A Renowned British Hi-Fi Company Just Made Its Signature Amplifier Even Better

Cambridge Audio’s Evo 150 is a beautiful, “just add speakers” streaming amplifier designed for modern audiophiles who prefer not to deal with a traditional component rack. It was originally released in 2021.

Now, the revered British hi-fi manufacturer is releasing an updated version with nearly identical capabilities and the promise of improved performance. There are a few other updates as well.

Cambridge Audio Evo 150 SE

Cambridge Audio

Vinyl and home theater ready

The SE (which stands for “Special Edition”) version doesn’t mess too much with what was already excellent. Like the original Evo 150, the SE supports high-resolution streaming over Wi-Fi and, at 150 watts per channel, is capable of driving some pretty serious loudspeakers.

It also has a range of digital and analog inputs for connecting everything from your TV to your turntable — yes, it has a built-in phono preamp that supports moving-magnet cartridges — meaning you can make the Evo 150 SE the hub for your vinyl setup or home theater system.

Cambridge Audio

A boundary-pushing amp

While the Evo 150 SE technically has the same power output as the original, capable of driving 150 watts (into 8 ohms), Cambridge worked with Hypex to develop a new Class D amplifier module that’s been re-tuned to deliver a more detailed, immersive sound.

“For this special edition, we’ve pushed the boundaries of what to expect from Class D amplification,” says Matt Dore, Chief Technical Officer of Cambridge Audio. “[The SE delivers] an even more musical, emotive listening experience in a design that has been further refined.”

The company claims that improvements have been made throughout the audio signal path to hone the Evo 150 SE’s sound further, as well.

Cambridge Audio

4th-gen streaming

Other than the amplification, most of what is under the hood remains the same. The Evo 150 SE even features the same high-performance DAC (ESS Sabre ES9018K2M) as the original.

One difference is that the Evo 150 SE has been built around Cambridge Audio’s fourth-gen StreamMagic platform — which allows you to control it via the brand’s StreamMagic app — and promises to be an even smoother experience.

This platform supports a wide range of streaming formats and services, including Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer and Qobuz. It also supports streaming over Bluetooth (aptX HD), Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in.

Cambridge Audio

Magnetic, swappable sides

Aesthetically, the Evo 150 SE features a few refinements over the original model. The most notable is that its large control dial has a redesigned inner ring finished in the brand’s trademark Lunar Grey.

Additionally, the Evo 150 SE comes with two sets of magnetic side panels, one classic wood and one brushed metal (black), which you can swap out depending on your preference. This gives you the option to potentially better match the amp to your room — or at least give it a new look.

That said, the Evo 150 SE has the same compact (12″ x 12″) footprint as before, plus the same 6.8-inch color screen, which can display album artwork, the time or even animated VU meters while playing.

Cambridge Audio

Price and availability

The Cambridge Audio Evo 150 SE will cost $3,299, the same amount the original is selling for now from third-party retailers.

The Evo 150 SE will be available to order starting in July 2025 — next month.

Cambridge Audio

Cambridge Audio Evo 150 SE

• $3,299 at Cambridge Audio

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