READERS’ AWARD
We asked you, the readers of What Hi-fi?, to vote for the product that stands out above all. As always, you showed your refined taste…
Cambridge Audio Evo 75 £1799
The product categories that we celebrate at the What Hi-fi? Awards have, predictably, evolved over time, but there remains one award that stands apart from the rest, because it’s the one decided by you, our readers. As is customary, this winner was chosen from a shortlist compiled from our most popular reviews of the year, with thousands of votes subsequently cast on the What Hi-fi? website. And, for the first time in a few years, it’s not a pair of speakers.
The Cambridge Audio Evo 75 is, to use some ’90s marketing speak, very now. Just-add-speakers streaming systems have exploded in popularity and availability this year, and this Cambridge Audio certainly ticked our boxes, as the five-star review testified; and it seems to have pushed your collective buttons, too. We’re not surprised – there’s a lot to like.
Firstly, there’s the sophisticated exterior. The walnut wood panel evokes classic hi-fi styling but can be swapped for other options, thanks to the removable, magnetic design. Perhaps you want something to match the black anodised aluminium chassis? It certainly brings the Evo 75 bang up to date aesthetically. We’re also fond of the 6.8in LCD panel and dual-concentric rotary dial on the facade – these design elements are reminiscent of the company’s flagship Edge products. Of course the dial also allows you to navigate the menus and browse your music, the panel showing you album artwork and further details on what’s playing.
The choice of what you can play is extensive. Cambridge’s Streammagic platform proves an inviting gateway into streaming from Tidal, Qobuz and, via DLNA, any music library on your network. Spotify Connect and the new Tidal Connect are on board, while Google Chromecast offers native app playback for the likes of Deezer, Youtube Music, Apple Music and Tunein Radio. Airplay 2 allows one-touch casting from Apple devices, aptx HD Bluetooth offers an ‘offline’ streaming method, while support for Roon Ready completes a comprehensive streaming connectivity list.
Thankfully, the Evo 75 is the sonic success its spec sheet deserves. Music sounds insightful, open and musical. This system can do detail as well as it does dynamics, and there’s punch alongside precision. Partnered with a suitably proficient pair of speakers (or headphones), you have a modern hi-fi system that does everything a streaming system should, while sounding and looking every bit as good as you’d expect for this sort of money.
Once again, we doff our caps to you, the readers. This year’s Readers’ Award winner is the Cambridge Audio Evo 75, and it’s a very fine choice.
Partnered with a suitably proficient pair of speakers, you have a modern hi-fi system that does everything a streaming system should