Cambridge Audio Evo150

[spl84]

I've been researching amp upgrades for years. I've likely been looking at higher end stuff than I may actually require. I think I am about to just go with the Cambridge Evo 150 unit since it looks like a really good value with a multitude of features and sufficient performance. My speakers are Focal Aria 936 floorstanders. I'm currently using a $200 Sony 2 channel receiver. The model number is STRDH190. I think(i hope) this should be a very nice upgrade based upon what I'm currently using. Does anyone have any direct experience with the EVO 150 amp? What I'm going for here is to basically get the most out of my speakers... I feel like they are being held back by the cheap amp I'm using. What are your thoughts? Thanks...

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

evo150 uses class d hypex amps and is a pretty good all-in-one solution.
the current output will drive pretty much any speaker.
its not the absolute be-all for sound quality, but its proper hifi if that helps.
there are better all-in-one solutions, but dependant on the price you are paying, the evo150 [is it the new SE] will be good value proposition.

I use mine primarily for HDMI TV duty into PMC P5s and its great, not bad on TIDAL nor Radio Paradise either.

 

[manicm]

evo150 uses class d hypex amps and is a pretty good all-in-one solution.
the current output will drive pretty much any speaker.
its not the absolute be-all for sound quality, but its proper hifi if that helps.
there are better all-in-one solutions, but dependant on the price you are paying, the evo150 [is it the new SE] will be good value proposition.

I use mine primarily for HDMI TV duty into PMC P5s and its great, not bad on TIDAL nor Radio Paradise either.

Cambridge are claiming even better sound quality for the SE, at the same retail price. It's a very desirable piece of kit.

 

[nopiano]

Cambridge are claiming even better sound quality for the SE, at the same retail price. It's a very desirable piece of kit.

Yes, check which model you’re getting, as the original should be handsomely discounted.

 

[Integralista]

Hi, streaming amp CA Evo150 SE is for sure among best lifestyle streaming amps. I recommend to look also on CA CXA 100 amp. This is a full flavour class AB amp with excellent sound, better than Evo 150, but without streaming. Streamer has to be added. Your Focal Aria 936 are pretty demanding speakers. They drop in impedance pretty low below 4 ohm in bass. This is still challenge for Hypex class D amp like CA Evo 150 SE and similar amps. Match with amp like CXA 100 is better. BR.

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

just watched the product video on the new evo150se. my original evo150 has been good for what I needed at the time.
the new one sounds very good if they have the new hypex and op amp circuits redefined and retuned for greater performance.
however, correct speaker choice will make the most dramatic difference I would suggest.
are you intending on the new SE ?
note I also have the EXN EXA100 combination and they blow the EVO out the water dynamically.
the EXN100 has in built DAC so a simple streaming module into the EXA100 will offer more sound performance of similar pricing as said above by @Integralista

 

[RJW232]

Be aware that the EVO150 doesn't use the latest generation of Hypex modules. They're not bad (still very very good) but it's not the latest and greatest in technology. At a similar price point you can get amps with Purifi class D modules, e.g. the NAD C298. But they don't look as cool as the EVO.

 

[spl84]

Thanks for all the replies, I appreciate it much. I still would like for someone to give me an idea of what kind of difference this will make in my listening experience going from such a low end amp to this amp... thanks

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

Thanks for all the replies, I appreciate it much. I still would like for someone to give me an idea of what kind of difference this will make in my listening experience going from such a low end amp to this amp... thanks

Difficult to say as most updates are room dependent and in my experience, speakers can make the biggest difference in reproduction.
However, a better amplifier will drive a speaker better. It’s not the power figure that’s important, it’s the current delivery capable and not as simple as P=VxI either…..
So the more current available to drive the speaker driver allows the driver to react with more control giving a more taut and punchy, more dynamic presentation…. In basic terms !

Therefore, a well matched amplifier to a well matched speaker in a well matched room will give more headroom which should equate to a more three dimensional sound that gives a sensation of depth and width and positioning, enveloping the listener in hifi nirvana…..The dragon now being chased !

It’s so subjective however and one man’s meat…..

The EVO150 has current a plenty but is a tad dry in presentation but it’s no slouch…… it’s a good bit of kit and a great buy, but there are options out there for the same money or similar that are fundamentally better (even from their own stable, the EXA is a phenomenal performer but lacks the streaming module) and NAD offer good solutions too….. The list is endless…..

Is it the new EVO150 you have your eyes on ?

First Look: Evo 150 SE

The evolution continues with Evo 150 SE. Our updated all-in-one streaming amplifier. Oscar Stewart from our product team walks through the key features and updates in our latest video. With upgraded ...

community.cambridgeaudio.com

 

[RoA]

My brother very much likes his. It sounds just fine. I was actually surprised that is larger than it appears on photographs. Well built but I do not like the display.

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

My brother very much likes his. It sounds just fine. I was actually surprised that is larger than it appears on photographs. Well built but I do not like the display.

The display is great! Once they resolve the latest update font shambles !

 

[manicm]

Hi, streaming amp CA Evo150 SE is for sure among best lifestyle streaming amps. I recommend to look also on CA CXA 100 amp. This is a full flavour class AB amp with excellent sound, better than Evo 150, but without streaming. Streamer has to be added. Your Focal Aria 936 are pretty demanding speakers. They drop in impedance pretty low below 4 ohm in bass. This is still challenge for Hypex class D amp like CA Evo 150 SE and similar amps. Match with amp like CXA 100 is better. BR.

The Focal Aria 936 will pose a challenge for any amplifier, be it Class AB or D. And the CA Evo 150 is a genuine 150w into 8ohms.

 

[manicm]

Be aware that the EVO150 doesn't use the latest generation of Hypex modules. They're not bad (still very very good) but it's not the latest and greatest in technology. At a similar price point you can get amps with Purifi class D modules, e.g. the NAD C298. But they don't look as cool as the EVO.

No.

1. It does use updated Hypex modules if not the latest - Hypex NCOREx. And they are superior to the TI ones in cheaper class D amps.
2. CA does not impose caveats on the power rating like cheap amps do such as the WiiM VibeLink - which says boldly 100w/channel, but in fine print only 60w/channel when using the analogue inputs.
3. The NAD C298 is a different product catering to a more hardcore hifi customer - the Evo 150 is for those who want minimal boxes but still want premium sound quality - and the product lives up to its promise. You need to add some kind of preamplifier to the C298.