One of the Best Modern Amplifiers Just Got a Significant Hi-Fi Overhaul

It’s a just-add-speakers hi-fi component for audiophiles who want an amp with “effortless power.”

Black audio receiver with a digital display and large volume knob on a white and yellow cabinet with vinyl records and books.Cambridge Audio

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Cambridge Audio makes some of the best streaming amplifiers for modern audiophiles. They’re “just add speakers” hi-fi components that are beautifully designed, have advanced streaming capabilities and are powerful enough to drive some pretty serious loudspeakers.

Over the last several years, the British audio maker has offered their streaming amplifiers in two distinct models: the Evo 75 and Evo 150. Both were identical in terms of looks and streaming capabilities, but differed in power: the Evo 75 driving 75 watts per channel, while the Evo 150 driving 150 watts per channel (both into 8 ohms).

However, the company recently discounted the Evo 75 and introduced an updated version of the Evo 150, called the Evo 150 SE. So, for roughly the last year, Cambridge Audio has technically only been selling one streaming amplifier. But that’s now changing.

Introducing the Cambridge Audio Evo 300, its most powerful (and expensive) streaming amp to date.

Cambridge Audio Evo 300

Audio receiver with wood panel sides and a digital display showing "Worldwide Breakfast" on a shelf between two wooden speakers.
The Cambridge Audio Evo 300 is the brand’s “most powerful, sonically advanced streaming amplifier to date.”
Cambridge Audio

Cambridge Audio hasn’t rewritten the script with the Evo 300, as the streaming amplifier looks basically identical to its less-powerful predecessors. It features a large, colorful display (for album artwork, playback information and other graphics) and a wonderful tactile control knob.

The side panels are magnetic and swappable (you can pick between real wood or modern industrial chic).

Black audio receiver with digital display and large knob on a shelf next to a wooden speaker and vinyl records.
Like its predecessors, the Evo 300 has a built-in phono stage that supports turntables with MM cartridges.
Cambridge Audio
Top view of a black Cambridge audio amplifier with a silver knob on the bottom right and red connectors on the top edges.
The Evo 300 is a “just add speakers” hi-fi component. And it promises to drive the most demanding loudspeakers.
Cambridge Audio

 Hi-fi performance, effortless power

As you probably guessed because of its name, the Evo 300 promises to be Cambridge Audio’s “most powerful, sonically advanced streaming amplifier to date.”

It features a state-of-the-art Hypex NCOREx Class D amplification in a dual-mono layout, and is capable of delivering a massive 300 watts per channel. This makes it twice as powerful as the Evo 150 SE and, according to the brand, it’s capable of driving “the most demanding speakers.”

Silver and wood Cambridge audio player with digital display showing song info, next to a white turntable.
The Evo 300’s 7.8-inch screen is the largest that Cambridge Audio has integrated in any of its hi-fi components to date.
Cambridge Audio
Side view of a rectangular audio amplifier with a wooden panel and black metal casing.
The side panels are magnetic and swappable, allowing you to change the look of the Evo 300.
Cambridge Audio

Just like the Evo 150 SE, which was released last June, the Evo 300 is built around Cambridge Audio’s fourth-generation StreamMagic platform, which natively supports the most popular streaming platforms:  This includes Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect and Deezer (it’s also Roon Ready).

It’s integrated with a high-resolution DAC (ESS Saber ES9038Q2M), which supports up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512 for bit-perfect digital reproduction.

Naturally, the Evo 300 boasts similar wired connections, too. It features a built-in MM phono stage for easy turntable connections, as well as HDMI eARC for making it the hub of your TV and home theater.

Man in a green jacket kneeling by a cabinet with vinyl records, next to a turntable and wooden speaker on top.
The Evo 300 is available now.
Cambridge Audio

Availability and pricing

Naturally, Cambridge Audio’s most powerful streaming amplifier doesn’t come cheap. It costs $3,999, making it $700 more expensive than the Evo 150 SE.

The Evo 300 is available now from the company’s website and other authorized retailers.

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