Let me make it clear about Cambridge Audio Yoyo L review: A versatile box of audio tricks
This woollen-clad box is a great substitute for a soundbar that’s more versatile too. It can crank out of the music with chunky bass, too, rendering it a exceptional replacement for Sonos plus the other, typically pricier, mainstays. Read full verdict
(Pocket-lint) – take a look at Cambridge sound’s woolly mammoth. No, perhaps perhaps maybe not since it’s extinct, since this speaker that is woollen-clad monstrously massive sound from its British-engineered six-speaker frame.
We have had the Yoyo L – the ‘L’ standing for ‘Large’, as you will find moderate (M) and tiny (S) models additionally offered by discounted points – in the home for 3 months now, acting as our music presenter and, frequently, a soundbar that is savvy underneath the telly.
After such listening that is extensive listed here is why we think the Yoyo L may be worth its ВЈ350 address cost.
Design and setup
From the field and also the Yoyo L encounters an issue that is early its supplied energy cable is way too brief. Exactly the same is true of the optical cable, but at the very least there’s one within the field. Silver linings and all sorts of that. You might change the fig-8 power cable if it is too brief to your requirements, or utilize an extension lead. If you should be connecting the Yoyo up to a telly, however, the proximity that is close be completely fine.
But escort Springfield IL why conceal it away beneath the foot of another black colored package? The Yoyo’s woollen finish is really an idea that is really interesting such as the very very very early times of Libratone (a Scandinavian brand name which, after globalising, ditched its woollen finishes because of not enough appeal in hot weather countries).
Nevertheless, we such as the belief of Cambridge sound maintaining it within its Uk origins: the wool is woven by Yorkshire weavers Marton Mills (in which the product is sourced from, nonetheless, we are waiting to possess verified) to really make the cover that is worsted. It is obtainable in two greys instead of anything brightly coloured, sadly, however it does match a touch too completely with this carpet (and you will see from our photos).
With regards to connectivity, there is many different sockets tucked all over back: HDMI (with ARC – sound return channel) creates great television connecting with in-sync sound; 3.5mm AUX, ideal for plugging within an outside supply on the fly; and Optical (cable included – just like the power cable it is too brief), additionally handy for TV sync. The Yoyo is well set as a soundbar alternative with a wider-ranging musical reach in these regards.
Establishing up the presenter is straightforward too. You are able to just plug in, switch on and you will be done – however the Wi-Fi icon shall be forever blinking. For a complete connection it’s also important to down load the Bing Residence application in which the Yoyo could be setup with simplicity, getting ‘castable’ sound sources by way of its built-in Google Chromecast. Utilize Bing musical, usage Spotify Connect, utilize everything you be sure to from a computer device supply.
Nonetheless, there is no distinct app that is mobile. We downloaded the Cambridge Connect app and also this did not do just about anything for all of us. Nevertheless, you can utilize Google Residence as being a amount control if you refuse to desire to use the remote that is included. But, this real remote is an important since it’s the only method in order to make EQ preset adjustments and sub bass degree modifications. We think there must be duplicity right right here: a software that will manage everything, provide more equalisation options, combined with the presets that are existing bass settings. Alas, that is not possible. So it is like one base into the now, one in days gone by.
Audio quality and presets
- Six speaker design: front side- and side-mounted full-range motorists and woofers for immersive noise
- Four EQ presets via radio control: musical, Film, TV, Voice
- Sub bass control via radio control: +/-3
- No app that is real (Google Residence just)
Those four EQ gift suggestions – Music, movie, television, Voice – are specially essential though. When listening that is first the Yoyo we had been somewhat disappointed along with its audio quality, because we would strike the ‘Voice’ preset – which will be perfect for improving, state, newsroom chatter from the television, although not much else.
Hit the ‘Music’ preset, nevertheless, and amp the bass levels up a handful of notches – shown by way of a +/-3 Light-emitting Diode series along with this product – and things start to sing. The feeling of immersive surround is strong, while bass levels growth without having to be uncontrollable. Our only criticism is some regarding the mid-level frequencies do not snap quite as crisply as we would like.
If there were more EQ presets, or equaliser that is distinctive settings, we genuinely believe that minutiae settings will allow for much better crafting of audio production. Since it appears the four keep things nice and easy, but we would enjoy an application with this control that is added extra crafting.
Whenever setup beneath the telly, we have discovered the bass that is added through the Yoyo to actually assist movies along, incorporating extra amounts far above the television speakers’ production. It appears proficient at reduced amount amounts, too, therefore it is perhaps not really a one-trick pony in that respect either.
The Cambridge sound Yoyo L is just a surprise that is lovely. This woollen-clad field is a great substitute for a soundbar that’s more versatile. It can crank out of the music with chunky bass, too, rendering it an alternative that is excellent and also the other, typically pricier, mainstays – additionally the Yoyo is ВЈ150 lower than A play 5.
There are numerous hiccups and shortcomings though: the power that is short, the possible lack of genuine application control, a maximum of simply the four EQ presets, with no Ethernet/Bluetooth aptX conformity for higher-end users.
Overall, if you should be shopping for a versatile sound-box then this slice of Uk sound is definitely an enticing option to the mainstays. Yes, the title is ridiculous, however it should show popular sufficient to maybe not get extinct by way of its impressive chops that are audio.