Cambridge Audio L/R X Active Loudspeakers – 800 Watts, StreamMagic Gen 4 and WiSA HT in a Compact Stereo System

Reducing a complete HiFi system to two compact loudspeakers usually involves compromises in power, connectivity or acoustic design. The Cambridge Audio L/R X take a more ambitious approach. As the flagship model of the Cambridge Audio L/R Series, they integrate the fourth generation of the company’s StreamMagic platform, HDMI eARC, analogue and digital inputs, an MM phono stage and six power-amplifier channels delivering a combined 800 watts RMS. A fully digital crossover controls a newly developed 28 mm Torus tweeter and two 5-inch mid/bass drivers in each enclosure, while two side-mounted 6-inch passive radiators help extend the response down to 35 Hz. The result is intended for listeners who want a capable stereo system without separate streaming, preamplifier and power-amplifier components.

Key Facts Cambridge Audio L/R X

• Active 2.5-way stereo loudspeaker system
• Cambridge Audio StreamMagic Gen 4 with control via Apple iOS and Google Android
• Six power-amplifier channels delivering 800 watts RMS per stereo pair
• One 28 mm Torus tweeter and two 5-inch mid/bass drivers per loudspeaker
• Two side-mounted 6-inch passive radiators per loudspeaker and a subwoofer output
• Frequency response from 35 Hz to 24 kHz at ±3 dB
• HDMI eARC, USB-A, USB-C, optical S/PDIF, line-level and MM phono inputs
• Inter-speaker connection via USB-C or wireless WiSA HT
• Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer, UPnP and Internet radio
• Google Cast, Apple AirPlay 2 and Roon Ready
• Six finishes, including real walnut veneer
• Prices starting at € 1.999,- per stereo pair

Moving the HiFi system into the loudspeaker

Cambridge Audio does not position the L/R X merely as an active alternative to a pair of passive bookshelf loudspeakers. The system also performs the roles of network streamer, preamplifier, D/A converter, phono preamplifier and six-channel power amplifier.

At its centre is StreamMagic Gen 4, the latest generation of Cambridge Audio’s proprietary streaming platform. It provides access to Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer, UPnP and Internet radio. According to the press release, Spotify Connect Lossless is supported as well.

Google Cast and Apple AirPlay 2 provide further wireless playback options, while Roon Ready certification allows the Cambridge Audio L/R X to operate as a network endpoint within a Roon system.

Network access is available through a wired Ethernet port or dual-band WiFi 5. Initial setup, source selection and playback control are handled through the StreamMagic app for Apple iOS and Google Android.

Phono stage, USB and HDMI

The physical connectivity is unusually broad for a compact active loudspeaker system. A pair of RCA sockets accepts analogue line-level sources, while the integrated MM phono stage allows a turntable fitted with a moving-magnet cartridge to be connected directly.

Digital sources can use the optical S/PDIF input, USB-A or USB-C. HDMI eARC connects the system to a television and allows the TV remote control to adjust the volume of the L/R X.

Bluetooth with SBC and AAC codec support is included for straightforward wireless playback from smartphones, tablets and notebooks.

A dedicated RCA output can be used to add an active subwoofer. Given the stated lower frequency limit of 35 Hz, this is likely to be most relevant in particularly large rooms, with bass-heavy electronic music or when the loudspeakers are used with a television.

USB-C or WiSA HT between the loudspeaker

Cambridge Audio gives owners a choice of wired or wireless communication between the two loudspeakers. A USB-C cable is supplied for the conventional wired connection. This option may be preferable in installations where permanently stable wireless transmission cannot be guaranteed.

Alternatively, the two Cambridge Audio L/R X can communicate through WiSA HT, removing the need for a signal cable between them. Cambridge Audio states that both connection methods support resolutions of up to 24 Bit and 96 kHz.

With WiSA HT enabled, each loudspeaker requires only its own mains connection. This preserves the visual simplicity expected from a wireless stereo system without limiting the resolution of the inter-speaker link compared with the supplied cable.

Six amplifier channels and digital crossovers

Six power-amplifier channels are used across each stereo pair. According to Cambridge Audio, each of the two 5-inch mid/bass drivers is driven by 135 watts RMS. Together with the amplifier channels assigned to the tweeters, this produces a total system output of 800 watts RMS, equivalent to 400 watts per loudspeaker.

Frequency distribution is not handled by a conventional passive crossover. Instead, Cambridge Audio employs a fully digital DSP-based solution. Internal processing operates at 64 Bit, providing the calculation precision required for crossover filtering, volume control and the available sound-adjustment functions.

The processing section also includes loudspeaker protection and DynamicEQ. This switchable feature adjusts bass and treble reproduction according to the selected listening level, with the aim of maintaining a subjectively balanced presentation at lower volumes.

Adjustment for room and placement

A 7-band equaliser is available through the StreamMagic app. It is accompanied by selectable placement compensation, allowing the reproduction to be adapted to different positions within a room.

The settings can therefore account for free-standing installation, placement near a wall and other acoustically relevant conditions. This is particularly useful for a compact system that may be used on stands, furniture or alongside a television.

Cambridge Audio also provides three EQ modes: Normal, Film and Voice. The L/R X can consequently operate as a dedicated music system or take over audio duties for television programmes and films.

A 2.5-way design with five acoustic elements

Each Cambridge Audio L/R X incorporates one 28 mm tweeter, two active 5-inch mid/bass drivers and two 6-inch passive radiators. One mid/bass driver faces forwards, while the second fires downwards towards the metal base structure.

This arrangement forms a 2.5-way system and increases the available radiating area at low frequencies without requiring a particularly broad front baffle. The two passive radiators are mounted on the sides of each enclosure and support the active drivers in the lower part of the frequency range.

Cambridge Audio specifies a frequency response of 35 Hz to 24 kHz at ±3 dB. For an enclosure measuring only 200 mm wide, 330 mm high and 260 mm deep, the quoted lower limit is certainly ambitious.

Each loudspeaker weighs 10,4 kg. Despite their compact dimensions, the L/R X therefore have to accommodate substantial cabinet construction, amplification, signal processing and multiple drive units.

A new Torus tweeter for the Cambridge Audio L/R Series

The tweeter was developed specifically for the Cambridge Audio L/R Series. Its 28 mm aluminium dome has a dual-radius profile and works with a dedicated waveguide intended to produce broad and even dispersion.

Behind the dome is a tapered annular rear chamber. Its role is to absorb energy radiated from the rear of the diaphragm, reduce internal reflections and lower harmonic distortion.

Cambridge Audio claims that this design contributes to an open treble response and a broad, precisely layered soundstage. Whether the L/R X can deliver the promised holographic imaging and reproduce music with the scale of larger floorstanding loudspeakers will require a full listening test. The engineering effort, however, goes well beyond what is normally found in compact wireless speakers.

Six finishes and adjustable lighting

Like the smaller Cambridge Audio L/R M and Cambridge Audio L/R S, the flagship model is offered in six finishes. Buyers can choose between Black, White, Midnight Blue, Racing Green and Orange, as well as a version finished in real walnut veneer.

The side-mounted passive radiators are colour-matched to the selected cabinet finish. The downward-firing mid/bass driver is concealed within the metal base structure, giving the enclosure the appearance of floating above its supporting surface.

Downward-facing lighting reinforces this effect. Its colour and intensity can be adjusted to suit the room and personal preference. The illumination can also be reduced when a more restrained appearance is desired.

The most important advantages at a glance

• Complete stereo system: Streamer, preamplifier, D/A converter, MM phono stage and six power-amplifier channels are built in.
• Broad source selection: Music can be played via network streaming, Bluetooth, HDMI eARC, USB, S/PDIF, line input or a turntable.
• Flexible inter-speaker connection: WiSA HT provides wireless transmission, while USB-C remains available as a wired alternative.
• Substantial power reserves: A total output of 800 watts RMS is intended to provide sufficient headroom at higher listening levels.
• Direct turntable connection: The integrated MM phono stage removes the need for a separate phono preamplifier.
• TV integration: HDMI eARC supports television sound and volume control through the TV remote.
• Adaptable sound: A 7-band equaliser, placement compensation, DynamicEQ and three EQ modes help tailor the system to the room and its use.
• Compact installation: The entire system requires only two loudspeaker positions and comparatively little cabling.
• Choice of finishes: Five painted colours, real walnut veneer and configurable downward lighting make it easier to match the system to its surroundings.

Price & Availability

The Cambridge Audio L/R X are scheduled to become available as a stereo pair from the end of July 2026. The White, Black, Midnight Blue, Racing Green and Orange finishes have a recommended retail price of € 1.999,-. The version with real walnut veneer is priced at € 2.099,-.

Getting to the point

The Cambridge Audio L/R X are not conventional passive loudspeakers that have subsequently been fitted with amplifiers and a handful of streaming functions. They were conceived from the outset as a flexible and powerful wireless stereo system. Six amplifier channels, digital crossovers, Cambridge Audio StreamMagic Gen 4, WiSA HT, HDMI eARC and an integrated MM phono stage form a complete system that occupies surprisingly little space.

The decisive point is that Cambridge Audio has not achieved this simplification by restricting the available sources. Network streaming, a turntable, digital players, analogue components and a television can all be connected without adding a separate preamplifier or control centre.

Only a listening test can determine whether two enclosures of this size can genuinely develop the bass authority and dynamic scale associated with larger floorstanding loudspeakers. At € 1.999,- for the complete stereo pair, however, the pricing appears remarkably confident in a positive sense when the integrated electronics, power output and connectivity are considered. The L/R X could therefore prove to be one of the most interesting products in the new Cambridge Audio L/R Series.

Technical Specifications