Cambridge Audio L/R X Review: Big on Bass, Features, and Price

Introduction to the Cambridge Audio L/R X

Back at High End 2026 in Vienna, fresh off an evening of Austrian hospitality, I took a trip to Cambridge Audio's display area where the team was eager to unveil their latest flagship audio equipment. After being handed a bottle of water and assurances that my senses would recover, I was ushered into a specialized testing room and invited to pick a reference track. The demonstration showcased the L/R X, the largest, most powerful addition to Cambridge's compact L/R speaker lineup. Even with a severe hangover, the acoustic performance was undeniable.

After spending a couple of months thoroughly evaluating the L/R X speakers in a home environment, I've come away as a massive admirer of what they achieve. Aside from a notably steep retail price, complaints are remarkably sparse. Let's dive deep into this comprehensive review to see if these high-end streaming active speakers deserve a spot in your setup.

Key Specifications Overview

Before analyzing the performance, let's break down the essential hardware specifications of the Cambridge Audio L/R X:

• Price: $2,399 / £1,799 per pair
• Drivers: 1x 1.1-inch tweeter, 2x 5-inch woofers, 2x 6-inch passive radiators per speaker
• Speaker Type: Active with wireless and wired speaker link options
• Frequency Response: 35Hz – 24kHz
• Wired Connectivity: USB-C, USB-A, Phono, Aux RCA, HDMI eARC, Optical
• Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Qobuz/Tidal/Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Bluetooth, Internet Radio
• Dimensions & Weight: 7.8 x 12.9 x 10.2 inches; 22.9 lbs per speaker
• Color Options: Black, White, Blue, Walnut, Orange, Green

Sound Quality and Acoustic Performance

On first glance, the L/R X might appear to house a single tweeter and a 5-inch woofer, but appearances can be deceiving. Hidden inside the acoustic cabinet is a secondary 5-inch downfiring woofer. Working in tandem with dual 6-inch passive radiators, the system delivers an incredible amount of low-end power that defies standard bookshelf speaker expectations.

While a second woofer doesn't completely replace a dedicated external subwoofer, the L/R X drops cleanly down to 35Hz. The downfiring woofer generates an upward-swooping bass sensation, perfectly illustrated by the thunderous sub-bass waves at the conclusion of SOHN’s 'Antigravity'—especially when leveraging the bass boost EQ preset. Despite the immense output, everything remains tightly controlled. Bass guitars in tracks like Odetta’s 'Hit Or Miss' maintain clear articulation without bleeding into booming muddiness.

Mid-range clarity on complex, densely layered tracks required a minor adjustment to speaker toe-in angles and software room acoustics. Vocals, however, sound phenomenal, letting smoky tones and airy high-end percussion shine with exceptional spatial separation. Because of the downfiring driver configuration, utilizing dedicated stands is crucial to prevent surface rattles.

Neo-Retro Design and Aesthetics

Maintaining the clean aesthetic lineage of the smaller L/R S and L/R M, the L/R X incorporate a sophisticated neo-retro flair centered around the tweeter housing. An understated ambient light glows gently between the main cabinet and the metal riser, while the side-mounted passive radiators visibly pulse and vibrate during playback.

Admittedly, high-end design can be subjective, but the visual package is undeniably striking. Furthermore, Cambridge offers a broad spectrum of color finishes—including striking oranges, deep blues, greens, and classic walnut—ensuring you can match your interior decoration scheme effortlessly.

Advanced Connectivity and StreamMagic Integration

The L/R X excel brilliantly in the connectivity department. Each speaker is individually powered, meaning you can ditch traditional amplifiers or AV receivers. Crucially, they link wirelessly to one another supporting up to 24-bit/192kHz audio transfers, eliminating unsightly tethering cables between the left and right channels.

For physical inputs, the back panel is fully loaded with USB ports, an AUX input, a dedicated phono stage for turntables, an optical port, an eARC HDMI connection for television integration, and a dedicated subwoofer output. Software control is anchored by the StreamMagic app, offering a 10-band equalizer, comprehensive room acoustics calibration, DynamEQ for low-volume listening clarity, and customization options for lighting and standby controls.

Drawbacks: The Price Factor

The primary hurdle with the Cambridge Audio L/R X is the financial investment required. At $2,399 / £1,799 per pair, they are priced comfortably above several competing high-end alternatives. While high-fi gear commands a premium, buyers must weigh whether the stellar connectivity and integrated amplification justify the cost compared to traditional passive setups or alternatives like Klipsch The Nines.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Cambridge Audio L/R X?

If you are a dedicated audiophile desiring massive, high-resolution sound within a space-constrained environment, the Cambridge Audio L/R X are exceptional. Their wireless interconnectivity, rich feature set, and powerful low-end delivery create a complete, cohesive hi-fi package that is difficult to surpass.