Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Onboard digital to analogue converter and a phono stage.
- Good scale, plenty of energy, and decent levels of detail resolution.
- Is a decent value and is solidly recommendable.
- BNC sockets for the coax digital inputs, not commonly found on affordable sources.
- AV input bypasses the volume control.
- S/PDIF inputs don't reach the same heights as its USB input.
Product Considerations
- Sound quality is highly dependent on finding a good match on the loudspeaker front, and while the Exposure XM5 doesn't have vast reserves of power—meaning you have to be a little more careful than usual.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Rega Brio, the Brio had more vivacity, the Exposure having a calmer and larger scale presentation.
- Compared to the Hegel Mohican CD player, the sound of the Mohican through the amplifier's line-level Aux input was richer overall, with more weight in the sounds of the piano and electric guitars, through the Exposure's own DAC, cymbals, snare drum, and, especially, Petty's voice sounded lighter, with a slight added glaze.
Takeaway: The Exposure XM5 is a well-equipped integrated amplifier that does nearly everything the contemporary music lover might desire and is manufactured in the UK. Finding the right speaker match will give many hours of listening enjoyment.
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Manufacturer details
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Exposure offers a range of complementary components, including integrated amps, preamps, power amps, and CD players, all designed to work synergistically and share a consistent aesthetic, facilitating easy system building and upgrades.
- Exposure consistently uses a Class AB amplifier design with Toshiba bipolar transistors, favoring this proven topology over Class D or MOSFET designs, contributing to their signature sound.
- Optional MM/MC phono stage and DAC modules can be internally fitted, offering flexibility to tailor the amplifier to specific user needs (vinyl playback or digital audio) without external clutter.
Select products
2510 Series
- Positioning: An entry-level line designed for cost-sensitive buyers and small rooms.
- Description: Offers a straightforward design with a compact amplifier that balances performance with affordability. Compared to the other models, it has simpler connectivity and processing, making it ideal for users with basic functionality needs and a limited budget.
3510 Series
- Positioning: A step-up line that bridges entry-level affordability with improved performance.
- Description: Introduces enhanced amplification and connectivity features that deliver clearer sound and expanded compatibility. Compared to the 2510 series, it offers better signal processing, yet remains less advanced than the 5010, xm, and vxn models.
5010 Series
- Positioning: A mid-range line targeted at users seeking more precision and build quality.
- Description: Features advanced signal pathways and improved power management that offer refined audio quality and reliability. Compared to the lower-tier 2510 and 3510 series, the 5010 provides increased headroom and clarity.
XM Series
- Positioning: A high-performance line aimed at audiophiles balancing advanced tech with reasonable cost.
- Description: Incorporates digital conversion and refined signal routing that enhance performance for mid to large rooms. Compared to the 2510, 3510, and 5010 series, it provides enhanced connectivity and processing, though it remains a notch below the flagship vxn series in premium features.
VXN Series
- Positioning: A flagship series representing the highest performance and premium build in the lineup.
- Description: Integrates groundbreaking signal processing and proprietary digital-to-analog conversion that push fidelity to its limits. Compared to all other models—including the xm series—the vxn series offers superior build quality, functional versatility, and premium connectivity designed for the largest spaces and the most demanding use cases.
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Exposure
What if you spend more?
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Product Strengths
- Retains the lovely musicality of original Exposure amplifiers, described as sweeter and easier to listen to, particularly over long periods
- A great all-rounder that works well with different kinds of music and loudspeakers, described as 'music agnostic' and almost 'loudspeaker agnostic'
- Has great bass
- Outstanding performance comparable with more expensive rivals
- Simple and unfussy
Product Considerations
- Headphone amp is merely 'pretty good'
- Looks a bit prosaic
- Not as flexible as some rivals
- Treble is just a little soft and diffuse in absolute terms
- The input selection arrangement is not as clean looking as the 3010S2
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Exposure 10, the 3510 retains all of the great points and irons out any negativity that the 10 had
- Compared to the Naim XS3, the 3510 has a super smooth sound, while the Naim has a more detailed sound
- Compared to the Musical Fidelity M6, the 3510 has a kind of euphony that the M6 does not have
- Compared to the Michi X5, the 3510 is tonally warmer and sweeter, albeit more diffuse
- Compared to Roksan's K3, it is similar—but with more grunt
Takeaway: The 3510 is a musically enjoyable amplifier that's powerful and sounds great with all kinds of music. It's a solid choice for those wanting an amp that focuses on sound quality over extra features.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Great bass control and grip, extracting variations in tone that most amplifiers around the price point cannot
- Class-defining levels of clarity and dynamics
- A powerful and musically enjoyable sound
- A musical, powerful feel that makes everything it plays fun
Product Considerations
- A distinctly more forward tonal balance than other Exposure models
- Not the last word when it comes to natural and neutral presentation in mid-range, requiring care in speaker matching
- The mid-range presentation sits in line with the speakers and projects a little bit forward, reducing soundstage depth
- A touch of hardness in the upper mid-range, making it unforgiving of harsh recordings or partner equipment that has that characteristic
- Styling is very similar to its predecessor, however, the input selection arrangement has changed, which could be seen as a downgrade
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Exposure 2510, the 3510 is a mark-up and leans more towards the 5010
- The Exposure 3510 has better bass control than the Hegel H190
- The Exposure 3510 has superb clarity, which the Yamaha AS1200 cannot match
- The 3510 has a silky smooth sound that the Naim Nate XS 3 can't match
- The Exposure 3510 has a euphony that the Musical Fidelity A1 can't match
Takeaway: The Exposure 3510 has power to drive all but the most difficult speakers, and its sonic presentation is engaging for many people. It is a great all-rounder with a love of music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Clean delivery with cleanly defined leading edges of notes and apparent decay structures
- Darker, quieter background to the music, making nuances more apparent
- A touch more dynamic with more mid-bass punch
- Remarkable tonal neutrality, revealing the nature of the speakers and recording
- Good performance at low listening levels
- Uses banana plug sockets, restricting speaker cable connection options
Product Considerations
- Lacks features like a built-in headphone amplifier, DAC, and streamer
- Only offers a moving magnet phono stage, which might not be suitable for all users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The 2510 is cleaner in its delivery than the Hegel H95
- The reviewer implies one has to step up to the Hegel H120 to get amplifier quality comparable to the Exposure 2510
- The Hegel H160 has better scale of sound—soundstage width and depth—and better bass speed and control, but is less tonally neutral and not as good at low listening levels
Takeaway: The Exposure 2510 is a purist amplifier focused on delivering high-quality sound with tonal neutrality. Its clean delivery and dynamic capabilities make it a great choice for listeners who prioritize audio performance.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Tomorrow's Hi-Fi, Today
With Evo 150, we've brought your audio past and present into the future. With outstanding Hypex NCore Class D amplification and our class-leading StreamMagic streaming platform on board, all you need to do is add speakers to enjoy superb high-resolution audio quality from one elegant, discreet box.
And thanks to its suite of digital and analogue inputs, as well as its high-quality digital-to-analogue converter, Evo can be the heart of your hi-fi system for years to come.
Evo 150
Easy to Set Up, Easy to Upgrade
It couldn't be simpler. Connect Evo 150 to the mains and to your speakers. Open StreamMagic, connect to the network, then fire up your favourite music streaming service. Pick a tune, press play and adjust the volume to suit. When you're ready, you can dig deeper to set Evo 150 up just how you want it, adding functionality as you go.
Evo 150 playing through the StreamMagic App
StreamMagic App
Our StreamMagic app offers full control of Evo, plus access to the world's most popular and high-resolution music streaming services. It's clear, logical and stable – so Evo will do precisely what you want. Alternatively, you may prefer to use the app of your favourite streaming service. Evo's ready for you to listen whichever way you choose.
Model watches TV with Evo in view
Connectivity to Suit Your Needs
Thanks to its suite of digital and analogue inputs, including a built-in phono stage, Evo can be the heart of your system – add a turntable, say, or EVO CD. Video sources can play too, just connect your TV's HDMI output to Evo's ARC input. No matter where your music comes from, Evo 150's ready for it.
Model listens to Evo via headphones
Bluetooth Convenience. Hi-Res Sound Quality
Often nothing's more convenient than streaming via Bluetooth. Evo takes it to the max with aptX HD Bluetooth, which features wireless, high-definition music streaming from compatible devices – including our Alva turntables. And because Evo also transmits with Bluetooth aptx HD, it's perfect for private listening on compatible Hi-Res wireless headphones.
Evo in a lifestyle setting with a turntable and books
Made By Music
Evo 150 uses the best audio components, such as the ESS SABRE ES9018k2m Reference DAC. And then we bring every one of our 55+ years of audio know-how to bear. The result is a performance that celebrates the talent of musicians and producers – one that retains the original raw emotive power and detail.
Model turns the volume knob on Evo
Complete Control
Evo is intuitive and straightforward to operate, no matter if you're using its supplied remote control, our simple yet thorough StreamMagic app, or its physical controls – including the large dual-concentric dial on the unit's fascia.
Evo on a shelf in a lifestyle setting
Neat and Easy Placement
At 317mm wide, roughly the size of a vinyl album sleeve, Evo will sit neatly where you need it to. But thanks to its award-winning deisgn and all-around good looks, it really deserves to be centre stage.
Model adds a vinyl record to Alva
Great for Record Lovers
If you want to connect a turntable, Evo 150's built-in phono stage makes it perfect for decks with with moving magnet cartridges, but no integral pre-amp. That's on top of Bluetooth compatibility with our own Alva turntables.
Evo CD
A New Life for CD
Available separately, Evo CD is the compact disc transport developed to exclusively partner Evo all-in-one players. It shares the same eye-catching design, is crafted from the same premium materials and is engineered to the same exacting standards. Evo CD extracts every piece of musical detail from your discs, then passes it seamlessly to Evo. Your CD collection is now set to join the hi-fi evolution.
Detail shot
Designed to Thrill, Built to Last
Evo's confident sound, timeless looks and premium materials mean that you've found your new long-term musical partner – bringing pleasure to both your ears and eyes for many years to come.
Product Strengths
- Packs many features into a small frame, offering an 'all-in-one' solution by integrating streaming, DAC, preamp, and amplification
- The sound quality is clear, detailed, smooth, refined, articulate, and neutral, with good soundstage and imaging
- Offers a wide array of input options (analog and digital) and streaming service compatibility, making it versatile
- Its Class D amplification (Hypex NCore) is powerful (150Wpc) and efficient, running cool compared to traditional amps
- The industrial design and aesthetics are highlighted positively, with its sleek look, swappable side panels, and user-friendly interface, enhancing its lifestyle appeal
Product Considerations
- The headphone preamp may not satisfy serious headphone enthusiasts without a dedicated amp
- There is a noted lack of bass management
- The StreamMagic app lags behind the likes of Bluesound and Yamaha MusicCast in terms of its interface
- Some reviewers found a slight softening of the bottom end
- One review notes some power supply noise in bench tests, but at inaudible levels
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Offers wider soundstage, depth, and polish than the Naim Uniti Atom, but the Naim Uniti Atom has a greater sense of musicality and tighter rhythmic fabric
Takeaway: The Cambridge Audio Evo 150 is a versatile and attractive all-in-one system with excellent sound quality and a comprehensive feature set, making it a great choice for those seeking a simple yet high-performing audio solution. It provides a streamlined experience without sacrificing sound fidelity.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a vividly detailed and balanced sound, handling complicated mixes with skill
- Able to extract a lot of information from digital audio files with apparent ease
- A volume lock prevents accidental volume adjustments when the device is in a pocket or bag
- Extensive specification including Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless compatibility and multiple inputs/outputs for versatile connectivity
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers feel the device is not very pocket-friendly due to its size and sharp edges, making it better suited as a transportable—rather than a truly portable—device
- The gain is set too high, making precise volume control difficult, especially with sensitive IEMs
- Using IEMatch adds output impedance, which can negatively affect the tonal balance and dynamics of some IEMs
- The length of the included USB-C cable is short, making it difficult to position the device on a desk
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the iDSD Diablo 1, the Diablo 2 offers slight sonic improvements and better build quality, but at a higher price
- Compared to the iDSD Signature, the iDSD Signature is considered by some to offer a better result for less money, with a more realistic instrument and vocal timbre, larger soundstage, and customizable features like crossfeed and bass boost
- Compared to the FiiO Q7, the iDSD Diablo 2 has a vivid sound, where the FiiO Q7 has a smooth and wide sound
Takeaway: The iDSD Diablo 2 is a powerful and versatile DAC/amp that enhances headphone listening with its detailed sound and extensive features. It is a good choice for users who want a high-quality audio experience on the go or at their desk.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Joyful sound signature with detailed output
- Can power a wide range of headphones, due to Ultima technology
- Compact design, stacks perfectly with the Qutest and Huei
- Employs trickle-down Ultima technology to allow delivery of enormous peak current outputs
- Solid build quality using CNC-milled aluminum casework and good heat dissipation
- Connectivity options include headphone and speaker outputs
Product Considerations
- No gain switch for the headphone output
- Default gain level a bit high for sensitive IEMs
- More power limitations with speakers than headphones—best for smaller, efficient speakers or nearfield listening
- Runs hot, requiring good ventilation
- The volume control feels a little wobbly and might be difficult to use in a very precise way, and there is some channel imbalance at very low volumes
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Qutest/Anni pairing justifies its price premium thanks to a more composed and insightful presentation that offers notably more low-end authority, dynamic punch and tonal richness
- Cyrus ONE HD is plusher, showing that Anni has strong niche appeal
- The iFi xDSD Gryphon has digital inputs and built-in DAC, while Anni can power speakers
Takeaway: The Chord Electronics Anni is a compact and well-built amplifier that delivers a joyful and detailed sound, making it a great addition to a desktop setup for headphone and nearfield speaker listening. Its use of trickle-down Ultima technology ensures high-quality performance in a small package, and its ability to stack with other Chord devices makes it a good choice for those already invested in the ecosystem.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- High-quality build and aesthetics, with a metal casing and elegant fascia made to a high standard
- A clear, powerful, and spacious sound, with a presentation that is appealing right from the beginning
- Plenty of power on tap, specified at 70W per channel into 8 ohms and 100W per channel into 4 ohms
- Fantastic connectivity, with three pairs of line-level inputs, an MM phono stage, and outputs for a recorder and subwoofer
- Capable network DAC/streamer with digital controls
Product Considerations
- The dimpled effect flanking the extruded front panel gives the unit a further distinctive look, but the finish feels like plastic upon closer inspection
- The HEOS app isn't bespoke to the 40n, many of the product's set-up options can only be accessed through the unit using the included remote control
- Bluetooth pairing took longer than expected, and there were occasions when the app stopped being able to see or display the music server when switching inputs
- The lettering on the remote control is impossible to read in dim light, and the buttons are too similar in size, resulting in fumbling in the dark
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Marantz Model 40n is a different proposition compared to the Marantz PM7000N, Marantz is keen to reposition itself as a luxury hifi brand and that intent is clear in the 40n's gorgeous build and aesthetics
- Rival systems such as the Cambridge Audio Evo 150 and Naim Uniti Atom do a better job of engrossing listeners in the music, being more insightful, musically engaging, and dynamically exciting by degrees
- Is super-sexy and distinctive styling, a higher level of fit and finish, a much better remote, and access to Sound United's HEOS streaming/multiroom audio platform wanted—or more coaxial and optical digital inputs, Dirac Live room-correction capabilities, more power, a more efficient topology, and access to Lenbrook's BluOS streaming/multiroom audio platform
- At first glance it's hard to distinguish the Model 40n from its slightly costlier Marantz Model 30 sibling
Takeaway: The Marantz Model 40n is a stylish and feature-packed streaming amplifier that offers a musical and inviting performance. With its versatile connectivity options and impressive sound quality, the Model 40n is a great choice for modern, lifestyle hifi systems.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers a comprehensive set of features including CD player, streamer, Bluetooth, headphone amplifier, phono amplifier, and power amplifier, all in one box
- Sounds very good across digital and analogue inputs, the combination of digital decoding and amplification is exceptionally cohesive
- Has a sturdy, well-built casework that feels every inch of its price tag, and is built to last
- Provides clear, detailed and large, spacious sound with an easy-going presentation, and can be part of an expansive wireless multi-room system
- Incorporates a high-quality ESS Sabre DAC and amplifier based on the Audiolab 6000A design
Product Considerations
- The software interface using DTS Play-Fi is a little slow, and Play-Fi is still not gapless, Play-Fi is not delivering at the same level of user experience as competitor solutions
- Rivals have greater dynamic punch, rhythmic accuracy, and energy
- Some reviewers find that the unit can be a bit sensitive with scratched CDs
- Remote and fascia controls aren't all that responsive
- There is no album art displayed on the screen during streaming
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Technics SA-C600, the Technics may not be as big-scaled, open or reveal as much detail as the Audiolab Omnia, but it's more adept at conveying enthusiasm, rhythmic precision and dynamic punch
- In direct competition with the Cambridge Audio Evo 75, the Audiolab Omnia ties Audiolab styling touches into something that is not slavishly retro and gives away absolutely nothing in terms of feel, solidarity and design
- Compared to the NAD C700, the Audiolab Omnia has functionality they cannot get anywhere near—indeed functionality that leaves everything else under two grand looking rather limited
Takeaway: The Audiolab Omnia is a versatile and well-built all-in-one system that offers a wide range of features and delivers enjoyable sound, making it a great option for those seeking convenience without sacrificing audio quality. It's especially appealing for those who still value CD playback.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- BluOS integration offers a slick interface with robust functionality, lossless streaming, and great sound quality
- Compact form factor and lightweight design make it easy to place in various settings
- The 5-inch color display shows album art and track information, contributing to a sleek and sophisticated user experience
- HDMI eARC input allows for easy connection to smart TVs for enhanced audio
- A wide array of connectivity options is available, including digital and analog inputs, pre-outs, and a subwoofer output
Product Considerations
- Lacks a phono stage input for direct connection of turntables without a preamp
- Not a touchscreen
- May sound flat or experience coloration at its peak volume levels
- May lack the macro dynamics of a more powerful amplifier—better suited for efficient speakers and smaller rooms
- Some reviewers found it does not pause playback from the main unit, only mutes it
Takeaway: The NAD C 700 is a versatile streaming amplifier with a compact design and a wide range of features, making it a great option for those seeking a simple way to enjoy high-resolution music. Its intuitive BluOS platform and various connectivity options make it a convenient centerpiece for a modern audio setup
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