Cambridge goes all-in-one
Cambridge Audio has released two versions of an all-in-one streaming amplifier which aims to offer a complete just-add-speakers solution. The $3299 Cambridge evo 75 is rated with an output of 75W per channel and the $4299 evo 150 at 150W per channel, both using use the highly-regarded Hypex Ncore ‘Class-D’ modules for their power. The company’s ‘StreamMagic’ streaming platform is onboard, enabling easy access to online music services including Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz and internet radio, while there is also both Chromecast and AirPlay 2, plus Bluetooth with AAC and aptX HD codecs, so the evos can easily handle streaming from any other apps. There’s also DLNA avaiable for network streaming, while ESS Sabre DACs are used for the digital-to-analogue conversion — the ES9016K2M DAC in the evo 75 and the ES9018K2M in the evo 150.
You can also integrate the Evo with your existing equipment, with both models having both digital and analogue inputs, though these are differentiated by model. So the evo 75 has a single RCA analogue input, one optical digital, one coaxial digital, USB-A for playback from sticks and drives, plus an HDMI ARC socket for playing audio from a compatible TV. The rather more packed back panel of the evo 150 adds two further analogue inputs — one being at phono level for a turntable, the other on balanced XLR sockets — and two digital inputs, with an additional optical input and also a handy USB-B input to play from computer. The evo 150 also gains a second pair of loudspeaker outputs. Both models offer pre-outs and a subwoofer output, while a minijack socket on both units is described as “a dedicated connection from an Evo CD player” — we gather an evo CD transport will be arriving later in the year.
The stylish exterior has been designed in London by Ged Martin, the chassis being an aluminium cabinet with removable side panels allowing your choice of walnut (pictured below right) or a new material made from recycled paper called Richlite (above). The front panel is dominated by a large 173mm full-colour LCD display and a multi-function dual-concentric rotary control that supplements the unit’s ability to be controlled from phone, tablet or the included and unusual small remote control. More information: www.synergyaudio.com