In this article, we will review the very popular Cambridge Audio Evo 150 streaming amplifier. Cambridge Audio has always released good products, and I am a huge fan of the Evo One, which is similar to the product we’re reviewing today. The Evo 150 combines the core functions of a streamer and an amplifier, which is why it’s called a streaming amplifier. This makes it better for those who are low on space and also saves up quite a bit of money if you get an amplifier and a streamer separately they will cost you a lot.
Review
The Cambridge Audio Evo 150 is a stereo-integrated amplifier that offers 150 watts of power at 8 ohms, and it is a Class D amplifier. The design of the Evo 150 is futuristic, and it looks a little like the products in the Cambridge Audio Edge series. It only comes in one finish, but you can swap out the walnut side panels for some black panels that you will get in the box. There is also a bright 6.8-inch screen on the front panel which you can control from some small buttons that are right next to the screen. A touchscreen would have been nice, as we get that in most streamers nowadays. You also get a volume knob which has a silver ring behind it that handles input selection.
On the back panel, you get one RCA input, one balanced XLR input, and one Moving Magnet Phonostage input. For digital inputs, the Cambridge Audio Evo 150 has two TOSLINK optical inputs, one S/PDIF coaxial input, one HDMI ARC input, and USB Audio. For the outputs, there is a 3.5mm headphone jack, a preamp output, and a subwoofer output. You can also connect devices via Bluetooth 4.2 A2DP/AVRCP which supports SBC, aptX, and aptX HD codecs. The Evo 150 also has Ethernet and WiFi if you want to connect to the internet.
You can customize the Cambridge Audio Evo 150 from the StreamMagic app, which is the app that supports most Cambridge Audio products. You can also use the most popular music streaming services like Spotify Connect, Tidal, Deezer, and Qobuz. The stereo amplifier also has support for AirPlay 2, Internet Radio, Chromecast, MQA, and it is Roon Ready. You can also play the local audio files stored on your phone with the StreamMagic app. You can also connect an external CD drive to the Evo 150 and play audio from CDs.
The Cambridge Audio Evo 150 delivers a captivating experience that showcases its premium positioning in the streaming amplifier market. When paired with high-quality speakers, this flagship model reveals its true character through a poised, articulate presentation that balances technical precision with musical engagement.
The soundstage is immediately striking – expansive and three-dimensional, allowing each element within complex arrangements to breathe and occupy its own space. This spatial quality gives recordings a sense of scale and grandeur that’s particularly noticeable with orchestral pieces and densely layered productions. Bass response is substantial without being overbearing, providing a solid foundation that anchors the entire frequency spectrum.
In the midrange, vocals emerge with remarkable clarity and natural tonality. Female voices in particular float effortlessly above instrumental backing, rendered with a delicate precision that preserves their emotional nuance. The Cambridge Audio Evo 150 excels at revealing subtle details in familiar recordings while maintaining a coherent, musical presentation.
Dynamic contrast is handled with confidence – the amplifier responds eagerly to sudden shifts in intensity, from whisper-quiet passages to explosive crescendos. This agility contributes significantly to the emotional impact of music, especially with jazz and classical performances where dynamic range is crucial to the composition.
The treble response deserves special mention, offering excellent extension without ever becoming harsh or fatiguing. Cymbals shimmer with proper decay, string harmonics are rendered with appropriate texture, and there’s a sense of airiness that completes the presentation.
When switching from streaming to physical inputs, the Cambridge Audio Evo 150 maintains its composure, though the analog inputs seem to offer slightly more dimensionality compared to the digital pathways. The phono stage performs admirably, bringing vinyl recordings to life with appropriate warmth and detail. While the headphone output is convenient, it doesn’t quite match the refinement of the speaker outputs. Dedicated headphone enthusiasts might want to consider an external amplifier to fully realize the potential of their headphones.
Overall, the Evo 150 presents music with a sophisticated, slightly warm character that prioritizes musical engagement over analytical scrutiny. It offers a refined listening experience that justifies its flagship status in Cambridge Audio’s streaming amplifier lineup.
Verdict
The Cambridge Audio Evo 150 represents an exemplary achievement in the streaming amplifier category, successfully balancing versatility, performance, and design. For $2999, it delivers exceptional value through its comprehensive feature set and refined sonic signature. The expansive soundstage, articulate midrange, and controlled bass response create a compelling listening experience that will satisfy discerning audiophiles while remaining accessible to those new to high-fidelity audio.
For those seeking a premium all-in-one solution that minimizes component clutter without compromising sound quality, the Cambridge Audio Evo 150 stands as a highly recommended option.
FAQs
Does the Cambridge Audio Evo 150 need a break-in period?
Yes, like many high-performance audio components, the Cambridge Audio Evo 150 benefits from approximately 100 hours of operation before reaching its optimal sound quality. During this period, you may notice the sound becoming more refined and cohesive as the internal components settle.
Can the Evo 150 drive demanding speakers?
With 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms, the Evo 150 has sufficient power to drive most speakers to satisfying volume levels in medium to large rooms. However, extremely inefficient speakers (below 85dB sensitivity) or those with challenging impedance curves might benefit from more powerful amplification.
How does the built-in phono stage compare to a dedicated unit?
The integrated Moving Magnet phono stage performs admirably for casual vinyl listening and entry-level turntable setups. Serious vinyl enthusiasts with high-end cartridges might still prefer a separate, dedicated phono preamplifier for ultimate in detail retrieval and dynamics.
Is the StreamMagic app reliable?
The StreamMagic app has significantly improved through updates and now provides a stable, intuitive interface for controlling the Cambridge Audio Evo 150. Occasional connectivity issues may occur depending on your network environment, but these are typically resolved with a simple app restart.
Can I connect a TV to the Evo 150?
Yes, the HDMI ARC input allows for seamless integration with compatible televisions. This connection transmits audio from the TV to the amplifier while enabling volume control through your TV remote, making the Evo 150 an excellent option for enhancing your television sound.
Does the Evo 150 support high-resolution audio formats?
The Evo 150 supports a wide range of high-resolution formats including PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD up to DSD256, and MQA. This ensures compatibility with virtually all commercially available high-resolution audio content.
How does the Class D amplification affect sound quality?
Cambridge Audio utilizes Hypex NCore Class D amplification in the Evo 150, which overcomes many of the traditional limitations associated with Class D designs. The result is an efficient operation with minimal heat generation while maintaining excellent sound quality that rivals many traditional Class A/B amplifiers.