customer's style.

Completing Evo's elegant design is a dual-concentric rotary dial and a 6.8-inch LCD display panel that shows off album artwork in full colour.

Under the hood, you will find Hypex NCore Class D amplification, which is both compact and energy-efficient. Cambridge Audio states that this was explicitly selected as it offers class-leading audio performance and produces clear advantages in clarity, resolution and musicality.

Working in concert with ESS Sabre DACs is Cambridge Audio's constantly evolving StreamMagic platform. Whether you use Roon to organise your digital library or stream high-resolution MQA tracks using TIDAL Connect – Evo can play it all, boasts the manufacturer.

Evo supports AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Chromecast built-in, Qobuz, Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and internet radio. These options can all be accessed via the StreamMagic app. Alternatively, there is also a bundled remote that enables easy switching between inputs and play controls. Regarding inputs, there is a TV ARC input for connecting your TV using an HDMI cable along with optical, coaxial and RCA inputs.

A 3.5mm headphone socket lets you plug in a pair of cans, while aptX HD Bluetooth hands you the option of going wireless with your headphones or adding a Bluetooth-enabled turntable.

The Evo 150 adds a built-in moving magnet (MM) phono stage for those looking to connect their turntable, as well as an asynchronous USB audio input, balanced XLR inputs and two sets of speaker terminals for running two pairs of speakers.

Stuart George, Managing Director, Cambridge Audio, told StereoNET:

At Cambridge Audio, we think evolution is about even more than improving the quality of the sound you hear and enhancing your enjoyment of music. Evolution is also about transforming the convenience and usability of hi-fi without compromising its performance. Evolution is about bringing hi-fi into the future, making it fit your lifestyle, and ensuring it looks just as good as it sounds.

Prefer a one-stop-shop? Well, Cambridge Audio has developed a pair of Evo S speakers to complete your Evo System. There's also the option of adding a dedicated Evo CD transport. Both are scheduled for release later in 2021. Naturally, these additional units are designed to match the Evo system aesthetically and sonically.

Cambridge Audio Evo 150 and Evo 75 will be available from April 2021, priced at £2,249 (€2,499) and £1,799 (€1,999), respectively. The Evo CD will cost £799 (€899) while the Evo S speakers will be £649 (€749) per pair.   

WHAT WE THINK

The Cambridge Audio Evo system certainly has the looks and Class D amplification just gets better and better. There are many people who want good-quality audio but can do without all the separate boxes and associated cables. This is where systems such as the Evo come in and with the Evo 150 offering a MM phono stage and a matching CD transport and speakers on their way, this could be a popular choice.

Visit Cambridge Audio for more information