Cambridge Audio L/R — High-Fidelity Audio, Your Way
The Cambridge Audio L/R series — six finishes available across every model.There is something compelling about the simplicity of a well-designed active speaker. No separate amplifier to choose, no compatibility issues to work through, no intermediate components to manage — the signal arrives at the speaker, and the music comes out. Cambridge Audio, which has been building hi-fi components for nearly sixty years, is no stranger to the active format. But the L/R series represents something more ambitious: a complete family of three models designed for different listening contexts, from desk to living room, with a unified user experience and a design that refuses to blend into the background.
Rolling Stone described them as "not your average bookshelf speakers." What Hi-Fi? calls them "a clear, clean and rhythmically sound performer." Few new speakers generate this kind of reaction so quickly after launch.
A Complete System in Every Cabinet
What defines the L/R series comes down to one principle. Each primary speaker houses its own Class D amplifier, its own digital signal processing, and all the inputs needed for a complete installation. No external amplifier required. The primary speaker communicates with the passive speaker via Speaker Link cable (wireless connection available on the X model), and the system is ready to go.
On the M and X models, this principle goes further through StreamMagic Gen 4 — Cambridge Audio's proprietary streaming platform, built directly into the speaker. Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Tidal Connect, Roon Ready — all accessible without any additional hardware. Cambridge maintains this platform with regular updates, meaning the L/R M and X improve over time without any hardware intervention.
The L/R M and X integrate StreamMagic Gen 4: direct access to Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Tidal Connect and Roon, with no additional components.A Bold Design, Available in Six Finishes
Cambridge Audio made a rare choice for our industry — offering speakers in five striking colourways (Black, White, Orange, Green, Blue) alongside a Walnut finish for those who prefer a more classic aesthetic, and making all six available across every model in the range. It is both a statement that quality speakers do not all have to look alike, and an invitation to find the right fit for any need — in size, performance, and appearance.
The anodized aluminum chassis, the integrated rear heat sink (which serves as passive thermal management), and the custom-developed drivers — an aluminum dome tweeter with rear chamber and waveguide on the M and X models, force-cancelling passive radiators on the M and X — all contribute to a cohesive aesthetic that is at once sharp and understated. LED underlighting is also integrated on the L/R M and X.
DynamEQ: Balanced Sound at Every Volume
The entire L/R range features Cambridge Audio's DynamEQ technology — a dynamic equalization system that compensates for the reduced perception of bass and fine detail at low listening levels. In practice, this means the L/R speakers sound naturally balanced whether you are listening quietly late at night or at higher volumes. The sound does not thin out or lose body as you turn it down.
Extended Connectivity on the M and X Models
The L/R M and X feature an HDMI eARC input, allowing direct connection to a compatible television without any intermediary. On a recent TV, it is a single connection controllable from the television's own remote. For those looking to replace a soundbar or simplify a living room setup without sacrificing audio quality, this is a concrete advantage.
A moving magnet (MM) phono stage is also built into both models, allowing a turntable to be connected directly without an external phono preamplifier.
The Three Models of the L/R Range
Cambridge Audio L/R S — Ultra Compact Active Speakers
Cambridge Audio L/R S in Orange — 100 W total, 21 mm tweeter, Speaker Link connection via M12 cable.The entry-level model of the range is also its most compact. The L/R S measures 134 × 226 × 180 mm per speaker — a footprint sized for a desk, a bedroom, or a secondary setup. It features a 21 mm tweeter and a 3-inch woofer loaded by a bass-reflex port, delivering 100 W total in Class D. The connection between the two speakers uses the Speaker Link M12 cable (included).
The L/R S does not include StreamMagic or wired network connectivity. Wireless streaming is handled by Bluetooth aptX HD, which offers noticeably better audio quality than standard Bluetooth. It also accepts an analog source via an RCA input.
- Power: 100 W total (4 × 25 W Class D)
- 21 mm tweeter — 3-inch woofer, bass-reflex
- Bluetooth aptX HD — stereo RCA input
- Speaker connection: M12 Speaker Link cable
- No StreamMagic, no HDMI, no phono stage
- Dimensions: 134 × 226 × 180 mm per speaker
Cambridge Audio L/R M — Compact Active Streaming Speakers
Cambridge Audio L/R M in Walnut — 300 W total, StreamMagic Gen 4, HDMI eARC, MM phono stage, LED underlighting.The L/R M is the mid-range proposition of the series, and likely the one that will suit the widest range of configurations. With 300 W total (150 W per side) in Class D, a 28 mm aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide, two 4-inch woofers, and two 4.75-inch force-cancelling passive radiators, it delivers dynamics and bass depth that belie its size.
StreamMagic Gen 4 is built in, as are HDMI eARC, an MM phono stage, and Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity. The connection between the two speakers uses the Speaker Link USB-C cable. Compared to the X model, the L/R M does not offer wireless inter-speaker connection, but otherwise provides a nearly equivalent feature set in a slightly more compact package.
- Power: 300 W total (150 W per speaker, Class D)
- 28 mm tweeter — 2 × 4″ woofer, 2 × 4.75″ passive radiator
- StreamMagic Gen 4 — Wi-Fi + Ethernet
- HDMI eARC — MM phono stage — stereo RCA input
- Bluetooth — LED underlighting
- Speaker connection: USB-C Speaker Link cable
- Dimensions: 158 × 263 × 190 mm per speaker
Cambridge Audio L/R X — The Ultimate Expression
Cambridge Audio L/R X in Blue — 800 W total with 64-bit audio processing, StreamMagic Gen 4, wireless inter-speaker connection, HDMI eARC, MM phono stage.The X model is the most complete interpretation of the L/R concept. Power climbs to 800 W total (2 × 400 W), audio processing reaches 64 bits, and the drivers gain in surface area: two 5-inch woofers and two 6-inch force-cancelling passive radiators per speaker, paired with the same 28 mm rear-chamber tweeter and waveguide as the M model. The result is a speaker capable of filling a large room with an ease and bass control that few compact speakers can claim.
The most significant difference from the L/R M, beyond the power, lies in the inter-speaker connection: the L/R X can operate entirely wirelessly between the two channels — a genuine flexibility in placement. The wired Speaker Link USB-C connection remains available if preferred. This model also brings Cambridge Audio's full feature set: StreamMagic Gen 4, HDMI eARC, MM phono stage, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth and LED underlighting.
- Power: 800 W total (2 × 400 W, 64-bit processing, Class D)
- 28 mm aluminum dome tweeter, rear chamber, waveguide
- 2 × 5″ woofer, 2 × 6″ force-cancelling passive radiator per speaker
- StreamMagic Gen 4 — Wi-Fi + Ethernet
- HDMI eARC — MM phono stage — stereo RCA input
- Bluetooth — LED underlighting
- Speaker connection: wireless or USB-C Speaker Link cable
- Dimensions: 200 × 333 × 260 mm per speaker
L/R S, L/R M and L/R X — three interpretations of the same principle, for three different listening contexts.The Cambridge Audio L/R range is available at Fillion Électronique in six finishes. Come and hear them in our showroom.
Plan Your VisitFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the L/R S, M and X?
The L/R S is the compact Bluetooth model, with no wired network connectivity or StreamMagic. It is well suited to a desk, a bedroom, or a secondary setup. The L/R M and L/R X both integrate StreamMagic Gen 4, HDMI eARC, an MM phono stage and Wi-Fi. The main difference between the M and X comes down to power (300 W vs. 800 W), driver size, and the X model's ability to connect the two speakers wirelessly.
Do they require a separate amplifier?
No. The L/R speakers are active: the amplifier is built into the primary speaker. No external components are needed between your source and the speakers.
Can a turntable be connected directly to the L/R M or X?
Yes. The M and X models include a built-in moving magnet (MM) phono stage. Simply connect the turntable directly to the RCA input on the primary speaker — no external phono preamplifier required. On the L/R S, an external phono preamp is needed.
How does the inter-speaker connection work?
On the L/R S, the connection uses the Speaker Link M12 cable (included). On the L/R M, it uses the Speaker Link USB-C cable. On the L/R X, the connection can be wireless (proprietary connection between the two speakers) or via the Speaker Link USB-C cable, depending on your preference.
Which streaming platforms are supported on the L/R M and X?
The M and X models integrate StreamMagic Gen 4, providing access to Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Tidal Connect, and Roon Ready, among others. Cambridge Audio updates this platform regularly, meaning compatibility expands over time without any hardware changes.
Can they be connected directly to a television?
Yes, on the M and X models. The HDMI eARC input allows direct connection to a compatible television, delivering audio quality that is significantly better than an optical cable can carry. On CEC-compatible devices, the connection is also controllable from the TV remote.
