The Cambridge Audio Evo One was announced in August 2024, it is an all-in-one music system that combines the core functions of Cambridge Audio’s products with 14 loudspeakers. In my review of the Cambridge Audio EXA100, I didn’t like the fact that we needed external components like a streamer to get the most out of that product, and in this review, we will see if the Evo One holds the promise of being an all-in-one product.
Review
The Cambridge Audio Evo One is an all-in-one wireless streaming speaker. It has 14 loudspeakers, each powered by a Class-D type 50-watt amplifier, for a total of 700 watts of power into 4 ohms. It has a frequency response of 38Hz to 20kHz +/-3dB, LF(-10dB) at 32Hz, and it only comes in one finish, Black. The grille design is inspired by natural honeycombs, and it helps to deliver your music cleanly and without distortion.
For the drivers, there are four 1-inch silk dome tweeters, four 2 ½ -inch aluminum midrange drivers, and six 2 ¾ -inch long-throw woofers. The streamer and 6.8-inch front screen show everything from input graphics to album cover art and meters. There are some physical controls underneath the screen as well as a remote that comes in the box.
As the Cambridge Audio Evo One is an all-in-one product, you have greater flexibility with its placement. Unlike a full stereo system, this device is slightly larger than your average amplifier. Regardless of its placement, the setup is easy. If you are primarily using it to listen to music, then you just need the power cable.
The Cambridge Audio Evo One has connections like USB, an optical input, a line-level RCA input, a moving-magnet phono preamp, and an ethernet port. It has Bluetooth 5.1, and for wireless control, you can use the StreamMagic app. This app gives you access to platforms like Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Google Cast, Deezer, Qobuz, Tidal Connect, and Airplay 2, and the app makes the Evo One Roon Ready. The app also has a 7-band EQ which has seven presets and can be customized.
Inside the StreamMagic app, you can also adjust the speaker’s room compensation settings, do not take this to be room correction as it is a little different. The Evo One has some basic presets that adjust the sound based on the speaker’s distance to your walls, and the room’s overall reflectivity.
The Cambridge Audio Evo One sounds better than I was expecting. I am all for soundbars, but this might just be an alternative for people who don’t have the space for stereo speakers. The bass sounds deep and it is not boomy at all, and the midrange had a hint of warmth. At reasonable volumes, the treble was grain-free and soft.
Sonos Arc Ultra VS Cambridge Audio Evo One
I have to side with the Sonos Arc Ultra on this one. Even though the Arc Ultra costs $500 less than the Cambridge Audio Evo One, it just sounds way better. The Arc can do everything the Evo One can and do more. It has a better soundstage for music and movies and maintains a HiFi-like sound. You can also expand the Arc Ultra into a complete system, but with the Evo, you are only limited to one device. The Arc Ultra does lack native inputs, but you can always use an adapter for it.
Verdict
The Cambridge Audio Evo One is a well-designed, all-in-one music system that sounds great. It is expensive, but that is to be expected from an all-in-one product. It is an amazing speaker for users who don’t have room for a pair of stereo speakers, but the Evo still does not come close to one of the best soundbars today.