Technology

Upgraded Cambridge Evo 150 SE streaming amp sounds as good as it looks

Cambridge Audio Evo 150 SE

Walking the line between high performance sound and interior design, the Evo 150 SE is the latest streaming amplifier from British audio house Cambridge, now officially rebranded from its longer moniker, Cambridge Audio.

Unveiled at an exclusive London showcase that also marked the brand’s new identity, the Evo 150 SE builds on the legacy of the original Evo 150, promising better sound through new amplifier modules and component upgrades.

The Evo 150 SE retains the all-in-one amplifier and streamer format of its predecessor, but this time there’s a sharper sonic focus. At its core is a powerful 150W per channel Hypex NCOREx Class D amplification system – not off-the-shelf, but painstakingly ‘Tuned by Cambridge’ in collaboration with Hypex. The result, say the engineering team, is a sound that’s more dynamic, transparent and engaging than the original.  

Cambridge’s StreamMagic Gen 4 platform brings native support for Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Amazon Music, Qobuz, and more – plus Roon Ready compatibility and high-resolution UPnP playback. Wireless connectivity includes Bluetooth aptX HD, Google Cast, and AirPlay 2.

Ready for the modern home

It’s clear Cambridge is targeting more than just traditional Hi-Fi buyers. With HDMI ARC onboard, the Evo 150 SE slots easily into a living room setup, doubling as a powerful TV sound system. Add in a built-in MM phono stage for your turntable, USB inputs, and optical and coaxial digital audio inputs, and it quickly becomes the centrepiece of a modern, high-spec entertainment hub.

There’s also s dedicated subwoofer out, if you want to add more bass, and pre-outs should you want to use the Evo 150 SE as a pre-amp or source only. Two pairs of speaker outputs enable the use of dual listening zones, allowing a secondary set of speakers in another room or even outside.

Of course, The Luxe Review wouldn’t be reporting on the Evo 150 SE if it didn’t also impress visually. And it does. The same compact footprint – a 12-inch square, nodding to the size of a vinyl sleeve – remains, but with a fresh aesthetic tweak. The dual concentric dial has been updated in Cambridge’s signature Lunar Grey finish, while the large 6.8-inch display offers artwork, virtual VU meters or clock functions to suit your style.

As with the Evo 150 Delorean edition, Cambridge includes two sets of magnetically attachable side panels – one in retro walnut wood, the other a more industrial finish – allowing owners to tailor the look to their environment.

High-performance, low-fuss, and unashamedly beautiful, the Evo 150 SE is clearly a statement of intent from Cambridge, which clearly sees itself not just as a maker of equipment, but a lifestyle audio brand of taste and heritage.

The Cambridge Evo 150 SE is available July 2025, priced £1,999 (€2,399 / $3,299). 

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About Steve May

Creator of Home Cinema Choice magazine, and Editor of The Luxe Review, Steve muses and reviews for Trusted Reviews, T3, Home Cinema Choice, Games Radar, Good Housekeeping, Louder Sounds, StereoNet and Boat International. He’s also the editor of professional home cinema website Inside CI. He's on Twitter/X, Tiktok and Instagram as @SteveMay_UK