Cambridge Audio Evo 150 Review: Best Integrated Amplifier Under $5k

Explore the Cambridge Audio Evo 150, a top-tier integrated amplifier under $5k packed with power, features, and sleek design for audiophiles seeking exceptional sound.

A Fresh Take on Integrated Amplifiers

One of the lessons I've learned in life is that using the broadest brush can often paint you into a corner. Many audiophiles online have done just that when it comes to switching amplifiers. While early class-D amps might have deserved some criticism, it’s time for those skeptics to step aside and embrace what the Cambridge Audio Evo 150 Streaming Amplifier brings to the table—a detailed, musical punch that’s hard to beat.

Cambridge Audio Evo 150’s sleek and compact build fits effortlessly into any setup.

Compact Yet Feature-Rich

Standing just over 12 inches wide, about 14 inches deep, and a slim 3 inches tall, the Evo 150 isn’t the tiniest amp out there, but it’s definitely unobtrusive. To pack this many features into such a compact chassis is quite remarkable.

On the analog side, you get a balanced input, a single-ended line-level input, and a single-ended input with phono EQ designed for moving magnet cartridges. While it might not have an exhaustive list of inputs, what’s there covers all the essentials for your non-digital sources.

For digital connections, it’s loaded: 2 TOSLINK optical inputs, 1 S/PDIF coaxial, an HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, USB, plus Cambridge’s integrated StreamMagic Gen 4 module for streaming via Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet. Convenience and versatility? Check.

Style Meets Substance

If design matters to you, the Evo 150 offers two decorative side panels easily swapped out thanks to magnets: a black panel with a wave-like texture and a matte natural wood veneer—the latter being my favorite. The fit and finish feel like something from a higher price bracket.

The unboxing experience? Far better than most. From the moment you lift the lid, you get a clear sense that this amp offers solid value for every dollar spent.

StreamMagic App: Seamless Streaming Experience

The StreamMagic app deserves a shout-out. Plug in the Evo 150, fire up the app, and setup is nearly effortless. It discovered the amp on my network instantly and had my Qobuz account ready to go. Creating playlists and accessing files stored on my device was just a swipe away.

Even as native streaming apps become more popular, Cambridge’s own app is a breath of fresh air, adding to the feeling that you’re getting more for your money.

User-Friendly Design and Controls

The LED front display clearly shows album art and track metadata—big enough to be seen from across the room. You can even rename inputs within the app, so remembering which source is connected to which input is no longer a headache.

Input switching is simple: rotate the silver ring around the volume knob or use the remote. Speaking of the remote, it feels great in hand, with volume buttons laid out like a rocker switch for smooth control.

Here’s a neat feature: when switching inputs, the amp remembers the last volume setting for each input and adjusts accordingly—quite a thoughtful touch.

How Does the Evo 150 Sound?

For this review, I mainly streamed from my Qobuz library through the native app. The Evo 150 handled every speaker I hooked it to like a champ—from my less efficient GoldenEar BRXs to the Martin Logan Motion XT F100 with 92dB sensitivity.

What stood out the most was the incredible control over the drivers and the sheer silence between notes—the black background was smile-inducing. This inter-transient silence makes the music feel believable and alive.

"The Evo 150’s background silence and driver control brought the music to life in a way that made me forget I was listening to equipment."

— Reviewer

Bandwidth and Musicality

There’s a subtle tradeoff in the Evo 150: a filter removes signals past 100kHz to eliminate switching noise. While those frequencies aren’t audible, their absence can sometimes make the music feel slightly sterile. However, this is seamlessly integrated and barely noticeable.

Think of your audio chain like layers of glass through which you view the music. I prefer the clearest glass possible before the final speaker stage adds color. The Evo 150 provides just that transparency, letting your speakers do their magic.

Powerful Yet Polite

With 150 watts per channel, the Evo 150 packs a substantial punch. Tonally, it’s polite—not edgy or harsh—but dynamically, it delivers tight, powerful snaps and whacks that demand attention.

For example, Morgan Wallen’s "Wasted On You" from the 2021 album Dangerous features a hefty bass line that the Evo 150 rendered with engaging energy, allowing me to feel the lyrics anew.

Vocals are another highlight. Voices seem to materialize out of thin air, making the listening experience immersive and captivating.

Balanced and Detailed Sound

The frequency response is nicely flat with a slight lift in the bass. Complex recordings sound organized and cohesive, with individual performers standing out during solos yet blending perfectly in group passages.

On Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra’s Still Blooming, the track "Bye-Ya" delivered a true "you’re there" moment, with each soloist stepping forward and then settling back gracefully.

Even at low volumes, delicate details shine through, making it a joy for background listening. Crank up the volume, and the Evo 150 maintains timbral clarity and control.

Fine Nuances that Impress

Fredrika Stahl’s Sweep Me Away features whispers in the background that the Evo 150 rendered so vividly I could practically feel her breath. John Mayer’s cover of "Everyday I Have The Blues" showed off the amp’s warmth and musicality, especially in his guitar’s bloom.

The magic behind this comes from Cambridge’s engineering collaboration with Hypex, resulting in a truly exciting product.

The Complete Package

If you want an amp that delivers powerful sound, looks sleek and unobtrusive on your media console, integrates seamlessly with your TV, and is a breeze to use for background music while entertaining, the Evo 150 is a stellar choice.

Just add your favorite speakers, and prepare for years of sonic satisfaction.

Thanks for sticking with me through this detailed review. If you enjoyed it, why not subscribe to our print magazine? And remember: make listening fun again!

Frequently Asked Questions

• What kind of speakers work best with the Evo 150? The Evo 150 pairs well with a wide range of speakers, from efficient bookshelf models to more demanding floor-standing types, thanks to its 150 watts per channel power and precise control.
• Does the Evo 150 support vinyl playback? Yes, it includes a single-ended input with a phono EQ designed specifically for moving magnet cartridges, making it vinyl-friendly.
• How easy is it to set up streaming on the Evo 150? Setting up streaming is almost effortless with the StreamMagic app, which automatically discovers the amp and connects to services like Qobuz.
• Can I customize input names on the Evo 150? Absolutely! The StreamMagic app lets you rename inputs, so you can easily identify your connected devices.
• Does the Evo 150 come with a remote control? Yes, it includes a well-designed remote with volume buttons arranged like a rocker switch for smooth, fluid adjustments.

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