The British brand is entering the connected speaker market with its Cambridge Evo One model, following in the footsteps of Naim Mu-so 2, McIntosh RS250 and Ruark R410. It combines the elegance of a neo-retro design blending wood and fabric with the power of its 700-watt amplifier module driving its 14 drivers. Priced at €1,499, is the Cambridge Audio Evo One simply a trial run, or is it a triumph?
Included accessories
The Cambridge Evo One wireless speaker is delivered in a large, reinforced cardboard box, ensuring that it is effectively protected. Everything you need to set it up is included: a power cable, as well as an infrared remote control and two AAA batteries for ease of use. Finally, the warranty card and quick start guide complete the package.
Presentation
Audio design
Designed to provide sound in bedrooms and large living rooms of up to 50m², the Cambridge Evo One wireless speaker is equipped with 14 drivers in a sealed enclosure. That’s far more than any of its similarly sized competitors. Four 1″ silk dome tweeters are combined with four 2.2″ aluminum cone midrange drivers. Last but not least, six long-throw, flat cone woofers with a diameter of 2.75″ deliver the bass. Each of the Cambridge Evo One’s 14 drivers benefits from its own 50W amplifier module, for a total of 700 watts. With such a size-to-power ratio, we couldn’t wait for the first listening session.
For optimum music diffusion, the Cambridge Evo One’s drivers are arranged in a 360° array. Each side of the speaker is equipped with a tweeter, a midrange driver and a woofer. On the front, there is a pair of each driver, while the rear houses two woofers. This audio design ensures 360° sound diffusion and promises to bring a beautiful breadth to the soundstage.
Design
Right out of the box, the British brand’s first connected speaker impresses with its superb neo-retro design, blending walnut veneer with acoustic fabric covering the drivers. Its meticulous finish makes it gorgeous to look at. Indeed, the Cambridge Audio Evo One doesn’t go unnoticed with its imposing size (67.5cm wide, 13cm high, 29cm deep) and weight of 14.5kg.
As soon as the Cambridge Evo One is switched on, it’s impossible to miss its 6.7″ color display. The latter is a real asset, making navigation through the various menus clear and intuitive. Several display options are available to users, such as the cover of the album they’re listening to, or two VU meters for vintage enthusiasts. What’s more, the screen’s brightness can be adjusted to three levels (bright, low, off), so as not to be disturbed during a home theater session, for example.
Control buttons are also present on the front panel, below the screen, to select the source, set the screen display and navigate through tracks in a playlist. The remote control included with the speaker offers the same functions. Note that the Cambridge Evo One rests on a metal base concealed beneath the chassis, which raises the speaker to decouple it from the furniture. The result is an attractive, floating effect.
Wireless connectivity
The Cambridge Evo One connected speaker stands out for its versatility. It is a hybrid model, capable of replacing a soundbar and a Bluetooth speaker, as it incorporates the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth transmission technologies.
Once connected to the local network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, the Evo One can communicate with DLNA/UPnP and Roon Ready servers thanks to its StreamMagic mobile app to play files shared on a NAS server or computer. The speaker can also access thousands of web radios and streaming services. What’s more, it features Spotify Connect, Qobuz and TIDAL Connect protocols, allowing simplified access for users with a subscription to one of these platforms.
In addition, the Cambridge Evo One wireless speaker is equipped with a Bluetooth receiver. It’s a shame, however, that it doesn’t support the high-definition aptX codec. On the other hand, the integration of AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast technologies means that the Evo One can receive any audio stream from a smartphone, tablet or computer, and can also be added to a group of compatible multi-room speakers or devices.
Internet radios
In addition to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and multi-room, the Cambridge Evo One can access Internet radio stations. Via the StreamMagic control app, available free of charge on iOS and Android, the Evo One can save up to 99 stations.
Connectors
In addition to its wireless connectivity, the very first wireless speaker from Cambridge also features a wide range of connectors. The Evo One features an HDMI eARC port and an optical input for connection to a TV. This confirms its suitability as a replacement for a soundbar, for example, in the niche of a TV cabinet. However, unlike the Ruark R410, the absence of a subwoofer output is a major drawback if you want to enjoy infrabass.
Phono and auxiliary inputs also underline the versatility of the Cambridge Evo One. This speaker can be connected to a turntable without an RIAA preamp, or to a CD player to enjoy a record collection. Finally, the USB-A port supports the FLAC, DSD and WAV HD audio formats, as well as MP3, ALAC, AIFF, WMA and OGG files stored on a USB stick or external hard drive, for example. An RJ45 port is also included to ensure a stable Internet connection.
Key specifications
- Total power: 700 watts
- 4 x 1″ tweeters
- 4 x 2.2″ midrange drivers
- 6 x 2.75″ woofers
- 6.7″ diagonal color display
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and DLNA
- AirPlay 2 and Chromecast compatible
- HDMI eARC, optical, phono and auxiliary inputs, USB-A port
- Integrated DAC up to 32-bit/384kHz
- Frequency response from 38Hz to 20kHz
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 675 x 129 x 290mm
- Weight: 14.5kg
Listening conditions
Setting up the Cambridge Evo One connected speaker is quick and intuitive. All you have to do is let yourself be guided by the screen and the StreamMagic app, which automatically detects the speaker when it is switched on. From the StreamMagic interface, you can enter your Wi-Fi network password to start listening to Qobuz via Chromecast. The Cambridge Evo One can also be linked wirelessly to a smartphone, tablet or computer via Bluetooth, but with greater audio compression than with WiFi.
The app provides access to a number of settings, such as the acoustic calibration system integrated into the Evo One, or the 7-band equalizer, for fine-tuning the sound reproduction. StreamMagic is an added bonus for this speaker, making it easy to install in any space, and to fine-tune the sound with great precision.
Listening impressions
Music lovers accustomed to Cambridge electronics will recognize the brand’s signature sound in this Evo One. Indeed, while this model represents the first generation of residential wireless speakers from the British manufacturer, it draws on expertise acquired over more than 50 years. During our test, the sound was natural and detailed. Despite the presence of six woofers, the bass didn’t overpower the other registers, but still remained powerful and deep. This tonal balance allowed vocals to unfold with ease. This impressive performance underlines its ability to replace the living room soundbar to reproduce the dialogue of a film or TV series.
The other strong point of the Cambridge Evo One speaker lies in its audio design, and therefore the breadth of the soundstage. Comfortably seated on the sofa facing the speaker, the immersion was striking. Combined with the realism of the sound, it was easy to get carried away by the music. Naturally, when sitting behind the speaker with only two woofers facing us, the sound was more subdued. However, with optimal 180° music diffusion, the Cambridge Evo One’s soundstage was perfectly enveloping. Designed for large spaces, this versatile speaker is capable of playing music at very high volume levels without distortion. We recommend placing it at seat height and ideally about 25cm from the wall, but the compensation setting available in the app gives you quite a bit leeway.
The seven-band equalizer offers a wide range of settings for fine-tuning the Cambridge Evo One’s sound. For bass lovers, a “Bass Amplification” DSP is even available. In short, the British manufacturer’s first connected speaker adapts to all tastes and is truly versatile.
Cambridge Evo One compared to…
Ruark R410: in addition to their British origins and their format, these two models share many similarities, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast wireless technologies, as well as a variety of connectors including an HDMI eARC input and a phono input. However, the R410 offers a subwoofer output that the Evo One lacks. Furthermore, the Ruark speaker’s Bluetooth aptX HD codec is superior to the Cambridge model’s SBC codec. However, the Evo One incorporates 14 drivers, 10 more than the R410. its audio design, 180° sound distribution and 700W of power (compared with 120W for the R410) remain very convincing. The 17cm screen and its various display options also take the lead over its competitor.
Naim Mu-SO 2: priced at €1049, Naim’s speaker has a smaller, touch-sensitive screen. Designed to fit into a living room or bedroom, it also has an alarm function that the Cambridge doesn’t offer. Once again, when it comes to amplification power, the Evo One comes out on top (700W vs. 450W). This more powerful module is also explained by the more generous audio design, with 14 drivers versus 6 for the Mu-SO 2, and 360° sound diffusion. The Cambridge model is also more comprehensive regarding connectors, with additional phono and stereo RCA inputs.
Who is the Cambridge Evo One designed for?
This speaker is designed for music lovers looking for a versatile model for large living rooms of up to 50m². Its sonic precision and very high amplification power make it the perfect solution for large spaces. At ease with physical media (CD and vinyl) thanks to its plethora of connectors, the Evo One also forms a highly practical all-in-one solution thanks to its integrated wireless technologies (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast). Home theater enthusiasts looking for a more elegant alternative to a soundbar will also be impressed by the Cambridge Evo One.
Our verdict
With the Evo One, Cambridge has made a remarkable entry into the connected speaker sector. This all-in-one model is extremely versatile. Capable of 360° music diffusion, it is a real thrill to listen to, and can even replace soundbar. The control app is also a real bonus regarding the user experience, with genuine hi-fi settings, such as the 7-band equalizer. Last but not least, the Cambridge Evo One’s elegant design and flawless finish further enhance the overall impression of quality.
We liked
- The 6.7″ screen
- The meticulous design
- The balanced sound
- The impressive power
- Its StreamMagic app
We would have liked
- A subwoofer output
- A Bluetooth 5.3 receiver
