We continue to say that wireless-powered loudspeakers have become one of the best-selling audio categories, with a wide range of available models for every budget, and home and portable use.
In keeping with the trend, Cambridge Audio has introduced its Evo One wireless speaker that builds on the hi-res streaming smarts and musicality of the company’s Evo 75 and Evo 150 streaming amplifiers with wireless and wireless connectivity, and a multi-function status display, but also includes built-in speakers and different visual look Let’s take a closer look.
Features
Product Development and Design: The Evo One is designed, engineered and acoustically optimized at Cambridge Audio’s own London-based music venue and HQ, Melomania. The minimalist retro-modern aesthetic, was designed by Red Dot Award-winning designer Ged Martin, and incorporates a clean lines timeless feel, with a touch of luxury with a real walnut veneer top.
The Evo One also has a 6.8-inch color screen that allows users to display VU meters, album artwork, or a clock display.
Of course, although the outside might attract attention, it’s what is on the inside that really counts.
Speaker Drivers and Amplification: The Evo One houses 14 tuned drivers (4 x 1″ silk dome tweeters, 4 x 2.25″ aluminum cone mid-range, and 6 x 2.75″ long-throw woofers) supported by 700W of amplification (Class D).
The drivers are placed in the front, side, and rear of the cabinet which is designed to provide wide sound dispersion. This means listeners don’t need to sit in a ‘sweet spot’ to experience accurate stereo sound listening.
DSP and EQ: To further support the listening experience, the Evo One includes advanced Digital Signal Processing with a 7-band EQ and room-optimization settings to hone the sound for every taste and space
Streaming Support: The StreamMagic Gen 4 App supports wireless streaming directly from Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Deezer, Qobuz, and Internet Radio. AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and Google Cast are also supported.
The Evo One is also compatible with Google Home, Apple AirPlay, and Roon multiroom systems and is also Roon Ready.
Tech Note: Evo One supports 32-bit/192kHz Hi-Res audio over Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
Wired Connectivity: In addition to wireless connectivity via WiFi and Bluetooth, the Evo One also provides HDMI eARC, optical digital input, aux-in, Ethernet, USB, and an MM phono stage for directly connecting a turntable.
Tip: With HDMI-eARC, users can connect the Evo One to a compatible TV and use it as a soundbar substitute.
From Matt Dore, Chief Technical Officer of Cambridge Audio: “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,”
Initial Impressions
The Cambridge Audio Evo One is an interesting product release. It can function as a soundbar with a TV, a wireless speaker for streaming music, and can even connect to a turntable.
Although it lacks a subwoofer output and headphone jack, we suspect its owners wouldn’t use those features anyway. However, we were quite pleased to see it includes a built-in phono preamp for connecting a turntable, which is a feature most often overlooked by competitors such as the Naim Muso 2nd Gen.
All-in-one speakers such as the Evo One should catch the eye of would-be buyers because of their simplicity and ease of use. Ultimately its sound quality needs to live up to expectations, but given Cambridge Audio’s track record we have no reason to doubt that it will.
Price & Availability
The Cambridge Audio Evo One is available at cambridgeaudio.com and approved retailers, priced at $1,499 (£1299/€1499).
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