Cambridge Audio is the latest brand to introduce plug’n’play smart streaming convenience into home hi-fi with two one-box music systems called Evo. Based around the company’s StreamMagic platform, the Evo 150 and Evo 75 are priced at £2,249 and £1, 799 respectively and the anodised aluminium chassis can be customised with either walnut (main picture) or black side panels.

Internally, both models employ Hypex NCore Class D amplification modules, with the Evo 150 claiming 2x 150W power output into 8ohm and the Evo 75 rated at 2x 75W. Both have large colour front panel display screens to show album artwork and built-in streaming connectivity includes AirPlay 2, Bluetooth (with aptX HD support) and Chromecast. Qobuz, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and internet radio music services are also on board. Both models use the same ESS Sabre DAC to support PCM music files up to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD to DSD256 and are Roon Ready and MQA compatible.

Plentiful connectivity options for hardwired sources, including a MM phono stage on the Evo 150

Hardwired

Physical connectivity runs to optical and coaxial digital inputs, as well as analogue stereo RCAs and a HDMI port with ARC (audio return channel) on both models. The Evo 150 additionally has a built-in moving-magnet phono stage for connecting up a turntable fitted with a MM cartridge, asynchronous USB audio port, balanced XLR inputs and two sets of speaker terminals for A+B speaker switching. There’s also a 3.5mm headphone socket.

Managing director Stuart George says:

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. Evo is the product we’ve been leading up to for over 50 years.

Continuing to evolve

Evo S speakers and CD transport to be introduced later in 2021

To create a complete Evo system, a pair of Evo S standmount speakers will be available exclusively at cambridgeaudio.com later this year priced at £649. An Evo CD transport is additionally planned to be introduced later this year priced at £799.

Evo 150 and Evo 75 models are available now from cambridgeaudio.com and Richer Sounds stores.