Cambridge Audio’s 2021 Evo range of just-add-speaker streaming solutions—complete with color displays and sculptural detailing—was something of an aesthetic right turn for the London brand. After all, it’s spent years creating inoffensive hi-fi separates that sound bigger than the asking price would suggest. The original Evo systems were an attempt to lure in those customers who crave good sound, streaming convenience, and aesthetics, but who don’t want a vanilla-flavored Sonos or the bitter taste of seriously premium hi-fi.

Back to the design for a moment. The Evo One is made, sorry, “crafted” from materials including aluminium, FSC-certified walnut, and 50 percent recycled plastic. The casing surrounding the speakers is certainly rigid—as is evident by the distortion-free performance—but special mention has to go to the flawless wood veneer. My sample was especially gorgeous, but being a real sliver of wood, each will be unique. It is a boxy unit though and lacks any curves or softness. Personally I like it, but I can appreciate why someone might find it a little clinical. The 6.8-inch display is also not a touchscreen, which might irk a few, but it’s bright, the buttons work just fine, and the option to enjoy photorealistic old-school VU meters is a treat. Watching them blip along to the music is a fun retro touch. You can also display the usual album artwork and track details, if your heart is cold.