Cambridge Audio Yoyo Review: Experiencing True British Sound Quality

Stepping into the world of portable audio, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of speakers promising booming bass and dazzling light shows. But what if your ears crave something more refined? What if you desire an audio experience that speaks to precision, warmth, and musicality? This is where the Cambridge Audio Yoyo series, with its distinct British sound philosophy, steps in. As an audio technician with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen countless speakers come and go, but the Yoyo range offers a refreshing take on what a Bluetooth speaker can achieve, prioritizing sound quality that’s both engaging and authentic.

Understanding the Cambridge Audio Yoyo Series

Cambridge Audio has a long-standing reputation for crafting high-fidelity audio equipment, and the Yoyo series brings that legacy into the portable and wireless domain. The essence of “British sound” in audio is often characterized by its neutrality, natural tonality, and an emphasis on musicality over exaggerated frequencies. It’s about presenting the music as the artist intended, with clarity and warmth.

The Yoyo speakers embody this philosophy, aiming for a balanced and detailed sound profile that allows instruments and vocals to shine. They don’t typically chase the loudest bass or the brightest treble, but rather a cohesive and enjoyable listening experience that remains true to the source material. This commitment to sonic integrity, coupled with elegant design, makes the Yoyo series a compelling choice for discerning listeners.

The Yoyo Design Philosophy: Style Meets Substance

Beyond their acoustic prowess, Cambridge Audio Yoyo speakers are visually distinctive. Clad in premium British-milled worsted wool fabric from Marton Mills, they offer a tactile and aesthetically pleasing alternative to the ubiquitous plastic and metal speakers. This choice of material not only provides a unique look but also contributes to the acoustic properties, helping to prevent unwanted resonances. The minimalist aesthetic and robust build quality reflect a thoughtful design process, ensuring these speakers blend seamlessly into any home or travel environment while standing out with understated elegance.

Close-up of Cambridge Audio Yoyo speaker with premium British-milled wool fabric finish.

Dive into the Yoyo Family: Models & Their Strengths

The Cambridge Audio Yoyo series features a few distinct models, each catering to different needs while upholding the brand’s commitment to sound quality.

Cambridge Audio Yoyo L: The Home Audio Hub

The Yoyo L is more than just a Bluetooth speaker; it’s designed to be an all-in-one home audio system. It truly functions as a home audio hub, offering a wide array of connectivity options.

• Pros: The Yoyo L excels at music reproduction, delivering a warm and rich sound with surprisingly good bass definition. Its stellar industrial design allows it to integrate beautifully into home decor. It offers extensive connections, making it versatile for various audio sources.
• Cons: It’s larger and less portable than its siblings, primarily designed for static home use. Some suggest it performs best when pulled slightly into the room rather than tucked away, which might not suit all setups.
• Key Features: This model often includes HDMI ARC for TV connectivity, optical inputs, AUX, and Chromecast Built-in, transforming it into a versatile soundbar alternative or a dedicated music system. Its driver configuration is optimized for a wide soundstage suitable for a living room environment.

Cambridge Audio Yoyo M: Stereo Separation, Anywhere

The Yoyo M stands out by offering true stereo sound. Sold as a pair, these speakers can be positioned apart to create a genuine stereo image, providing a far more immersive experience than a single speaker can.

• Pros: The Yoyo M’s primary advantage is its ability to generate a broad stereo image, making music feel more expansive and engaging. The sound quality is generally smooth and detailed, with a sweet treble and good balance. They can achieve impressive volume without sounding harsh.
• Cons: While portable, carrying two speakers is less convenient than one. Some reviewers noted that while bass is decent, deep low-frequency impact might not be as pronounced as some competitors, making it less ideal for bass-heavy party tracks.
• Key Features: When paired, the Yoyo M speakers leverage their proportionally large radiating area to create a detailed soundstage. They often feature intuitive gesture controls, allowing you to skip tracks or adjust volume with a wave of your hand, a handy feature when your hands are wet or occupied.

Two Cambridge Audio Yoyo M speakers arranged for true stereo sound in a modern room.

Cambridge Audio Yoyo S: Compact & Capable

The Yoyo S is the most compact and portable member of the family, designed for personal listening on the go without compromising on Cambridge Audio’s sonic principles.

• Pros: Despite its small size, the Yoyo S delivers a surprisingly warm sound with plenty of volume. It features multiple drivers, a subwoofer, and a passive radiator to achieve a deeper sound experience than typical compact speakers. It’s highly portable and stylish.
• Cons: The mid-range audio can sometimes feel a little “loose,” though this is often a trade-off to avoid tinny or strained sounds from a small enclosure. Its overall soundstage is more constrained compared to the larger Yoyo models.
• Key Features: Typically featuring three drivers, including a dedicated subwoofer and a passive radiator, the Yoyo S punches above its weight in terms of bass response and overall warmth. It also includes gesture controls, and its compact size makes it an ideal travel companion.

Beyond the Basics: Key Features Across the Yoyo Range

Across the Cambridge Audio Yoyo spectrum, several shared characteristics enhance the user experience and underscore the brand’s dedication to quality.

• Connectivity: While Bluetooth is the primary wireless connection, many Yoyo models also offer AUX inputs for wired connections, and some (like the Yoyo L) feature more advanced options such as HDMI ARC and Chromecast.
• Battery Life: For the portable Yoyo S and M models, battery life is a crucial factor. Cambridge Audio generally equips these with respectable battery performance, allowing for hours of playback on a single charge, making them suitable for outings or extended listening sessions.
• Gesture Control: A distinctive feature found on the Yoyo S and M is gesture control. A simple wave of the hand can play/pause music or skip tracks, adding a touch of futuristic convenience, though some find it a novelty.
• Premium Materials: The signature British-milled wool finish is a hallmark of the Yoyo series, providing a sophisticated look and feel that sets them apart from most competitors.

Choosing Your Perfect Yoyo: A Buying Guide

Selecting the right Cambridge Audio Yoyo speaker depends entirely on your lifestyle and listening priorities.

Determine Your Usage Needs

• Home Audio Enthusiast: If you’re looking for a primary audio system for your living room that can also connect to your TV, the Yoyo L is likely your best bet, offering a comprehensive suite of features and robust sound.
• Immersive Stereo Listener: For those who prioritize a true stereo soundstage and want the flexibility to move their setup, the Yoyo M pair offers an unparalleled portable stereo experience.
• On-the-Go Music Lover: If compactness and portability are paramount for personal listening during travel, at the park, or in smaller spaces, the Yoyo S delivers surprising audio quality in a small package.

Prioritizing Sound Quality vs. Portability

All Yoyo speakers aim for high sound quality, but there’s a natural trade-off with size and portability. The Yoyo L delivers the most expansive sound, while the Yoyo S offers the most convenient portability. The Yoyo M strikes a compelling balance, offering stereo separation in a relatively portable format. Consider where and how you’ll primarily use your speaker to make the right choice.

Budget Considerations

While pricing can vary, the Yoyo S typically represents the more affordable entry into the series, with the Yoyo M and Yoyo L occupying the mid-to-higher end of the portable speaker market, reflecting their advanced features and larger scale. Investing in a Yoyo speaker is often seen as a choice for enduring quality and sophisticated sound.

Cambridge Audio Yoyo: A Quick Comparison

Model	Primary Use Case	Key Advantages	Key Characteristics	Estimated Price Range
Yoyo L	Home Audio System	Rich, warm sound; excellent connectivity; elegant design	Comprehensive home hub; strong bass definition; Chromecast built-in	Mid-to-High
Yoyo M	Portable Stereo	True stereo separation; immersive sound; gesture control	Detailed, balanced sound; good portability as a pair; premium wool finish	Mid-to-High
Yoyo S	Compact Portable	Surprisingly warm sound for size; very portable; stylish	Deep sound from compact design; decent volume; gesture controls	Entry-to-Mid

Maximizing Your Cambridge Audio Yoyo Experience

To truly appreciate the “British sound” from your Cambridge Audio Yoyo speaker, a few tips can enhance your listening pleasure.

Pairing & Setup Tips

Connecting your Yoyo speaker is straightforward. Simply put the speaker into Bluetooth pairing mode (usually by holding the Bluetooth button), then select it from your device’s Bluetooth settings. For Yoyo M, ensure both speakers are paired correctly to enable stereo mode. For Yoyo L, exploring its wired and Wi-Fi connectivity options will unlock its full potential as a home audio system.

Optimizing Sound

Placement matters, especially for the Yoyo L. Experiment with its position in your room; sometimes pulling it slightly away from a wall can improve bass clarity and soundstage. For Yoyo M, ensuring optimal separation between the two units will maximize the stereo imaging. While Yoyo speakers aim for a balanced sound, subtle adjustments via your streaming app’s EQ settings can fine-tune the audio to your personal preference.

Care & Maintenance

The premium wool finish of your Yoyo speaker requires gentle care. For general cleaning, a soft, dry cloth is usually sufficient. Avoid harsh chemicals or excessive moisture. If you need to clean the fabric, a very lightly damp cloth can be used for spot cleaning, but always ensure it dries thoroughly. Proper care will maintain both the aesthetic and acoustic integrity of your speaker for years to come.

Conclusion

The Cambridge Audio Yoyo series stands as a testament to British audio engineering, delivering a sophisticated and engaging listening experience that prioritizes sound quality above all else. Whether you choose the home-centric Yoyo L, the stereo-capable Yoyo M, or the highly portable Yoyo S, you’re investing in a speaker that offers a balanced, warm, and detailed sound signature. With their elegant design and robust features, Yoyo speakers are not just devices for playing music; they are carefully crafted instruments designed to bring your favorite tunes to life with clarity and musicality. So, are you ready to elevate your listening experience with a touch of British audio excellence?

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Cambridge Audio Yoyo speakers sound “British”?

The “British sound” refers to an audio philosophy emphasizing neutral, natural, and musical reproduction, with a focus on clarity, warmth, and balance across the frequency spectrum, rather than artificial enhancements like booming bass or overly bright treble. Cambridge Audio Yoyo speakers are engineered to deliver this refined and authentic audio experience.

Can the Cambridge Audio Yoyo M speakers be used individually?

Yes, while the Yoyo M speakers are sold as a pair for stereo playback, each unit can also be used independently as a standalone mono Bluetooth Speaker, offering flexibility for different listening scenarios.

Do Cambridge Audio Yoyo speakers have good bass?

Cambridge Audio Yoyo speakers are designed for balanced sound. While they provide good bass definition and warmth, especially the Yoyo L, they generally prioritize accuracy and musicality over exaggerated, boomy bass often found in some consumer speakers. The Yoyo M offers decent bass for its size, but deep low-frequency impact might not be its strongest suit for extremely bass-heavy music.

Are Cambridge Audio Yoyo speakers waterproof?

The primary focus of the Cambridge Audio Yoyo series is on sound quality and premium design. While some modern portable speakers offer robust waterproofing, the Yoyo models, with their fabric finish, are generally not designed for extensive water exposure. Always check the specific model’s specifications for any water resistance ratings (e.g., IPX rating).

What is the battery life of Cambridge Audio Yoyo portable models?

Battery life varies by model and usage. For instance, the Yoyo S and Yoyo M typically offer several hours of continuous playback on a single charge, making them suitable for extended listening sessions on the go. Actual battery performance can depend on volume levels and content played.