The Cambridge Audio Evo One is a game-changer in the all-in-one music system market, seamlessly blending high-fidelity audio with modern convenience. This compact powerhouse boasts a stunning 7-inch color display, showcasing album art and vital information, and packs a surprising punch in terms of connectivity. From traditional sources like turntables and CDs to modern streaming services and even HDMI eARC functionality, the Evo One caters to diverse audio needs. Control is effortlessly handled via the intuitive StreamMagic app, granting access to a wealth of streaming platforms and precise EQ adjustments.Beyond its impressive feature set, the Evo One delivers a rich and engaging listening experience. While possessing a notably strong bass response, its customizable EQ allows for personalized sound tailoring. The overall sound signature is balanced and pleasing, ideal for relaxed listening sessions, yet capable of filling a room with high-quality audio. Compared to competitors like Bang & Olufsen and Sonos, the Evo One presents exceptional value, offering superior sonic performance and versatile connectivity at a more competitive price point.
Pros And Cons
- All-in-one music system combining streamer and speakers
- 700 watts of power from a Class D amplifier
- Extensive connectivity (USB, optical, analog, phono preamp, Ethernet, HDMI eARC)
- Stream Magic app with access to various streaming services (Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music), Google Cast, Bluetooth 5.1, AirPlay
- Easy setup, especially for streaming music
- Multiband graphic EQ and customizable presets
- Room compensation settings to adjust sound based on placement
- Listeneable sound, good for various music genres
- Flexibility in placement
- Stylish design
- No native Apple Music support (relies on AirPlay)
- Room compensation is basic, not true room correction
- Sound is not neutral; considerable bass energy (though adjustable)
- Limited sense of scale and dispersion; sound mainly emanates from the front
- Soundstage not as expansive as some higher-end systems
- Physical presence noticeable during critical listening
- Expansive and enveloping soundstage
- High-fi sound for music and movies
- Good value
- Can be expanded into a full system
- Better sound quality than Evo1
- Lacks native inputs for some components (e.g., record player)
- Superior sound quality compared to Evo1 in some aspects
- Better soundstage and room filling
- Stylish design
- Less connectivity and flexibility than Evo1
- Higher price than Evo1
- Better construction (aluminum and acrylic frame)
- Similar user experience and app to Evo1
- Appealing manual controls
- Lacks a screen
- Less connectivity than Evo1
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Design and Features
The Cambridge Audio Evo One is an all-in-one music system boasting a sleek design and impressive feature set. It integrates a high-quality streamer with a 7-inch color screen displaying album art, metadata, and input information. The system's physical and wireless connectivity options are a standout feature, offering a wide range of input choices.
Connectivity includes USB, optical, analog audio inputs, a moving magnet phono preamp, an Ethernet port, and even HDMI eARC for use as a soundbar. This versatility makes it adaptable to various setups and audio sources. Wireless control is handled seamlessly via the fourth-generation StreamMagic app, offering access to numerous streaming platforms and advanced EQ controls.
Sound Quality and Performance
The Evo One's sound signature is rich and listenable, avoiding listener fatigue across various genres. While measurements reveal a substantial bass presence, the EQ presets and multi-band graphic EQ allow for precise customization, taming the bass or enhancing other frequencies as needed.
The midrange displays some peaks and dips, and the treble rolls off around 3kHz with its own variations. However, the overall sound is surprisingly balanced and pleasing. It excels in casual listening sessions, filling a room with sound without being overwhelming or attention-grabbing.
Comparisons and Conclusion
Compared to the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Level and Beosound Balance, the Evo One offers superior sonic performance for a lower price. It surpasses the Level in sound quality and provides more connectivity features. Against the Balance, the Evo One holds its own, even in some aspects outperforming the Balance despite a more limited soundstage and dispersion.
The Sonos Arc Ultra emerges as a strong contender, offering comparable sound quality with greater expandability. However, the Evo One's advantage lies in its native support for various Hi-Fi sources like turntables, CDs, etc., making it a more versatile option for those with a broader collection. Ultimately, the Evo One's value lies in its combination of high-fidelity sound, extensive features, and flexible usability, making it a worthwhile choice for modern audio enthusiasts who desire a compact yet powerful all-in-one solution.