The Cambridge Audio EVO 75 weighs only 5 kg and combines a universal network streamer, DAC unit, integrated amplifier and even a phono preamplifier into a very neat, stylish package! That is, just add a couple of speakers to the component and the audio system for playing digital audio in modern formats is ready!
The compact amplifier Cambridge Audio EVO 75 is built on the basis of a two-channel Saber ES9016K2M DAC chip from ESS Technology, capable of processing audio data with parameters up to 32 bit / 384 kHz and DSD – up to DSD256. The streamer is equipped with a full-fledged MQA format decoder, which is important for using modern streaming services such as TIDAL. Connection to a home computer network can be wireless via dual-band Wi-Fi, or using a cable, for which the switching arsenal includes an RJ45 Ethernet port. The maximum speed of a wired connection is 100 Mbit/s, and this is sufficient for broadcasting audio. Supports Cambridge Audio EVO 75 and Bluetooth version 4.2 wireless protocol with aptX HD codec, allowing audio transmission at 24 bit / 48 kHz. Moreover, via Bluetooth you can not only stream music from a smartphone or tablet to the EVO 75, but also connect wireless headphones.
To make the Cambridge Audio EVO 75 compact and lightweight, Hypex Ncore® amplifier modules operating in class D are used. Their record energy efficiency allows you to do without large and heavy power supplies, as well as without massive radiators for cooling the output stages. The result is a compact, lightweight component that packs serious power. Thus, the number 75 in the name Cambridge Audio EVO 75 means power in Watts when operating on a load with a nominal resistance of 8 Ohms.
The switching arsenal located on the rear wall of the case pleasantly surprises. In addition to the aforementioned RJ45 Ethernet port and two pairs of high-quality screw-type speaker terminals for connecting acoustics, there is a balanced analogue input on XLR connectors, a linear unbalanced input on RCA and even a phono input for moving magnet (MM) cartridges. Digital switching includes two optical and one coaxial inputs and an HDMI ARC port for connecting a TV. There is a USB Type A port for playing audio files from an external USB drive. At the same time, Cambridge Audio EVO 75 understands a wide range of modern audio formats, including WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, DSD (x256), WMA, MP3, AAC, HE AAC AAC+, OGG Vorbis. The component is also equipped with analog outputs – a pair of preouts on RCA connectors allows you to use an external power amplifier if desired, and there is also an output for an active subwoofer if you prefer a triphonic.
You can control playback through the proprietary application for mobile gadgets StreamMagic, or use the Cambridge Audio EVO 75 as part of the Roon ecosystem and control it using the Roon Music Player application. In addition, if you wish, you can also use streaming service applications by selecting the Cambridge Audio EVO 75 as the output device.
The front panel of the Cambridge Audio EVO 75 combines luxury and austerity of minimalism. Luxury is a bright color information display with a diagonal of 6.8 inches, which occupies almost two-thirds of the facade of the device. The second visual accent of the facade was the large handle of the double turn-and-push control, through which not only volume control and input switching are implemented, but also menu navigation. Between this handle and the display, small buttons for controlling playback and switching the main operating modes of the component are lined up vertically.
The Cambridge Audio EVO 75 comes with wooden side panels that, coupled with the large knob on the front panel, are designed to resemble the company’s debut model, the P40 amplifier, which was released back in 1968. If vintage notes do not fit into the design of your room, then these linings can be removed altogether, or replaced with ones made of innovative environmentally friendly material Richlite – a product of recycled paper, which are included in the kit.
From the first beats that sound, it becomes obvious that the baby is playfully coping with the load offered to him, demonstrating its complete control. Fast and elastic bass is combined here with a carefully crafted “middle” and a crystal-crushing high-frequency register. Cambridge Audio EVO 75 is capable of creating a large-scale stage with a clear location of virtual sound sources. The sound of the device is coherent and precisely focused. Concerns about amplification in class D turned out to be unfounded – there is not even a hint of digital discreteness, the music flows in a continuous stream, and listening can be continued for hours without a hint of fatigue.
The mid-frequency range is so carefully worked out that during the listening process a stable illusion of the presence of performers in the room is formed, the voices of the artists sound so natural. You also pay attention to the high intelligibility – neither the bass nor the rest of the frequency spectrum falls into a mess, conveying to the listener the smallest details of the sound canvas.
Specifications Cambridge Audio EVO 75
Amplifier class D Hypex Ncore, 2 x 75 W (8 Ohm)
DAC ESS Saber ES9016K2M
Inputs: 1 x RCA, 1 optical TOSLINK, 1 coaxial S/PDIF, 1 HDMI ARC, USB type B, IEEE 802.3, 10 Base-T or 100 Base-T
Outputs: 3.5mm headphone, preamp output, subwoofer output
Bluetooth: 4.2 A2DP / AVRCP with support for SBC, aptX and aptX HD codecs
Supported formats: ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD (x256), WMA, MP3, AAC, HE AAC AAC+, OGG Vorbis
Supported web services/streaming: Internet radio, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Qobuz, Roon Ready, Airplay 2, Chromecast
Compatibility:
Optical input: 16/24 bit 32-96 kHz PCM S/PDIF only,
Coaxial input: 16/24 bit 32-192 kHz PCM only USB Audio Class 1: up to 24 bit 96 kHz (asynchronous)
USB Audio input: up to 32 bit 384 kHz (asynchronous) and up to DSD 256
Wi-Fi Dual band 2.4 / 5 GHz
Power consumption 400 W
Dimensions (WxDxH) 305 x 305 x 90 mm
Weight 5 kg
