Modern POWER and FUNCTIONALITY! PLUS, VU Meters! Cambridge EVO 150 Streaming AMP + CD TRANSPORT!
United States of Analog | July 17, 2024
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This video is the host’s 100th episode reviewing Cambridge Audio’s EVO 150 streaming amplifier and matching CD transport. Bob from United States of Analog is returning after a 24-day break to review this “all-in-one plus stack” system, covering the form factor, specifications, features, and build quality of both components.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- Cambridge Audio EVO 150 streaming amplifier – All-in-one unit with 12″x12″x3″ dimensions, black finish with walnut look sides, 6″x2.5″ display screen, built-in phono stage, headphone amp, VU meters, multiple inputs including HDMI ARC, USB, coax, optical, XLR, RCA, and speaker terminals A&B
- Cambridge Audio EVO CD Transport – Matching transport designed exclusively for EVO 150/75, same 12″x12″x3″ dimensions, metal drawer with rail supports, connects via proprietary TRRS cable
- Cambridge Audio A300 amp [00:01:16] – Host’s personal amp from the 90s, still in service
- Weem Ultra [00:05:17] – Briefly mentioned in comparison to screen size
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- Strong positive feelings about Cambridge Audio as a brand and their “British vibe” [00:01:20]
- Appreciates the minimalist design approach of both units [00:04:55]
- Values the large display screen and especially the VU meters feature [00:05:31]
- Believes this system represents equipment you can “keep for 5-10 years” without constant upgrades [00:03:28]
- Emphasizes this is gear you don’t have to “fuss with” – easy setup and daily use [00:03:46]
- Praises the remote control design as “well thought out” with only necessary buttons [00:06:53]
Were there any strong recommendations or warnings to viewers?
- Recommendation: This system is ideal for audiophiles who want to research, buy, and keep equipment for long periods rather than constantly upgrading [00:03:23]
- Warning: Make sure you have 7.25″ of vertical space if stacking the units [00:04:35]
- Caution: The front panel buttons can be hard to find in the dark as he tends to press the display instead [00:05:55]
Were there any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
- [00:00:12] “Now don’t wig out on me. Everything’s gonna be all right. Just settle down. Settle down.”
- [00:02:48] “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned” – referring to reviewing digital gear on an analog channel
- [00:02:01] “I’m a common man. How many times do I have to tell you? I drive a common van and I listen with my ears.”
- [00:05:17] “Yeah, take that, Weem Ultra” – playful jab about the large screen
- [00:05:34] Extended enthusiastic “thank you” repetition for including VU meters
- [00:04:15] “every which way to Sunday, and that’s probably not even an expression that’s an actual expression”
3-Paragraph Summary
Bob returns for his 100th episode after a 24-day sabbatical due to real estate issues, introducing Cambridge Audio’s EVO 150 streaming amplifier and matching CD transport stack. As a long-time Cambridge Audio fan who still uses a 90s A300 amp, he’s excited to showcase this modern “all-in-one plus” system that he believes represents the brand’s continued improvement and British audio engineering excellence.
The EVO 150 impresses him with its minimalist 12x12x3 inch design, featuring a large 6×2.5 inch display screen that can show album art, data, and his beloved VU meters. The unit is packed with connectivity options including built-in phono stage, headphone amp, multiple digital and analog inputs, dual speaker outputs, and HDMI ARC. The matching CD transport maintains the same aesthetic and build quality, connecting via a proprietary TRRS cable and featuring a high-quality metal drawer mechanism.
Bob positions this system as ideal for audiophiles who prefer to research, purchase, and enjoy equipment for extended periods rather than constantly upgrading. He emphasizes the system’s ease of use, setup, and daily operation, describing it as a “trusted friend” that covers most listening needs without fuss. His enthusiasm is particularly evident when discussing the VU meters and the thoughtfully designed remote control, while acknowledging some minor usability quirks like the hard-to-find front panel buttons in low light.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion:
- [00:08:16] Cambridge Audio EVO 150 streaming amplifier
- [00:08:16] Sabre DAC 9018K2M
- [00:08:36] Cambridge Audio CD Transport
- [00:08:44] Cambridge Audio CDs in the $500-600 range
- [00:10:28] Sony CDP-101 CD player (vintage reference)
- [00:11:26] 150-watt Class D Power Hypex amplification
- [00:08:28] StreamMagic app
- [00:15:04] Klipsch Forte 4 speakers
- [00:15:04] Zoo Audio DWX
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions:
- [00:08:48] The EVO 150 and CD Transport make a “handsome, handsome looking stack”
- [00:08:50] System is “set it and forget it” and “easy to use”
- [00:13:43] Sound is “extremely satisfying, extremely good”
- [00:13:55] The phono stage is “the star of the show”
- [00:13:59] Phono stage has a “relaxed nature” in a good way
- [00:14:09] Minimal record noise and unexpected warmth from Class D amplifier
- [00:14:24] Cambridge did great job EQing the phono stage to mitigate Class D harshness
Were there any listening tests or sound quality observations described:
- [00:11:19] Playing “Bitch” by Rolling Stones cranked up – system has “volume for days”
- [00:11:32] Did not break up or sound harsh at high volumes
- [00:12:28] EVO system “unlocked those levels of production” on Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
- [00:12:38] Could hear ambience, vocals, layers of strings and orchestral instruments in full focus
- [00:14:34] No harshness or sibilance when playing vinyl
- [00:14:49] Japanese Star Wars pressings “sounded amazing, amazing through the Cambridge”
Any comparisons to other gear mentioned:
- [00:11:11] Host momentarily thought Rolling Stones might be better than Beatles while listening
- [00:15:01] Switched from Klipsch Forte 4s to Zoo Audio DWX for additional testing
Any vinyl records, albums, or music discussed:
- [00:10:45] Yes “90125”
- [00:10:52] Tracy Chapman (described as “banger on vinyl and CD”)
- [00:10:56] David Bowie “Hunky Dory”
- [00:11:03] Rolling Stones “Sticky Fingers”
- [00:11:59] Elton John “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”
- [00:14:43] Japanese Star Wars pressings
Any audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content:
- [00:09:09] CD format is having a renaissance due to readily available, inexpensive used CDs
- [00:09:20] You can visually inspect CDs to tell if they’ll work
- [00:09:45] Early West German “Target CDs” had little compression but low volume
- [00:13:29] Buying the EVO stack for “convenience, great sound, and aesthetics” rather than getting hung up on specs
Any memorable quotes or strong takes:
- [00:10:03] “I think the CD format is kind of taken for granted these days, much like flight”
- [00:10:16] “Reading ones and zeros in a digital form off of a CD is still a miracle”
- [00:11:45] “Yeah, they [Rolling Stones] overstayed their welcome. Maybe they should have punched out when they were great like the Beatles did”
- [00:12:07] On 70s rock: “In the period between when the Beatles broke up and the Ramones formed, a lot of rock music was overproduced”
Summary:
In this portion of the review, the host discusses the Cambridge Audio EVO 150 streaming amplifier paired with their CD Transport, highlighting how the Sabre DAC creates an aesthetically pleasing and functionally excellent stack. He emphasizes the renaissance of the CD format, noting that used CDs are readily available and inexpensive, while reflecting on how early pressings like West German “Target CDs” offered less compression than modern releases. The host shares his philosophical view that reading digital data from CDs remains “a miracle,” comparing it to the marvel of flight that people take for granted.
The listening tests reveal impressive performance, particularly when playing classic rock albums like Rolling Stones’ “Sticky Fingers” and Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” The system demonstrated exceptional volume capability without harshness, with the host noting how it unlocked previously unheard layers of production in complex recordings. He was particularly struck by how “Bitch” by the Rolling Stones sounded so compelling that it momentarily made him question whether the Stones might edge out the Beatles as the superior band.
The standout feature according to the host is the EVO 150’s phono stage, which he describes as having a relaxed, warm character that effectively mitigates typical Class D amplifier harshness. He praises Cambridge’s engineering approach, noting minimal record noise and excellent performance with vinyl, including new Japanese Star Wars pressings. The host emphasizes that this system should be purchased for its convenience, sound quality, and aesthetics rather than getting caught up in technical specifications, positioning it as an ideal “set it and forget it” solution for music lovers.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion?
- Cambridge Audio EVO 150 streaming amplifier
- Cambridge Audio CD transport
- DWX speakers (detailed rock and roll speakers)
- Naim Unity Atom
- Technics SUG700 amplifier
- Stream Magic app
- Varum 1 planar headphones from Ukraine ($350)
What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion?
[00:20:55] The host concludes that “the Cambridge Evo stack…is a system that gives all-in-one a good name, a great name” and believes it’s “virtually future-proof” and “built by Cambridge Audio to go the distance.”
Were there any final recommendations — buy, skip, or consider?
[00:20:19] Strong recommendation for those who want quality and a conversation piece: “if you’re into the look, you’re into the quality, you want a conversation piece in your home that’s going to be front and center right on top. You’re going to like this stack.”
Any final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers?
[00:16:32] Tone control tip: “In the Stream Magic app, go ahead and activate the tone control switch. Don’t add any bass or treble. Just keep that all neutral” – suggests it acts like a loudness switch providing more punch and impact
[00:20:10] Price consideration: “$3,000 for the 150” and “$1,200 for the CD transport” may be “a barrier to some”
How did the video wrap up?
[00:21:24] The host wraps with wordplay: “Class D, I say class delightful. All-in-one, I say all-in fun” and mentions being “exhausted” before thanking viewers and noting he has “a whole pipeline of gear to get to in future videos.”
Any memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions?
[00:21:24] “Class D, I say class delightful. All-in-one, I say all-in fun. Convenient, cool, the Cambridge Audio Evo stack.”
[00:21:00] “There is a marketplace for these kinds of products. Not everybody’s a gearhead.”
Summary
In this final portion, the host delivers an enthusiastic conclusion about the Cambridge Audio EVO 150 stack. He expresses surprise at how well the Class D amplification and phono stage performed, comparing the sound quality favorably to high-end competitors like the Naim Unity Atom and his beloved Technics SUG700. He particularly praises Cambridge Audio’s expertise in phono stages and notes his satisfaction with streaming, display quality, and CD playback performance.
The host shares several practical insights, including a useful tip about activating the tone controls in neutral position for added punch, and discusses additional features like HDMI eARC functionality and Bluetooth connectivity. He tests the headphone amplifier with new Varum 1 planar headphones from Ukraine, finding the combination surprisingly impressive with wide soundstage and even height effects. While acknowledging the significant price point ($3,000 for the EVO 150, $1,200 for the CD transport), he positions this as worthwhile for those seeking a premium conversation piece.
The review concludes with strong endorsement, positioning the Cambridge EVO stack as giving “all-in-one a good name” and being virtually future-proof. The host emphasizes that this product serves an important market of users who prefer to buy quality gear and keep it long-term rather than constantly upgrading. He wraps up with memorable wordplay about “Class D-lightful” and “all-in fun,” reinforcing his positive assessment of this comprehensive audio solution.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
