2. misc-audio
  3. 179773-40

Bragging rights.....

I recently conducted an experiment and ended up moving from a very good sounding system consisting of separate components that I carefully assembled over time to a "future fi" system. Only part of the  phono rig, old speakers, their setup within the rooms, and speaker wires remain.

A Cambridge Evo 150 all-in-one replaced 9 different components including interconnect wires. I held onto all the old stuff until I reached the point where I was convinced they were no longer needed and recently have started to sell some of it to others.

The new streamlined system sounds really good! I’m not missing all that older stuff nor the work that went into assembling a good sounding system myself. ALso the flexibility to listen to music in many ways utilizing many different sources as desired is incredible!

So I think I lose some bragging rights.... it was easy to buy that one unit, hook it up, and deliver the good sound I always crave. Anybody could do it!

Also I think I no longer would lay any claim to being an "audiophile" anymore having made things so relatively simple. I will call myself an "audio enthusiast" now, however I still will always want to keep an eye on what else is out there...especially the latest and greatest innovative applications of technology that might still move things forward. "Future Fi" is the term I have read that seems to describe these kinds of transformative products these days.

Thoughts?

 

128x128mapman
mapman's avatar
mapman OP
21,887 posts
 

Naim Unity was another option I studied but did not quite fit the bill. I am interested to see what new products Naim puts out in upcoming years though. 

mapman's avatar
mapman OP
21,887 posts
 

If I get a chance will try and do a review of the Evo.  So much to talk about there!  The good sound is just the tip of the iceberg.  

mapman's avatar
mapman OP
21,887 posts
 

@soarnatti

 

I use wireless WiFi network connection to the Evo. Always have used wireless connections to stream. Sounds great….no problem.

The only drawback is the music library functionality on the Evo is rather slow over WiFi to my fairly large remote Plex media server library. It’s a limitation. But I get around it using a good quality, long run usb connection to keep computer I run Plex on away from the rest of the hifi gear. Or, sometimes I just stream using Plexamp on my smartphone or tablet and connect via AirPlay. Either way sounds top notch to my ears.

Plexamp is like Roon in regards to providing flexible access to music. The built in music library functionality/ Cambridge Stream Magic app is barebones in comparison to Roon or Plexamp for music discovery. Most similar proprietary vendor apps are I read.
 

The built in internet radio functionality is quite good though. I’ve started to stream hi res internet stations for the first time with the evo and some of those are a sonic treat.

bigkidz
3,325 posts
 

It is not that separates are always better it probably comes down to that in one chassis yo are limited to what you can do as a manufacturer.  Think power supply, separation for various parts in the signal path, etc.  Most single chassis designs are crammed in there and with less space you have to deal with compromises.

 

In most cases here, you are comparing general manufactured products to each other.  Same or same parts quality, nothing s point-to-point wired, etc.  When you get into reference quality components, that is when you will understand the differences between components and what makes them sound the way they do.

 

Happy Listening.

 

 

sns
3,003 posts
 

Separates at the high end are like a finely tuned exotic car, everything has to be in harmony for full effect. I'll stay with the complexity until my faculties escape me and I'm unable to recall all the steps required to fire up the damn thing!

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