Cambridge Audio Rewrites the Rulebook: The L/R Series Brings High-End Active Speakers Into the Streaming Age

Three active standmount loudspeakers. Built-in streaming. Serious power. Cambridge’s boldest move yet lands in 2026.

A Surprise Move from a Very Familiar Name

Cambridge Audio has started 2026 with an unexpected pivot—one that could reshape how many listeners build their hi-fi systems. Known primarily for amplifiers, DACs and streamers, the British brand has now stepped decisively into active loudspeakers with the launch of its new L/R Series.

The lineup consists of three models—L/R X, L/R M, and L/R S—each designed for different rooms, budgets and use cases, but all sharing the same modernist design language. Think Dieter Rams restraint, softened by optional splashes of colour rather than traditional British hi-fi conservatism.

This is Cambridge embracing the all-in-one future—without abandoning its audiophile roots.

Active, Streaming, and Fully Integrated

The two larger models, L/R X and L/R M, are effectively complete hi-fi systems disguised as speakers.

At their core sits Cambridge’s StreamMagic Gen 4 platform, built directly into the loudspeakers. No external streamer. No extra boxes.

Native Streaming Support Includes

• Tidal Connect

• Spotify Connect

• Qobuz Connect

• Amazon Music

• Deezer

• Roon Ready

• UPnP & Internet Radio

• Multi-room via Google Cast and Apple AirPlay 2

  
  

Both models also feature a built-in moving magnet phono stage, making them turntable-ready out of the box.

DSP at the Core: DynamEQ Explained

All three speakers in the range employ DynamEQ processing. While Cambridge doesn’t spell out the technical details, this appears to be a form of Fletcher–Munson compensation—boosting bass and treble at lower volumes where human hearing is less sensitive to frequency extremes.

The presence of DynamEQ strongly implies DSP-based crossovers across the range, reinforcing the idea that these speakers are digitally controlled systems, not just powered passives.

L/R X: The Flagship With Serious Muscle

At the top of the range sits the L/R X, and Cambridge has clearly decided not to hold back.

Each loudspeaker combines a new 28mm Torus tweeter—a dome design with a doughnut-shaped rear chamber intended to reduce harmonic distortion—with dual 5-inch woofers. One woofer fires forward, the other downward from the base.

Bass extension is handled by two 6-inch passive radiators, tuned to 38Hz, pushing low-frequency reach into the mid-30Hz range.

Power & Performance

• 800W of Class D amplification total

• 400W per loudspeaker

• Referred to by Cambridge as “1 horsepower”

  
  

Connectivity Highlights

• HDMI eARC for TV integration

• MM phono stage

• Bluetooth (codecs not specified)

• Analogue line-in

• Optical (TOSLINK)

• USB inputs for computers and storage

• Subwoofer output

  
  

Left and right speakers communicate either via USB-C cable or wireless WiSA, both operating at 24-bit/96kHz.

This is Cambridge’s most ambitious loudspeaker system to date.

L/R M: The Sweet-Spot All-Rounder

The L/R M trims scale and power but keeps the core philosophy intact.

The Torus tweeter returns, now paired with dual 4-inch woofers and dual 4.75-inch passive radiators. Amplification drops to a still-respectable 300W total, split 150W per speaker.

What Stays

• StreamMagic Gen 4 streaming

• MM phono stage

• HDMI eARC

• Bluetooth

• TOSLINK

• USB inputs

• Subwoofer output

  
  

What Goes

• Wireless WiSA—the speakers connect via USB-C only

  
  

The L/R M looks set to be the most balanced option in the range, combining performance, features and price in a single elegant package.

L/R S: Compact, Simple, and Purpose-Built

The smallest model, L/R S, takes a deliberately different approach.

There’s no StreamMagic, no phono stage, and no attempt to be an all-in-one hub. Instead, this is a straightforward active speaker designed for desks, small rooms and minimalist setups.

Key Specs

• 21mm aluminium tweeter

• Single 3-inch woofer per speaker

• 50W Class D amplification per speaker

  
  

Connectivity

• Bluetooth aptX HD

• Analogue line-in

• TOSLINK

• USB input for computers

  
  

The speakers connect via a wired link (details not specified), keeping things simple and affordable.

Control & Finishes

All three models ship with a Bluetooth LE remote, allowing:

• Input switching

• EQ preset selection

  
  

Visually, Cambridge is offering more personality than usual. Each model will be available in:

• Black

• White

• Blue

• Green

• Orange

• Real Walnut veneer (premium option)

  
  

Pricing and Release Schedule

The L/R Series will roll out gradually across 2026.

L/R S – Spring 2026

• £399 / $549 / €499

• Real Walnut: £449 / $599 / €549

  
  

L/R M – Late Summer 2026

• £1199 / $1599 / €1399

• Real Walnut: £1299 / $1699 / €1499

  
  

L/R X – Summer 2026

• £1799 / $2299 / €1999

• Real Walnut: £1899 / $2399 / €2099

Why This Matters

With the L/R Series, Cambridge Audio isn’t just adding speakers to its catalogue—it’s challenging the traditional hi-fi stack. Streaming, amplification, DSP and loudspeakers are now fused into elegant, flexible systems that demand fewer boxes and fewer compromises.

For listeners who want high-end sound without system complexity, the L/R Series may be Cambridge’s most relevant product launch in years.

And judging by the ambition on display here, this probably won’t be the last time we see Cambridge rethink the rules.