The Cambridge Audio Evo One has become my favorite wireless speaker after a month of testing: find out why.
Packed with High-Resolution Audio capabilities.
The Cambridge Audio Evo One is a high-end wireless speaker that not only offers a wide variety of audio sources, such as lossless streaming, phonostage capabilities for turntables, and TV connectivity via eARC, but also delivers exceptional sound quality. With the ability to play FLAC files, vinyl records, and TV audio, the Evo One provides a rich and beautiful musical experience, showcasing controlled bass, expressive mids, and precise highs. Its robust construction and high-quality materials give it a sleek look that will complement any decor.
Although its price is not low, the features and performance of the Evo One seem to justify it.
Pros
- Excellent high-resolution sound
- Very wide feature set
- Premium and stylish design
Cons
- Not the widest soundstage
- Bulky design
- High price
The device is a true all-rounder in the speaker realm. It operates at audio quality of up to 32-bit/192kHz, excelling in versatility: it can function as a multi-room speaker, internet radio, soundbar, and even as a phono stage for turntables. This makes it an ideal option for users looking to cover all their audio needs without having to invest in a complete set of sound equipment.
After calibrating it for my listening space, the Evo One delivered warm and immersive sound. The bass is robust and well-defined, preventing the usual distortion of cheaper speakers. Moreover, the highs are well balanced, allowing the mids to express themselves fluidly, resulting in a rich reproduction full of nuances.
Its sound separation is comparable to that of the best wireless speakers available on the market. For instance, when listening to "Wasting My Young Years" by London Grammar, the string instruments felt vibrant even at low volume, and the vocals shone with clarity. However, its soundstage is not as wide as one might expect from other audio systems; while it offers good stereo, it does not exceed the limits of the speaker itself.
The speaker also excels in movie audio reproduction. When connected via HDMI and watching "Midsommar" by Ari Aster, it handled the heavy bass of the soundtrack perfectly and delivered remarkable clarity in dialogues. When connecting a turntable, the Evo One maintained excellent performance when playing albums like "Black Sands" by Bonobo, providing dynamism and clarity.
As for its design, the Evo One is not a speaker that can be hidden away. Its charcoal speaker mesh along with its walnut surface makes it an attractive piece of furniture for any room. Although its front display is not as bright as the high-resolution screens we are accustomed to these days, it facilitates a connection with the artist and the music being listened to.
With a wide range of connectivity options and refined, sophisticated audio, the Cambridge Audio Evo One is a worthwhile purchase despite its high cost. Its performance makes it one of the best options for those looking for a unique and functional speaker. Those seeking something less expensive yet still of great quality might consider the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro.
The Evo One was launched on August 9, 2024, at a price of $1,499 / £1,299 / AU$2,495. While it’s not the most affordable speaker, its extensive functionality and sound quality justify the investment. Other high-end speakers like the second-generation Naim Mu-so or the Ruark R410 are similar in features but also come at relatively high prices.
In summary, the Cambridge Audio Evo One is an excellent choice for those wanting an all-in-one speaker that meets multiple audio needs without compromising on quality.
