Of the countless cars ever designed, there are only a few as renowned and beloved as the bare brushed, stainless steel sheathed DeLorean DMC-12. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro with gullwing doors and finished without a speck of paint, the all-metal 2-door coupe launched in 1981 and would go onto to endure as an automotive hallmark of 1980s design (and an imaginary 4-wheel time machine). The automotive icon has taken on yet another form, albeit one more stationary, but similarly styled – the Cambridge Audio EVO 150 DeLorean Edition.
The EVO 150 (alongside its less powerful sibling, the EVO 75) is an all-in-one integrated amplifier and network player, an audio component we praised back during Cambridge Audio’s 2021 launch. The original design’s combination of handsome, customizable housing partnered with an elegantly intuitive and tactile approach to hi-fi audio earned it our respect and a 2022 Red Dot Design Award.
The original EVO 75 and 150 are housed in matte black bodywork. The special DeLorean edition’s chassis takes on a brushed silver finish, imparting a noticeably different metal block presence. Additionally, the amp + network player comes with two interchangeable magnetic side panel body kits that pop off and attach within seconds. The first of the two DeLorean-themed panel options echoes the front black grille of the original 1980s DMC-12, right down to the “DMC” logo (shown above).
The second magnetic panel option features brushed metal panels, subtly embellished with a laser etched logo referencing the forthcoming resurrected DeLorean Motor Company Alpha5 sports car (below).
Photo: DeLorean Motor Company
Beyond the aesthetic refresh, the EVO 150 DeLorean Edition is equipped with the same specs as the original. With 150W of amplification – enough to power almost any pair of speakers – the system is optimized to stream from a multitude of audio services, with an audiophile grade 32-bit ESS SABRE ES9018k2m Reference DAC keeping the network component’s performance well on this side of distortion-free. A built-in MM phono stage is included, allowing EVO 150 owners to connect a turntable easily (something this EVO 75 user envies, noting the MM phono stage is unique to the more powerful EVO 150). Similarly, Cambridge Audio’s EVO CD transport is a plug and play affair, though sans the matching panels and housing.
Aspiring audiophiles have plenty of options for a pared down system. Analogue inputs include 1 x RCA, 1 x balanced XLR, 1 x Moving Magnet Phonostage, with digital inputs for 2 x TOSLINK optical, 1 x S/PDIF coaxial, 1 x TV ARC, Bluetooth (integrated), and USB Audio. The DeLorean EVO 150 supports USB Audio, with Bluetooth 4.2 A2DP/AVRCP supporting SBC, aptX, and aptX HD codecs.
The two interchangeable magnetic side panel body kits allow users to switch out from brushed metal to black grill designs without the need for tools. We’re partial to the brushed metal side plates with the etched logo, as it really leans into the DeLorean aesthetic. Which panel option do you prefer?
Cambridge Audio also announced all EVO devices – EVO 75 and 150 standard editions and the DeLorean Special Edition – will allow users to tap into some additional analog-era design, displaying Volume Units (VU) on the EVO’s 6.8-inch display screen.
Cambridge Audio EVO 150 DeLorean Edition is available now for $3,199 from cambridgeaudio.com and selected retailers, with a limited run of 1,000 units worldwide before Cambridge Audio puts on the brakes.
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