Cambridge Audio Active Speakers Compared: L/R S vs L/R M vs L/R X

The Cambridge Audio L/R Family at a Glance

Cambridge Audio built the L/R range around a single idea: give you a complete, high performance stereo system in just two active speakers, with the amplification, DACs, and processing built right in. Every model in this lineup is sold as a matched pair, uses efficient Class D amplification, drives a 28mm or 21mm tweeter with dedicated bass drivers, and offers a subwoofer output for those who want to extend the low end. All three also share the same six finish options (Black, White, Blue, Green, Orange, and Real Walnut), so the choice is really about scale, sources, and how far you want the streaming and connectivity to reach.

Specifications compared

The differences come down to power, driver complement, low frequency reach, and how connected you want to be. The L/R S is a compact Bluetooth pair, the L/R M steps up to a full network streaming system with more inputs, and the L/R X is the flagship, with the largest cabinets, the most power, and the deepest bass. This guide walks through where each one fits.

The Models Compared

Cambridge Audio L/R S

The L/R S is the compact entry point, a pair of active powered speakers delivering 50 watts per speaker (100 watts total) from Class D amplification, with a 21mm aluminum tweeter and a 3 inch woofer in each cabinet plus a rear reflex port. Its frequency response runs from 55 Hz to 24 kHz (+/- 3 dB). Connectivity is deliberately streamlined: RCA line, optical TOSLINK, USB-C audio, and Bluetooth (SBC, AAC, aptX, and aptX HD), but no Wi-Fi or network streaming. At 134 x 226 x 180 mm and roughly 3.0 kg for the primary speaker, it is the smallest and lightest way into the family, well suited to a desktop or a smaller room.

Cambridge Audio L/R M

The L/R M is the connected middle of the range, a matched pair of active streaming speakers rated at 150 watts per speaker (300 watts total), each with a 28mm tweeter, two 4 inch woofers, and two 4.75 inch side-mounted force-cancelling passive radiators. Frequency response extends down to 40 Hz (+/- 3 dB, up to 24 kHz). This is where full network streaming arrives via dual-band Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Amazon Music, and StreamMagic Gen 4. The input set is generous too, adding HDMI eARC and a Moving Magnet phono stage alongside optical, RCA line, USB-C audio, and USB-A media. At 158 x 263 x 190 mm and about 6.2 kg for the primary unit, it is a substantial step up in both output and versatility.

Cambridge Audio L/R X

The L/R X is the flagship, a matched pair delivering 400 watts per speaker (800 watts total) from Class D amplification, with a 28mm tweeter, two 5 inch woofers, and two 6 inch side-mounted force-cancelling passive radiators in each larger cabinet. It reaches down to 35 Hz (+/- 3 dB) and carries Hi-Res Audio certification on top of the same full StreamMagic Gen 4 streaming suite found on the M. It shares the M's rich input set (HDMI eARC, Moving Magnet phono, optical, RCA line, USB-C audio, USB-A media, Bluetooth) and adds a wireless WiSA option for the inter-speaker link in addition to wired USB-C, plus underlighting. At 200 x 330 x 260 mm and about 10.4 kg each, it is the biggest and most capable system in the lineup.

Which Should You Buy by Scenario

I have a small room, a desktop, or a study and mostly stream from my phone

Go with the L/R S, whose compact 134 x 226 x 180 mm cabinets and 50 watts per speaker are a natural fit for near-field and small room listening, and whose Bluetooth (including aptX HD) covers phone based streaming without needing a network setup. If you value the smallest footprint and simplest connection, this is the one.

I want built-in streaming and one system to serve music, TV, and even a turntable

Choose the L/R M, because it combines full Wi-Fi network streaming (AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Roon Ready, Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music via StreamMagic Gen 4) with HDMI eARC for your TV and a Moving Magnet phono input for a turntable, all in a 150 watt per speaker pair that reaches down to 40 Hz.

I have a larger room and want the deepest bass and most output in the lineup

The L/R X is the answer, with 400 watts per speaker (800 watts total), larger 5 inch woofers and 6 inch passive radiators, and the lowest reach in the family at 35 Hz (+/- 3 dB), all housed in the biggest cabinets at about 10.4 kg each.

I want the most flexible placement and future-facing connection

Look to the L/R X, which is the only model here offering a wireless WiSA inter-speaker link in addition to wired USB-C, alongside Hi-Res Audio certification and underlighting, giving you more freedom in how you position and connect the pair.

I care most about a clean, streamlined setup without a home network

The L/R S suits you best, since it deliberately skips Wi-Fi and network streaming in favor of Bluetooth, optical, USB-C, and RCA line inputs, keeping the system simple while still offering a subwoofer output if you later want more low end.

A Note on Matching and the Rest of the System

Because every L/R model is an active system with amplification built in (Class D at 50, 150, or 400 watts per speaker depending on model), you do not pair these with a separate amplifier the way you would with passive speakers, so there is no impedance or sensitivity matching to worry about. Focus your attention on placement instead: the L/R S uses a rear reflex port and benefits from a little breathing room behind it, while the M and X use side-mounted force-cancelling passive radiators, so give those side panels some clearance. If you want to reinforce the low end, all three provide a subwoofer output, and the X's WiSA option can simplify running the pair when a wired inter-speaker link is inconvenient.

Come Listen at AEA

The best way to choose between the L/R S, L/R M, and L/R X is to hear them in person, so we invite you to visit All Elite Audio at our showroom in Timonium, Maryland, where our team can help you compare scale, bass reach, and connectivity across the range. Demo units rotate, so please reach out ahead of your visit if there is a specific model or finish you would like to audition.