Evaluation: Cambridge Audio’s Yoyo (L) is a hi-fi Sonos alternative with Google Cast

The most popular cordless speakers tend to be part of a walled garden. Sonos, Google, and Apple’s speakers require you into their own cordless procedures, with couple of or no inputs for wired sources. Though they all sound excellent in their own method, they may not be the very best option for audio lovers trying to find flexibility.

If you’re trying to find a cordless speaker that uses benefit, sound quality, and versatility, Cambridge Audio’s $400 Yoyo (L) is a great location to begin.

You might not recognize with Cambridge Audio, however it’s been making audio devices for over 50 years. Best understood for its hi-fi amplifiers, DACs, and periodic speakers, the business has actually just recently messed around into the mainstream with the intro of it Yoyo line of cordless speakers.

There are 3 versions of the speakers, the (S), (M), and (L). As you may think, they’re distinguished by size (and rate). The Yoyo (S) is a little battery-powered Bluetooth speaker, while the (M) is a set of portable bookshelf systems. The Yoyo (L), on the other hand, is suggested to remain at house. It’s a curious cross in between a cordless speaker and soundbar, however one that likewise hands out its lover roots.

One secret distinction in between this and a Sonos Play:5 or Google House Max is the wealth of inputs and useful controls. It features Google Cast compatibility and the typical 3.5 mm aux jack, however likewise consists of Bluetooth (not AptX, regrettably), Spotify Link, optical, and HDMI ARC inputs. There’s no AirPlay, however a USB-A port is likewise on board for charging optional element like an Amazon Echo Dot.

Another cool touch: the system can be configured to accept volume inputs from your TELEVISION’s remote, need to you select to set it up as a soundbar through optical or the 3.5 mm jack. I likewise considerably value that you can access practically all the functions from the touch-sensitive buttons atop the speakers– I dislike being required to utilize a remote– or even worse, an app.

It’s a lot more versatility than cordless speakers typically supply, permitting me to link the speakers to my TELEVISION, PC, and digital piano at the same time. Though there’s no AptX assistance for Bluetooth, I do value the NFC sensing unit for fast pairing; it comes in handy if you have a visitor who may wish to play music.

Though high up on performance, the Yoyo (L) is likewise among the classiest-looking cordless speakers out there. Formed like a rounded square, the motorists are covered in an appealing, acoustically-transparent material and the leading functions a soft-touch surface. It’s smaller sized than either the Google House Max or Sonos Play:5, and unlike some speakers from hi-fi brand names, it’s unnoticeable enough to mix into any design.

Regardless of its fairly svelte shape, the Yoyo (L) is loading 6 motorists– a tweeter and woofer for the left, center, and right channels. These, integrated with the business’s experience with amplification parts, yields a noise that belies the rate point and market.

What hands out Cambridge Audio’s hi-fi pedigree is its focus on openness and precision over playing loud and boomy. Sonos and Google’s speakers sound excellent, however in a crowd-pleasing, traditional sort of noise. Information and improvement are periodically compromised for bass existence, causing boominess or distortion.

When the Yoyo (L) begins playing, it strikes you with a degree of openness not present on its instant competitors. The highs stand apart most, staying sharp and clear, while the midrange is liquidy smooth. The bass does not reach as low as a Sonos or Google’s flagships, however it has less bloat than those too, staying tight and managed throughout hectic passages. Another note of improvement: unlike many popular speakers, you do not require to play the Yoyo (L) loud for it to sound its finest. The clearness stays even as ‘everybody else is asleep’ volumes.

Less excellent is the stereo separation. It’s good, however not as great as an appropriate soundbar, not to mention a set of bookshelf speakers. Mind you, I practically never ever advise somebody purchase a single speaker or soundbar over a set of stereo speakers anyhow, however if you’re restricted in area, this is a great option to think about. I simply want Cambridge Audio provided you the choice to match 2 speakers together like many other cordless speakers.

Point is, these seem like a great set of hi-fi bookshelf speakers, simply compressed in regards to soundstage width. However Cambridge Audio likewise acknowledges the more traditional audience it’s targeting and supplies various EQ settings for various kinds of audio: Film, Music, TELEVISION, and Voice. Additionally, there’s a different bass control if you do not mind compromising a little improvement for additional thump.

It’s not best. Once again, I want you had the choice set 2 speakers for real stereo, and I would’ve liked to see a subwoofer out to complete that last little missing out on rumble and thump. If you desire something with those functions, and have $1,100 to invest, you can have a look at the exceptional KEF LSX However at $400, and if you can live without a big soundstage, Cambridge Audio’s Yoyo (L) is a standout Google Cast speaker using a wealth of versatility.

Released January 31, 2019– 17: 59 UTC.