Cambridge Audio Goes Active w Stylish L/R Series Speakers

Cambridge Audio made a splash at CES 2026 with the surprise launch of a family of active loudspeakers called the L/R Series. This is the brand’s first entry into the active speaker space (unless you count the all-in-one Cambridge Audio Evo One, which was introduced a couple of years ago). Cambridge says that the L/R Series combines advanced acoustic engineering, simple and intuitive connectivity, and bold, timeless design. That design is certainly a winner in my book. The L/R Series includes three models: the flagship L/R X ($2,299/pair), the medium-sized L/R M ($1,599/pair) and the smaller L/R S ($549/pair). The L/R X and the L/R M both integrate Cambridge Audio’s StreamMagic Gen 4 platform, delivering high-resolution audio, multi-room functionality, and direct access to the streaming service of your choice via Wi-Fi or ethernet. Google Cast, Apple AirPlay 2, and ROON compatibility are also built in. 

The L/R X and the L/R M also use an innovative torus-chambered tweeter as part of their advanced 2.5-way acoustic design. The smaller L/R S is a simpler, Bluetooth-only affair, though nothing is stopping you from adding a separate streamer using the speaker’s digital or analog inputs. Designed and engineered in London, the L/R Series speakers are all available in six distinctive finishes, though it’s worth noting that the walnut veneer will cost extra. (Sign me up for the L/R X in green, thank you very much.)

Cambridge Audio L/R X

The flagship L/R X is nothing short of a direct challenge to the KEF LS50 Wireless II, which has remained a dominant force in the world of active streaming loudspeakers since its launch 5 years ago. The new Cambridge contender has a 2.5-way acoustic design in its corner, featuring a proprietary torus-chambered tweeter, a front-facing 5-inch woofer, a second 5-inch woofer integrated into the base of the speaker, and a pair of 6-inch force-cancelling passive radiators, one on each side of the rather handsome cabinet. 

The color-matched passive radiators are tuned to 38Hz, extending the speakers’ bass performance down to the mid-30Hz range, according to Cambridge. Each speaker is powered by 400 watts of Class D amplification, resulting in “deep, physical low-end energy that remains tight, controlled and musical, even at higher volumes,” and delivering “scale, depth, and impact without the need for a separate subwoofer,” according to the company. A new 64-bit audio pipeline reportedly preserves the finest musical details. I would assume that the crossover is handled in the digital domain, though Cambridge has not said as much. But we do know that the L/R X integrates Cambridge’s DynamEQ technology, which subtly adjusts bass and treble through the volume curve in order to keep music sounding “perfectly balanced, even at lower volumes.”

Cambridge Audio’s New 28mm Torus-Chambered Tweeter

Both the L/R X and the L/R M use Cambridge’s newly-designed 28mm torus-chambered tweeter, which the company credits for the speakers’ expansive, ultra-wide soundstaging and holographic imaging. The tweeter’s distinctive torus-shaped rear chamber resembles a doughnut, forming a tapered internal horn that reportedly absorbs rear energy, preventing reflections and dramatically reducing harmonic distortion. Although the design is unique, this aim of preventing reflections from the tweeter’s backwave will sound familiar to fans of the Metamaterial Absorption Technology used in KEF’s aforementioned LS50 Wireless II speakers, among others in the KEF catalog. Cambridge says that the torus-chambered tweeter “represents a new approach to high-frequency reproduction, delivering exceptional clarity, improved sensitivity, and hyper-realistic imaging at any volume.” The 28mm dual-radius aluminum dome offers 25% more surface area than a traditional 25mm design, according to Cambridge, displacing more air with greater control. A custom waveguide and phase cap ensure consistent on-axis and off-axis performance, resulting in treble that “feels open, precise, and effortlessly detailed, even if you’re not sat directly in the sweet spot,” according to the company.

In addition to wireless connectivity with support for Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz, Amazon Music, Internet radio, and more, the L/R X and L/R M both include HDMI eARC, a moving-magnet phono stage, and a subwoofer output. Both speakers also offer control via the StreamMagic app, which includes 7-band EQ, preset tunings, and room-optimization settings. A Bluetooth LE remote is also included, with dedicated source and EQ preset buttons. The inter-speaker link can be wireless, via WiSA HT, or wired via a USB-C cable. Either way, the speaker-to-speaker connection operates at 24-bit/96kHz quality.

The bold design from Red Dot award-winning designer Ged Martin “blends architectural confidence with expressive flair,” according to Cambridge Audio. The brand’s signature “floating” base is accentuated by ambient under-lighting from warmth-adjustable white LEDs. (The lighting can be turned off completely if you prefer a less visually assertive vibe.) Real walnut veneer costs $100/pair extra on the L/R X.

Cambridge Audio L/R M

The L/R M inherits all of the engineering ambition of the flagship L/R X, but stuffs it into a more compact form. It has the same streaming capabilities, the same physical connectivity, and the same 2.5-way configuration, using the same 28mm torus-chambered tweeter. 

The speaker’s core acoustic principles are the same, just scaled down a bit. While the larger L/R X uses 5-inch woofers and 6-inch passive radiators, the L/R M uses 4-inch woofers and 4.75-inch passive radiators. The smaller model still provides what Cambridge describes as “the weight and impact of a much larger system.” Each speaker has 150 watts of Class D amplification onboard. Real walnut veneer costs $100/pair extra on the L/R M.

Cambridge Audio L/R S

Designed for spaces like desks, bedrooms, and kitchen counters, the L/R S is a “bijou powerhouse that brings premium acoustics and confident design into everyday living,” according to Cambridge Audio. The L/R S is a simpler design with no built-in streaming — just aptX HD Bluetooth. Each speaker has 50 watts of Class D power, evenly split between the 21mm aluminum tweeter and the high-excursion 3-inch woofer. Instead of passive radiators, the L/R S features a rear bass-reflex slot port to enhance low-frequency performance while maintaining a compact cabinet size. The L/R S does still incorporate Cambridge’s DynamEQ technology, and its physical connectivity includes an analog input, a TOSLINK optical input, and USB Audio for connection to a PC or Mac. It lacks the HDMI eARC found on the larger models, however. A placement-optimization control on the rear panel allows listeners to adjust for boundary reinforcement, while a subwoofer output allows for upgraded bass. On this smaller speaker, the real walnut finish costs $50/pair extra. 

The L/R Series marks a new chapter for Cambridge Audio, and as a fan of the brand I will be curious to see whether the company can compete with the heavy-hitters in the loudspeaker world; brands like KEF, JBL, Dynaudio, and Klipsch all have active streaming speakers. Some models from Dynaudio and Klipsch even offer Dirac Live compatibility for more control over the sound you experience in your unique space. But I think these speakers from Cambridge might be the most stylish I’ve seen, and looks certainly matter, especially when it comes to products with “lifestyle” appeal. Let’s hope they sound as good as they look. Anyone attending AXPONA 2026 should definitely drop by the Cambridge Audio Demo rooms hosted by Fidelity Imports for a listen. 

More information: Cambridge Audio L/R Series

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