Looking for the best streaming player for your audio setup, and if you don’t have any issues with
budget Cambridge Audio Evo 150 is best for you. Cambridge Audio Evo 150 AT $3249 price is an all-in-one integrated amplifier that packs just about every feature imaginable into its little frame. Combining state-of-the-art technology with a sleek design.
The Cambridge Audio Evo 150 offers an exceptional listening experience for audiophiles and casual listeners. In my review of Cambridge Audio, I” tell you all aspects like performance, sound, build quality FAQ, and
all the details you want to know before investing your hard-earned money into your new awesome Cambridge Audio Evo 150.
Cambridge Audio EVO 150 unboxing
Finally opening the box a beautiful quote is printed at the front of the box “For the people who listen” Obviously designed and engineered in Great Britain. After opening the box Cambridge Audio Evo 150
was well packed in foam coating and side protection. packed in a black cover and at the side of the
box you’ll find another small box having cables and a remote inside a manual slib. After opening my
new Cambridge Audio Evo 150 Box I start setting up my new player but in addition, I’ll talk about the awesome
Design and Build quality of my new Evo 150 streaming player.
Design and Build Quality Cambridge Audio EVO 150
The Cambridge Audio Evo 150 stands out with its modern and elegant design. The front panel comes with a large 6.8-inch color LCD and a big-size dual-concentric double-color rotary knob, with the front black part of the knob controlling the volume and the textured silver back part for selecting the input source. This setup is complemented by six small rectangular press buttons arranged vertically on the inner vertical border of the display and a 3.5 mm headphone jack positioned near the lower right corner.
A unique feature of the Cambridge Audio Evo 150 is its interchangeable magnetically attached side panels, which can be easily swapped to suit different aesthetic preferences. The package includes two pairs of side panels: one with a smooth wood-grain finish for a traditional, classy-vintage look, and another with a black textured finish for a modern, chic appearance. These panels are held securely in place by strong magnets, allowing users to refresh the unit’s look effortlessly.
Key Features Cambridge Audio Evo 150
So let us talk about the key features of the Cambridge Audio Evo 150
- High-Resolution Audio: The Evo 150 supports high-resolution audio formats, including FLAC, WAV, and DSD, ensuring you get the best sound quality from your music library.
- Connectivity Options: Cambridge Audio Evo 150 includes a variety of connectivity options, such as HDMI ARC, digital optical, coaxial inputs, and a phono stage for vinyl enthusiasts. It also supports Bluetooth aptX HD, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast for wireless streaming.
- Powerful Amplification: With 150 watts per channel, the Evo 150 can drive a wide range of speakers, delivering powerful and dynamic sound without distortion.
- StreamMagic App: The StreamMagic app provides seamless control over the Evo 150, allowing you to stream from various services like Spotify, Tidal, and Qobuz with ease.
- Roon Ready: As a Roon Ready device, the Evo 150 integrates effortlessly with your Roon ecosystem, offering a unified and sophisticated music management experience.
Performance
The Cambridge Audio Evo 150 distinguishes itself with impressive performance, merging ergonomic excellence with high-quality sound that stands out even in a competitive price range. From the first few bars of music, it becomes apparent that the Evo 150 is a top performer, delivering smoothness, clarity, and refinement without sacrificing musicality and power.
Ergonomics and Ease of Use
The ergonomic design of the Evo 150 becomes apparent after a short period of use. Its intuitive controls, such as the large dual-concentric rotary knob and the clear 6.8-inch color LCD display, make it user-friendly. The interchangeable magnetically attached side panels add a touch of personalization and aesthetic versatility.
Sound Quality
General Performance
The Evo 150’s sound quality is immediately striking. It provides a sophisticated, engaging, and powerful audio experience. The unit’s compactness and stylish design do not come at the cost of sound quality. Instead, it delivers a surprisingly musical and urgent performance.
Detailed Analysis
- Bass: The bass is strong and propulsive, providing a solid foundation for the music. While there is a slight softening at the bottom end, it adds a pleasing, subtle bloom that enhances the listening experience.
- Midrange: The midband is smooth and well-integrated, with a decent level of detail. Vocals and acoustic instruments carry a slightly sepia-tinted tone, which contributes to a warm and enjoyable sound.
- Treble: The treble is silky and refined, adding to the overall sophistication of the sound without being harsh or fatiguing.
Specific Tracks
- Rush’s “Subdivisions”: Streaming via Qobuz, the Evo 150 delivered a powerful and engaging performance. The bass was strong, the midband smooth, and the treble silky, showcasing the unit’s ability to handle complex rock music with finesse.
- Steely Dan’s “Aja”: The Evo 150 demonstrated an expansive soundstage, setting up a big stage with good spatial information. It provided a great outing for this classic recording, pushing far left and right of the speakers and delivering a dynamic performance.
- Kraftwerk’s “Metropolis”: The Evo 150 handled the subterranean bass transients with ease, tracking dynamic crescendos without losing breath. It showed its power and ability to drive demanding loudspeakers effectively.
Comparisons
While a separate system at the same price, might offer slightly better performance, the Evo 150 holds its ground well. It is not significantly outperformed by standalone streaming DAC/preamp and power amp combinations. Against rivals like Naim, the Evo 150 competes robustly, offering a high-quality sound that impresses for its price.
User Experience
Setting up the Evo 150 is straightforward, thanks to the intuitive interface and comprehensive user manual. The StreamMagic app enhances the user experience by offering easy access to streaming services and multi-room functionality. The remote control and physical buttons on the unit itself provide additional convenience for daily use.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional sound quality
- Versatile connectivity options
- High-resolution audio support
- Elegant and customizable design
- Easy-to-use StreamMagic app
Cons:
- Price
- Limited input options compared to some competitors
Conclusion
The Cambridge Audio Evo 150 is a remarkable all-in-one streaming amplifier that combines high-fidelity sound with modern features and stylish design. While Cambridge Audio Evo 150 comes at a premium price, its performance and versatility make it a worthwhile investment for serious music lovers. If you’re looking to elevate your listening experience, the Evo 150 should be at the top of your list.
In summary, the Cambridge Audio Evo 150 not only meets but exceeds expectations, proving itself as a leader in the realm of high-fidelity audio systems. Whether you’re an audiophile or simply someone who appreciates great sound, the Evo 150 is sure to impress.