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Cambridge Audio L/R Series
Cambridge Audio is entering a new territory, bringing its experience in building amplifiers, streamers and all-in-one systems into the world of active loudspeaker sets. The British brand has unveiled the L/R Series, a family of advanced active stereo systems designed to replace a traditional separates system and combine loudspeakers, amplification and streaming in a single, tidy package. The three models, L/R X, L/R M and L/R S, target the same part of the market that has so far been strongly represented by brands such as KEF and Sonos, offering users a fully fledged stereo system with built-in amplification, straightforward wireless connectivity and sound that is intended to work equally well for nearfield listening, in a larger living room and even as part of a setup for film soundtracks and immersive Dolby Atmos material.
In conceptual terms the L/R Series is very simple. The user chooses the size and feature set that best suits their room and listening habits, and each of the three systems functions as a complete pair of active stereo loudspeakers. L/R X is the largest and most powerful model, aimed at music and home cinema enthusiasts who want full scale, dynamic sound with the ability to fill a substantial space. L/R M follows the same philosophy in a more compact form intended for medium sized rooms. L/R S is the smallest and most straightforward option, conceived for desks, bedrooms, smaller spaces and nearfield use, where convenience, footprint and ease of Bluetooth connectivity matter most. All three models have been designed and tuned in London with a focus on natural, engaging sound and a distinctive, confident industrial design that fits contemporary interiors.
The key element of the new line is a common technological foundation. L/R X and L/R M both use the latest version of Cambridge Audio's StreamMagic Gen 4 platform, which handles high resolution streaming over the home network, multiroom integration and support for music services. Users can play music over Wi-Fi or Ethernet from services such as Tidal, Spotify, Qobuz, Amazon Music and Deezer, as well as UPnP sources and internet radio. Built-in Google Cast, Apple AirPlay 2 and Roon Ready support make it easy to integrate the L/R systems into an existing home audio ecosystem. X and M also debut a newly developed 28 mm Torus tweeter, which works within an advanced two and a half way architecture to provide detailed, precise yet smooth treble, with improved dispersion control and lower distortion.
The flagship L/R X is housed in an elegant standmount enclosure that hides a sophisticated driver array and a powerful amplifier section. High frequencies are handled by the new Torus tweeter, while mid and low frequencies are entrusted to two 130 mm bass drivers working together with two 150 mm passive radiators. Amplification is provided by a class D amplifier rated at 800 W per system, which translates into 400 W per loudspeaker. This configuration is intended to deliver deep, dynamic sound with low distortion and the sense of effortlessness usually associated with sizeable floorstanding designs, while keeping the footprint and visual presence closer to that of a standmount system.
From a functionality point of view L/R X is conceived as the central hub of a home audio and video system. In addition to wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth the user has access to HDMI eARC for use with a television, optical and coaxial inputs, a USB Audio input, an analogue line input and a built-in phono stage for MC cartridges, which allows a turntable to be connected without additional hardware. The two speakers can be linked either by USB-C or wirelessly using WiSA HT, which makes it easier to position them freely without a signal cable between them. In practice L/R X can serve as a universal home entertainment centre, combining stereo music playback with the handling of film soundtracks and spatial audio formats.
L/R M follows the same philosophy and shares most of the solutions used in X, but in a smaller and more versatile form. Inside we find the same 28 mm Torus tweeter and a two and a half way acoustic layout, driven by a class D amplifier rated at 300 W per system, 150 W per speaker. This power reserve, combined with the advanced electronics, is intended to provide precise, controlled sound that fills the room, even if the space is not large. As with L/R X, the M model runs on the StreamMagic platform, supports the same streaming services and offers a similar set of connections, including HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, an MC phono input, USB Audio, an optical input and a dedicated subwoofer output. In everyday use L/R M is designed to be a complete stereo system for listeners who do not need the scale and sheer output of X, but want similar functionality and sonic character in a more compact enclosure.
The smallest L/R S has been created for users who primarily want a simple, compact system for everyday close range listening. Unlike the two larger models it does not use the StreamMagic platform and instead focuses on Bluetooth aptX HD and a wired USB Audio connection for laptops and desktop computers. Power comes from a class D amplifier rated at 100 W per system, 50 W per speaker, working with a driver complement optimised for a small desktop style enclosure. According to the manufacturer this combination is intended to deliver clean, articulate and involving sound that works well both as a main system in a small flat and as a high quality setup for a computer, home office or bedroom.
All three L/R models share the same design language. The cabinets are slim and gently curved, with a discreetly emphasised front baffle and clear, simple controls. Cambridge Audio has placed strong emphasis on colour and personalisation. L/R X, L/R M and L/R S will be offered in six distinctive finishes, including white, black, bold colour options and a Real Walnut veneer with genuine walnut wood. This approach allows users to choose a system not only according to power and features, but also so that it integrates visually with a living room or home office.
From a user perspective the L/R Series is meant to combine serious acoustic engineering with straightforward day to day operation. In X and M the manufacturer has implemented a set of tools that help tailor the sound to the acoustics of the room and protect the drivers at higher listening levels, while control is handled through a dedicated app and remote handset. L/R S is intended to be as hassle free as possible for listeners who simply want to connect a laptop, pair a phone and start playing music without delving into the configuration of a full scale hi-fi system.
The L/R Series is scheduled to reach the market in 2026. The compact L/R S will arrive first, in March, followed by the flagship L/R X in June. L/R M is planned to join the range in July. Indicative retail prices in Europe are expected to be 499 euro for L/R S, 1 399 euro for L/R M and 1 999 euro for L/R X. Detailed availability dates and local pricing in individual markets will be announced by distributors closer to launch. Info and photos by Cambridge Audio.
