Cambridge Audio L/R X: The stylish all-in-one solution for modern HiFi

800 watts, streaming, HDMI, phono, and real stereo – do we even need a classic HiFi system today?

With the new L/R series, Cambridge Audio is consistently entering the market for active stereo speakers for the first time. At the forefront is the Cambridge Audio L/R X: a fully active streaming system that combines speakers, amplifiers, network players, DACs, and phono preamps in two relatively compact enclosures.

The Brits are targeting music lovers who expect high-quality stereo sound but don't want a large equipment rack or a tangle of power, RCA, and speaker cables in their living room. At the same time, the L/R X should be powerful enough to sound great in larger rooms.

Cambridge Audio is going head-to-head with established systems like the KEF LS50 Wireless II. But the L/R X aim to be more than just practical. With 800 watts of total power, a newly developed high-frequency technology, two woofers, and two passive radiators per speaker, they pursue a rather ambitious HiFi claim.

Striking design with British understatement

The L/R X show that modern active speakers don't have to look like sober studio monitors. The enclosure appears clear, compact, and architectural, enhanced by an optically 'floating' base and subtle LED lighting.

Cambridge Audio offers the system in black, white, blue, green, orange, and real walnut. Especially orange makes a bold statement, while black, white, and walnut integrate effortlessly into classic living spaces.

Each speaker measures 20 × 33 × 26 centimeters and weighs a whopping 10.4 kilograms. This size already suggests when setting it up that these are not ordinary wireless boxes, but solidly constructed active speakers.

However, Cambridge Audio does not offer any specially designed stands for the series. Given the weight and strong bass reproduction, you should pay attention to stable speaker stands or a very solid lowboard. The speakers also need some space on the sides, as the two passive membranes work there.

Fully active technology with 800 watts

Each L/R-X speaker has 400 watts of Class-D amplifier power available. Together, that results in a nominal total power of 800 watts.

This enormous power specification alone doesn’t guarantee good sound, of course. However, it provides great reserves for dynamic music, high levels, and controlled reproduction of low frequencies.

For the high frequencies, Cambridge Audio developed its own 28-millimeter toroidal tweeter. Its aluminum dome has two different radii and works with a specially shaped waveguide, phase ring, and rear chamber. Compared to a classic 25-millimeter dome, the larger diaphragm area is supposed to move about 25 percent more air.

Each speaker also uses two 5-inch woofers. One radiates forward, while the second works downward. They are supported by two 6-inch passive membranes mounted on the sides. Cambridge Audio specifies a frequency response of 35 Hertz to 24 kilohertz at ±3 decibels.

The speakers are digitally controlled by a 64-bit DSP. DynamEQ is supposed to balance the sound depending on the volume, while an electronic protection circuit keeps the chassis safe from overload at very high levels. The StreamMagic app offers various sound modes, room optimization, and a seven-band equalizer.

Between the speakers: Cable or wireless

A special feature of the L/R X is the flexible connection between the left and right speakers. Cambridge Audio allows for both a wired connection using the included five-meter-long USB-C cable and a wireless connection via WiSA HT.

Both variants transmit audio signals with up to 24 bits and 96 kilohertz. Those who prefer maximum operational safety or listen in an environment with many wireless networks can opt for the USB-C cable. If you want to set up the system as visually reduced as possible, use WiSA HT.

However, the system is not completely wireless: both speakers require their own power connection.

StreamMagic Gen 4 as the digital centerpiece

Cambridge Audio already has many years of experience in network streaming with StreamMagic. The fourth generation of the platform is used in the L/R X.

Supported are among others:

• Spotify Connect
• Tidal Connect
• Qobuz Connect
• Amazon Music
• Internet radio
• UPnP
• Apple AirPlay 2
• Google Cast
• Roon Ready

The support of AirPlay 2, Google Cast, and Roon also allows integration into a multi-room environment. For guests or quick playback from a smartphone, Bluetooth with SBC and AAC is available.

Audiophile file formats like FLAC, WAV, ALAC, AIFF, and DSD up to DSD256 are also supported. Cambridge Audio officially certifies the L/R X as Hi-Res Audio.

From turntable to television

The all-in-one claim is particularly evident in the connections. In addition to streaming and Bluetooth, there is an analog line input, an optical digital input, USB-A, USB-C audio, and HDMI eARC available.

You can connect the L/R X directly to a television via HDMI eARC. The volume can usually be controlled via the TV remote. This way, the Cambridge speakers also take on the role of a high-quality soundbar – but with significantly better stereo imaging and a much wider soundstage.

For vinyl lovers, a moving magnet phono preamp is built-in. A suitable turntable can thus be connected directly without an additional phono preamp. There is also a subwoofer output available if more deep bass is desired in home theater or electronic music.

This way, the L/R X can replace a complete system consisting of network player, DAC, integrated amplifier, phono preamp, TV sound system, and passive speakers. This is one of their biggest advantages.

So judge international test reports

The previous international reports paint a very positive, but not entirely uncritical picture.

What Hi-Fi?: Clear, dynamic, and extremely level stable

What Hi-Fi? first listened to the L/R X at Cambridge Audio in London. The editorial team described the sound as clear, clean, rhythmic, and exceptionally dynamic. Particularly positive were the spatial separation of instruments, the high level of detail, and the large volume reserves.

With Prince, Alice in Chains, and Hans Zimmer's 'Mountains', the speakers showed a lot of rhythm, space, and dynamic range according to What Hi-Fi?. In a direct level comparison, they could clearly outperform the KEF LS50 Wireless II.

However, it was a demonstration in a foreign room and not a final lab test. With the prototype heard at that time, the editorial team noted a slightly bright and harsh treble edge at high volumes. Cambridge Audio made further adjustments to the tuning after this demonstration to reduce this effect. Therefore, What Hi-Fi?'s assessment should be understood as an early listening impression and not as a final test judgment.What Hi-Fi?

T3: Bass like with an additional subwoofer

T3 was also impressed after a demonstration at the London headquarters. The author particularly highlighted the enormous bass energy. The combination of two woofers and two passive membranes per box occasionally created the impression that an additional subwoofer was connected.

At the same time, T3 praised the wide stage, good instrument separation, and balance in orchestral music. Despite the powerful bass, the overall impression remained controlled and clean.T3

Soundnews: Warm, body-like, and suitable for long-term use

Particularly insightful is the detailed practical test by Soundnews. The production model was used over a longer period in an acoustically treated listening room of about 24 square meters.

The testers characterized the L/R X as warm, pleasant, and fatigue-free. Voices thus have a lot of body, weight, and natural presence. The midrange is one of the strengths of the system. Even with Leonard Cohen and Chris Stapleton, the speakers impressed with a vivid, body-like reproduction.

The stage was described as wide and stable. Instruments maintained their position even at increasing volume, while the speakers largely disappeared from the sound image as sound sources. The high frequencies of the torus tweeter sounded fine in the test and free from annoying sibilance.

Soundnews also noted that the L/R X are not tuned for maximum analytical resolution. Very fine spatial information, reverb trails, and the smallest textures are worked out even more precisely by particularly high-quality, carefully assembled individual components.

The bass reached surprisingly deep for the compact cabinet size, remained well-defined, and showed no disturbing interactions with voices even in demanding recordings. However, in the deepest sub-bass, the relatively compact chassis reach physical limits. For electronic music with strong frequency components below 35 Hertz, an additional subwoofer can be useful.

At extreme volumes, the protection circuit also noticeably kicks in and reduces the unrestricted dynamics. The positive side: the speakers do not start to distort unpleasantly, but are controlled and protected.SoundNews

Not just advantages: This is what you should pay attention to

The Cambridge Audio L/R X are a very complete system, but not automatically the best solution for every music lover.

Those who already own a high-quality setup with carefully selected amplifier, DAC, and passive speakers get more options for later upgrades and replacements with classic individual components. In an active all-in-one system, electronics, streaming platform, and speakers are permanently connected.

The wireless pairing of the speakers doesn't eliminate the need for two power cables. Bluetooth only supports SBC and AAC; high-quality codecs like aptX HD or LDAC are missing. For critical listening, you should use network streaming or one of the digital inputs anyway.

The powerful bass tuning also requires careful placement. On a resonating piece of furniture or directly against the wall, the bass can become too dominant. Room optimization and the equalizer of the StreamMagic app help with adjustments but do not replace proper positioning.

Technical specifications at a glance

mySoundbook conclusion

The Cambridge Audio L/R X embody a modern form of high fidelity: fewer devices, fewer cables, and fewer technical hurdles – but still real stereo and serious sound quality.

Especially convincing is the combination of enormous performance reserves, surprisingly mature bass, a wide stereo image, and almost complete connectivity options. Streaming, TV, computer, CD players, and turntables can be integrated into a single system.

Sonically, the L/R X seem to be tuned more towards musicality, body, and relaxed long-term listening rather than a ruthlessly analytical representation. This is likely to appeal to many listeners who want to enjoy entire albums instead of constantly scrutinizing every recording for the smallest flaws.

The L/R X are not cheap lifestyle speakers. However, when you add up a network player, DAC, amplifier, phono preamp, and a pair of powerful compact speakers, the price of around 2,000 euros seems quite competitive.

For music lovers looking for an elegant, room-friendly, and very powerful all-in-one system, the Cambridge Audio L/R X are among the most interesting active stereo systems in their class right now.

mySoundbook rating: A stylish and musically convincing complete solution with real HiFi ambitions – particularly strong in dynamics, voices, spatiality, and features.

For more info, please inquire with the Germany distribution:https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/eur/de/products/speakers/active-speakers

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