“There can be only one.” “One Ring to rule them all.” “He is the One.” “I am the one and only.” Maybe we’re reading a little too much into it, but Cambridge Audio’s latest all-in-one music system makes a subtly bold claim. The cultural and literary canon is full of allusions to chosen figures who can alter the course of history as they forge their singular destinies, and such a seemingly small word can be interpreted in a few different ways; as ‘One’ box in which multiple functions and tasks can be performed or, perhaps, the ‘one’ and only all-in-one system that’s better than all the others.
Outperforming those others isn’t an easy task. While the world of all-in-one systems such as these isn’t as overstuffed as the land of Bluetooth speakers or wireless earbuds, there’s quality competition to be overcome. The Naim Mu-so 2 has been around for over five years yet continues to earn plaudits at its ever-reducing price, whereas the stunning Ruark Audio R410 is the bruiser to beat on this block. Some decent alternatives abound, but is the Evo the ‘One’ for you?
