Integrated amplifiers — Cambrige Audio EVO 150 SE

The Evo 150 SE is a Special Edition of the Evo 150 all-in-one streaming amplifier from Cambridge, introduced in June 2025 and available from July 2025 at GBP 1,999, EUR 2,399 and USD 3,299. It combines a network player, DAC, moving-magnet phono stage and stereo power amplifier in one box whose footprint matches a 12 inch record sleeve. Cambridge states that the SE gains upgraded components, revisions throughout the signal path and a refined output stage compared with the standard Evo 150.

Key specs that matter

Rated output is 150 W per channel into 8 ohm from Hypex NCOREx Class D modules, which Cambridge developed with Hypex and labels Tuned by Cambridge. Digital to analogue duty falls to an ESS Sabre ES9018K2M chip. Frequency response is 20 Hz to 20 kHz at +0 and -3 dB. The chassis measures 317 mm wide, 89 mm high and 352 mm deep and weighs 5.3 kg. A 6.8 inch colour screen on the front can cycle between a clock, album artwork, track details and virtual VU meters.

Engineering and use context

Streaming runs on the fourth generation of StreamMagic, the Cambridge platform, with Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer, Qobuz, internet radio and UPnP built in, plus Roon Ready status. AirPlay 2 and Google Cast allow multiroom grouping with other compatible devices, and file support includes ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD256, WMA, MP3, AAC, HE AAC, AAC+ and OGG Vorbis. Bluetooth 4.2 with A2DP and AVRCP carries SBC, aptX and aptX HD. The unit joins a network through dual-band Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Two magnetic side panels come with it, one in real walnut and one in an industrial aluminium style, so the look can be changed without tools. A handset powered by two AAA cells is included, and the StreamMagic app offers a second way to operate it. Cambridge gives a 2-year warranty.

Pairing

Analogue sources connect through one RCA line input, one balanced XLR input and the MM phono stage, so vinyl playback with an MM cartridge requires no separate phono box. Digital inputs are Toslink optical, S/PDIF coaxial, USB Audio and HDMI ARC, the last allowing a television remote to adjust volume. Two sets of speaker terminals, labelled A and B, can drive a second pair of speakers, and there are preamp and subwoofer outputs as well as a 3.5 mm headphone socket. Cambridge says the amplifier can drive all but the most demanding loudspeakers, and the manual covers 4 ohm operation.

Alternatives

The Cambridge Audio CXA81 is an integrated amplifier without streaming, using a Class AB design rated at 80 W per channel.