A New Benchmark in Power and Precision

Cambridge Audio has officially expanded its premium Evo series with the introduction of the Evo 300, a streaming amplifier that represents a significant leap in power for the company's all-in-one range. Unveiled at the High End Vienna event, this new model delivers 300W of Hypex NCOREx Class D power per channel. This launch follows the company's established trajectory of refining its streaming hardware, building upon the foundation laid by the original Evo 75 and Evo 150 models released five years ago, as well as the more recent Evo 150 SE.

Technical Specifications and Connectivity

At the heart of the Evo 300 is the ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC, which enables support for high-resolution audio formats, specifically up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512. The unit is designed to serve as a central hub for home audio systems, incorporating a wide array of inputs including RCA and balanced XLR connections. For those integrating vinyl into their digital setups, the device features a built-in moving-magnet phono stage. Furthermore, the inclusion of HDMI eARC allows for seamless integration with television audio, while Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX HD support ensures high-quality wireless streaming.

Why it matters

The significance of the Evo 300 lies in its attempt to bridge the gap between high-end audiophile performance and the convenience of modern streaming ecosystems. By utilizing Cambridge Audio’s proprietary StreamMagic platform, the amplifier provides native support for major services like Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Amazon Music, Qobuz, and Roon. This approach addresses a growing consumer demand for systems that do not require separate components to achieve high-fidelity sound, effectively condensing a complex signal path into a single, aesthetically customizable chassis.

Public Impact and Design Features

Consumers looking to upgrade their living room audio will find the Evo 300’s physical design as intentional as its internal circuitry. The unit features a 7.8-inch color display capable of showing album artwork, VU meters, or a clock, catering to users who value visual feedback alongside sonic performance. The chassis is constructed with interchangeable side panels, allowing owners to modify the appearance of the device to match their home decor. Additionally, the inclusion of an adjustable subwoofer output and an optional high-pass filter for main speakers provides users with greater control over their low-frequency response.

Comparison to Market Trends

The release of the Evo 300 mirrors a broader industry shift toward 'all-in-one' high-fidelity systems that prioritize simplicity without sacrificing power. Much like the evolution seen in the premium loudspeaker market, where manufacturers are increasingly integrating advanced digital processing into traditional driver arrays, Cambridge Audio is moving toward a more consolidated hardware architecture. This trend reflects a departure from the traditional multi-component rack systems of the past, favoring streamlined, software-driven solutions that maintain high-precision analogue volume controls and dual-mono layouts.

What happens next

Following its debut at High End Vienna, the Evo 300 is positioned to enter the global market with a retail price of £3499, €3999, or $3999. Potential buyers should monitor official Cambridge Audio retail channels for regional availability dates. Alongside this launch, the company has also introduced a 'Midnight' black version of its Evo One all-in-one system, offering an alternative aesthetic to the existing walnut veneer model. As the product reaches reviewers and early adopters, the industry will be watching to see how the 300W output performs in real-world listening environments compared to the highly-regarded, five-star rated Evo 75 and 150 predecessors.

Background and Context

Cambridge Audio’s history with the Evo line has been marked by iterative improvements. The Evo 150 SE, announced in June 2025, served as a precursor to this current expansion by introducing the ESS SABRE ES9018k2m DAC and refinements to the output stage. The Evo 300 represents the culmination of these engineering efforts, utilizing a more robust power supply and a more advanced DAC chip to push the limits of the series. The company continues to rely on its StreamMagic platform as the backbone for its digital connectivity, ensuring that the hardware remains compatible with the latest streaming standards and protocols.

Original reporting by What Hi-Fi?.