Cambridge Audio EVO 150 SE – everything good about EVO, just a bit sharper

Cambridge Audio EVO 150 SE is an integrated streaming amplifier that combines amplification, music streaming, and a wide range of connections in one compact solution. Connect a pair of good speakers, hook it up to the network, and you have the foundation for a complete stereo system.

What we especially like is the combination of simple operation and classic hi-fi flexibility. You can stream most of your music directly, but there’s also room for a turntable, TV, CD player, and other audio sources.

The SE version builds on the EVO 150 with an ESS Sabre DAC, upgraded Hypex NCoreX amplification, and a new four-layer circuit board. You get 150 watts per channel, StreamMagic Gen 4, and the large 6.8\" color display that has become one of the EVO series’ trademarks.

Highlights

• 150 watts per channel
• Upgraded Hypex NCoreX amplification
• ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC
• StreamMagic Gen 4
• Roon Ready
• Spotify Connect, TIDAL, and Qobuz
• AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast
• HDMI ARC for TV
• Built-in MM phono preamp
• Balanced XLR input
• 6.8\" color display
• Interchangeable side panels in walnut and black rippled metal

150 watts with more under the hood

The biggest changes in the EVO 150 SE are hidden on the inside.

Cambridge Audio has replaced the original NCore amplification with Hypex NCoreX and fine-tuned the circuitry for the SE model. At the same time, an ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC handles the digital conversion, while a new four-layer circuit board has been developed to reduce interference between the circuits.

You still have 150 watts per channel, giving you plenty of headroom for many different speakers.

We think Cambridge Audio has approached the SE upgrade the right way. Instead of changing the entire EVO concept, they’ve focused on the electronics behind the music.

Streaming without hassle

StreamMagic Gen 4 is the heart of the digital side of the EVO 150 SE. From here, you get access to Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Qobuz, Amazon Music, and internet radio, among other things.

The EVO 150 SE is also Roon Ready and supports AirPlay 2 and Chromecast. If you just want to quickly play music from your phone, Bluetooth 4.2 with aptX HD is also included.

And then there’s the display.

The large 6.8\" color display shows album covers and information directly on the front. It may sound like a detail, but in everyday use it makes a difference. You can actually see what’s playing without constantly having to pull out your phone.

Turntable and TV? No problem

The EVO 150 SE doesn’t have to be just a streaming system.

If you have a turntable with an MM cartridge, it can be connected directly to the built-in RIAA stage. Your TV can be connected via HDMI ARC, so your speakers can also handle movies, series, and regular TV audio.

In addition, you get USB-B, optical, coaxial, RCA, and balanced XLR, as well as pre-out and a subwoofer output.

If you still enjoy your CD collection, the Cambridge Audio EVO CD was developed as a companion for the EVO series.

That makes the EVO 150 SE interesting if you want to start simple – but don’t want to lock yourself in.

Hi-fi doesn’t have to look like hi-fi

When one box is replacing a larger stack of electronics, it should look good too.

The EVO 150 SE comes in Lunar Grey and includes two sets of magnetic side panels. You can choose between real walnut and black rippled metal, letting you change the look to suit the room and the rest of your setup.

Together with the large color display and Cambridge Audio’s distinctive dual control knobs, the EVO 150 SE gets a look all its own.

It’s modern hi-fi that doesn’t need to be hidden away.

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