By: CE Critic

The Cambridge Audio Evo One is a new, high-end wireless speaker that aims to be the centerpiece of your home audio setup. With its sleek design, powerful sound, and wide range of connectivity options, the Evo One promises to deliver a premium audio experience for both music and movies.

Design and Build

The Evo One boasts a striking aesthetic, featuring a real walnut veneer top and a dark grey fabric grille that surrounds the speaker. The 6.8-inch color screen on the front adds a touch of modernity, offering customizable options like a clock, album artwork, or virtual VU meters.

Measuring 26.6 inches wide, 11.4 inches deep, and weighing 32 pounds, the Evo One is a substantial speaker that commands attention. Its built-in plinth-style stand ensures stability and eliminates the need for wall mounting.

Audio Performance

The Evo One's audio prowess comes from its impressive array of 15 drivers, powered by 700 watts of Class D amplification. The speaker configuration includes:

• 4 x 1-inch silk dome tweeters: Deliver crisp and detailed high frequencies
• 4 x 2.25-inch aluminum cone mid-range drivers: Produce clear and accurate mid-range frequencies
• 6 x 2.75-inch long-throw woofers: Provide deep and impactful bass

With six front-facing drivers and three on each side, the Evo One creates an omnidirectional sound experience, ensuring everyone in the room enjoys the same high-quality audio.

Connectivity and Features

The Evo One offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options to cater to various audio sources and preferences.

• Wireless:
  • Dual-band Wi-Fi ac
  • Bluetooth 5.1 A2DP
  • Apple AirPlay 2
  • Google Cast
• Wired:
  • HDMI eARC (for TV and home cinema)
  • Optical digital input
  • 3.5mm aux-in
  • Ethernet
  • USB-A (for media playback)
  • Moving-magnet (MM) phono stage (for turntable connection)

The Evo One supports a wide array of streaming services, including Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Deezer, Qobuz, and internet radio. It is also Roon Ready for seamless integration with the Roon music management platform.

The speaker's built-in DAC can decode high-resolution audio up to 32-bit/384kHz from USB or network sources and up to 24-bit/192kHz from optical or HDMI inputs. Supported audio formats include WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, DSD, WMA, MP3, AAC, and OGG Vorbis.

Control and Customization

The Evo One can be controlled via the included remote, the StreamMagic app (available for iOS and Android), or through a connected TV remote when using HDMI eARC. The StreamMagic app allows for further customization, including:

• 7-band EQ adjustment with custom EQ save option
• A range of EQ presets tailored to different music genres and TV watching scenarios
• Room optimization settings to adapt the sound to your specific environment

Comparison to Other Streamers

The Cambridge Audio Evo One stands out in the premium wireless speaker category with its combination of design, audio performance, and features. Let's compare it to two other notable contenders:

• Audio Pro A15 (100% CE Critic Score): The A15 offers a more compact design and a lower price point than the Evo One. While it delivers good sound quality, it may not match the Evo One's power and expansive soundstage.
• Devialet Mania (78% CE Critic Score): The Mania is a portable speaker with a unique spherical design and 360-degree sound. It offers excellent audio quality and portability but lacks the Evo One's extensive connectivity options and home audio focus.

Availability and Pricing

The Cambridge Audio Evo One is available now for $1499 from the Cambridge Audio website and select retailers.

Conclusion

The Cambridge Audio Evo One is a premium wireless speaker that combines stunning design, powerful audio performance, and extensive connectivity options. It is an ideal choice for those seeking a versatile and high-quality audio solution for their home. Whether you're listening to music, watching movies, or enjoying other audio content, the Evo One promises to deliver an exceptional audio experience.

Specifications

• Drivers: 14 (4 x tweeters, 4 x mid-range, 6 x woofers)
• Amplification: 700W Class D (50W RMS per driver)
• Frequency Response: Not specified
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, AirPlay 2, Google Cast, HDMI eARC, Optical, 3.5mm aux-in, Ethernet, USB-A, MM phono stage
• Audio Formats: WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, DSD, WMA, MP3, AAC, OGG Vorbis
• Dimensions: 26.6 x 5.1 x 11.4 inches
• Weight: 32 pounds
• Price: $1499