Cambridge Audio doesn’t do subtle at CES 2026, and the debut of its new L/R Active Speaker Series makes that perfectly clear. Launching a full active, wireless speaker family on the CES stage is a bold—and expensive—move, but Cambridge Audio isn’t testing the waters here. It’s committing, publicly and loudly.
The intent is unmistakable. These speakers are built to take on KEF. With three models—L/R X, L/R M, and L/R S—Cambridge Audio is going directly after the design-led, lifestyle-friendly, music-first territory long dominated by KEF’s LS lineup. Starting at $549 and scaling upward with integrated streaming, advanced acoustic engineering, and serious industrial design, the L/R Series is aimed squarely at the LSX II, LS50 Wireless, Coda W, and LSX II LT. This isn’t a polite alternative. It’s a challenge.
What separates the L/R Series from the usual “we do active speakers now” announcement is confidence. L/R X and L/R M double down on Cambridge Audio’s core strengths, pairing the StreamMagic Gen 4 platform with a new Torus tweeter and a 2.5-way active design intended to deliver scale and precision well beyond their footprint. L/R S takes a more stripped-back approach, focusing on Bluetooth and nearfield listening without abandoning Cambridge’s sound-first DNA. Designed and engineered in London, finished in six colorways, and clearly intended for real living spaces, this is a serious attempt to reshape how the brand is perceived.
The real question isn’t whether Cambridge Audio belongs in this category. It’s whether it can disrupt KEF’s long-standing dominance. CES is an expensive place to ask that question—but Cambridge Audio clearly believes it has the answer.
And the timing isn’t accidental. Alongside the L/R Series, Cambridge Audio also announced its new U.S. distribution partnership with Fidelity Imports. Translation: expect these speakers to be widely available, properly supported, and very visible at retailers and hi-fi shows. For once, Cambridge Audio isn’t just making a statement. It’s backing it up with infrastructure.
Cambridge Audio L/R X: The Flagship Statement
Cambridge Audio isn’t easing into the active-speaker category with the L/R X. This is the flagship of the new L/R Series, designed for listeners who want the scale and authority of a traditional hi-fi system without racks of boxes or external amplification taking over the room.
At its core, L/R X is a fully active stereo speaker system built around Cambridge Audio’s StreamMagic Gen 4 platform. That brings native Wi-Fi and Ethernet streaming with direct support for Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer, and Internet Radio, along with Roon Ready certification and multi-room playback via Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Cast. It’s a complete system out of the box, not a speaker that assumes you’ll add more hardware later to make it whole.
From an acoustic standpoint, L/R X is ambitious but grounded in sensible engineering. Each speaker combines a newly developed 28mm Torus tweeter with dual 5-inch woofers and dual 6-inch force-cancelling passive radiators. The advanced 2.5-way design is intended to deliver real scale and low-frequency authority from a bookshelf-sized enclosure, tuned down to 38Hz and pushing usable bass into the mid-30Hz range. The goal here isn’t exaggerated bass, but weight and control without the need for a separate subwoofer.
Power delivery is equally straightforward. The system uses 800 watts of optimized Class D amplification per pair, split evenly between the two speakers. Rather than chasing inflated wattage claims, the amplification is matched to the drivers and cabinet design, allowing L/R X to play loud when needed while staying composed and balanced at lower listening levels.
The Torus tweeter is the most significant new technology in the L/R X. Its 28mm aluminum dome and torus-shaped rear chamber are designed to reduce internal reflections and distortion while maintaining consistent on- and off-axis performance. The result is a wide, stable soundstage that doesn’t collapse when you move around the room, making L/R X better suited to real living spaces rather than single-seat listening.
Connectivity is comprehensive and practical. HDMI eARC allows easy TV integration, a built-in moving-magnet phono stage supports turntables without an external preamp, and both analog and digital inputs are included. Bluetooth is available for casual listening, while speaker-to-speaker communication can be handled either via USB-C or wirelessly using WiSA HT at 24-bit/96kHz, offering flexible placement without compromising sound quality.
Control is handled through the StreamMagic app, which provides source selection, volume control, a 7-band EQ, room-positioning options, and preset sound profiles. For those who prefer physical controls, Cambridge includes a Bluetooth LE remote with dedicated source and EQ buttons, making the system easy to use for the entire household.
Visually, L/R X looks exactly like a modern high-end audio product should. Designed in London by Ged Martin, the speakers feature Cambridge Audio’s floating base and subtle, adjustable LED underlighting. The lighting can be dimmed or disabled entirely, and six finishes are available, including Real Walnut for those who prefer a more traditional aesthetic.
L/R X arrives in summer 2026 as the flagship of the three-model L/R Series, joined by the smaller L/R M and the compact L/R S. This is the statement piece in the lineup, and it’s designed to stand on its own.
Cambridge Audio L/R X — Key Specifications
- Speaker Type: Active wireless stereo speaker system
- Amplification: 800W total system power (400W per speaker), Class D
- Acoustic Design: 2.5-way
- Tweeter: 28mm Torus aluminum dome tweeter
- Woofers: Dual 5-inch drivers
- Bass Support: Dual 6-inch force-cancelling passive radiators
- Low-Frequency Extension: Tuned to 38Hz (mid-30Hz usable range)
- Streaming Platform: StreamMagic Gen 4
- Streaming Services: Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer, Internet Radio
- Multi-Room: Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Roon Ready
- Connectivity:
- HDMI eARC
- Moving-magnet phono input
- Analog and digital inputs
- Bluetooth
- Subwoofer output
- Speaker Link: USB-C (wired) or WiSA HT wireless (24-bit/96kHz)
- Audio Processing: 64-bit signal path with DynamEQ
- Control: StreamMagic app, Bluetooth LE remote
- Finishes: Six options including Real Walnut
- Availability: Summer 2026
- Pricing:
- $2,299 (£1799 / €1999)
- $2,399 (£1899 / €2099) in Real Walnut
If Cambridge Audio wanted to make it clear that it’s serious about competing in the premium active-speaker space, L/R X does so without theatrics. This is a complete system, built for real rooms, and designed to replace more than it supplements.
Cambridge Audio L/R M: A Smaller Footprint With Real System Ambition
Cambridge Audio positions the L/R M as the most flexible model in its new L/R Active Speaker Series, and that framing makes sense. Sitting between the flagship L/R X and the compact L/R S, L/R M is designed for listeners who want a serious, all-in-one active speaker system without committing to the physical scale or price of the top model.
Like its larger sibling, L/R M is built around Cambridge Audio’s StreamMagic Gen 4 platform. That brings native Wi-Fi and Ethernet streaming with direct support for Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer, and Internet Radio, along with Roon Ready capability and multi-room playback via Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Cast. The emphasis here is on simplicity without limiting how you listen or what services you use.
Acoustically, L/R M mirrors the core design philosophy of the L/R X but in a more room-friendly cabinet. It uses the same 28mm Torus tweeter paired with a dual-woofer configuration and force-cancelling passive radiators, arranged in a 2.5-way active design. The two 4-inch woofers work alongside dual 4.75-inch passive radiators to deliver bass weight and scale that would normally require a larger enclosure or an external subwoofer. The tuning focuses on control and balance rather than excess, making L/R M suitable for a wide range of room sizes and placements.
Power comes from 300 watts of optimized Class D amplification per system, split evenly between the two speakers. As with the L/R X, the amplification is matched closely to the drivers and cabinet design, prioritizing consistency and low distortion over headline numbers. The result should be enough headroom for realistic listening levels while maintaining composure during quieter sessions.
The Torus tweeter plays a central role in defining L/R M’s sound character. Its torus-shaped rear chamber reduces internal reflections and distortion, while the larger 28mm aluminum dome improves air movement and off-axis consistency. The goal isn’t spotlighted treble, but a stable, wide soundstage that holds together even when you’re not seated in a fixed listening position.
Connectivity is one of L/R M’s strongest selling points. HDMI eARC allows straightforward TV integration, while a built-in moving-magnet phono stage supports turntables without external hardware. Bluetooth is included for casual listening, and a full set of analog and digital inputs ensures compatibility with legacy sources. A subwoofer output is also provided for larger rooms where additional low-frequency support may be desired.
Control is handled through the StreamMagic app, offering source selection, volume control, a 7-band EQ, room-positioning options, and preset tunings. A Bluetooth LE remote is included for those who prefer physical controls, making L/R M practical for shared living spaces. Speaker-to-speaker communication is handled via a wired USB-C link running at 24-bit/96kHz, allowing flexible placement without sacrificing signal quality.
Visually, L/R M follows the same design language as the rest of the L/R Series. Designed in London by Ged Martin, the speakers use Cambridge Audio’s floating base and subtle white LED underlighting, with adjustable warmth and brightness or the option to turn it off entirely. Six finishes are available, including Real Walnut, alongside more contemporary color options.
L/R M launches in late summer 2026 alongside the L/R X and L/R S. It’s positioned as the most adaptable model in the lineup, intended to work equally well in living rooms, apartments, and multi-purpose spaces where performance still matters.
Cambridge Audio L/R M — Key Specifications
- Speaker Type: Active wireless stereo speaker system
- Amplification: 300W total system power (150W per speaker), Class D
- Acoustic Design: 2.5-way with DSP
- Tweeter: 28mm Torus aluminum dome tweeter
- Woofers: Dual 4-inch drivers
- Bass Support: Dual 4.75-inch force-cancelling passive radiators
- Audio Processing: 64-bit signal path with DynamEQ
- Streaming Platform: StreamMagic Gen 4
- Streaming Services: Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer, Internet Radio
- Multi-Room: Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Roon Ready
- Connectivity:
- HDMI eARC
- Moving-magnet phono input
- Bluetooth
- Analog line input
- TOSLINK optical input
- USB Audio and USB Media
- Subwoofer output
- Speaker Link: Wired USB-C at 24-bit/96kHz
- Control: StreamMagic app, Bluetooth LE remote
- Finishes: Black, White, Orange, Blue, Green, Real Walnut
- Availability: Late summer 2026
- Pricing:
- $1,599 (£1199 / €1399)
- $1,699 (£1299 / €1499) in Real Walnut
L/R M looks to be the practical sweet spot in the new L/R Series: compact enough to fit real homes, flexible enough to replace a traditional system, and serious enough to justify its place in a competitive active-speaker market.
Cambridge Audio L/R S: Compact Size, Serious Intent
Cambridge Audio rounds out the new L/R Series with the L/R S, its smallest and most approachable active speaker system—and arguably the most lifestyle-oriented of the three. Designed for desks, shelves, bedrooms, and smaller living spaces, L/R S is built for listeners who want real sound quality without the footprint, complexity, or cost of a full streaming speaker system.
Unlike its larger siblings, L/R S keeps things deliberately simple. There’s no built-in streaming platform here, just Bluetooth aptX HD for high-quality wireless playback and a sensible selection of wired inputs for TVs, computers, and external sources. The result is a compact stereo speaker pair that prioritizes ease of use while still delivering sound that feels engaged, balanced, and appropriately scaled for nearfield and small-room listening.
Despite its size, L/R S is not underpowered. The system delivers 100 watts of optimized Class D amplification per pair, split evenly between the two speakers and further divided between each driver. Power is carefully matched to the cabinet and driver layout to maintain clarity and control rather than brute-force output. It’s designed to sound confident at everyday listening levels, not to overwhelm the room.
The driver complement reflects that intent. A 21mm aluminum dome tweeter handles high frequencies, supported by a custom waveguide and phase cap to widen dispersion and reduce listening fatigue. Low and mid frequencies are handled by a high-excursion 3-inch woofer engineered to move more air than typical compact drivers. A rear bass reflex slot port extends low-frequency output while keeping distortion in check, helping the speaker sound fuller than its size would suggest.
Cambridge Audio’s DynamEQ technology plays an important role here. By subtly adjusting bass and treble as volume changes, DynamEQ helps L/R S maintain tonal balance whether it’s playing quietly at a desk or filling a small room at higher levels. It’s a practical feature that suits the speaker’s real-world use cases rather than chasing spec-sheet drama.
Connectivity is straightforward and flexible. Bluetooth aptX HD handles wireless playback, while wired options include an analogue line input, TOSLINK optical, and USB Audio. A subwoofer output allows L/R S to grow into a 2.1 system if needed, and a rear placement-optimization control helps tailor the sound depending on whether the speakers are used on a desk, shelf, or close to a wall. Control is handled via an included Bluetooth LE remote with input selection and EQ presets, keeping things simple and accessible.
Design follows the same visual language as the rest of the L/R Series. Designed in London by Ged Martin, L/R S features clean lines, confident proportions, and Cambridge’s signature orange tweeter dome. Six finishes are available—Black, White, Blue, Green, Orange, and Real Walnut—allowing the speakers to either blend in or stand out. An optional tilt stand will be available shortly after launch, improving directivity and imaging for desktop use.
L/R S launches in spring 2026 alongside the L/R X and L/R M. It’s clearly aimed at listeners who value sound quality but don’t want their speakers to dictate the room—or their workflow. Compact, purposeful, and sensibly engineered, it completes the L/R Series with a model that’s designed for everyday living rather than audiophile ritual.
Cambridge Audio L/R S — Key Specifications
- Speaker Type: Compact active stereo speaker system
- Amplification: 100W total system power (2 × 50W), Class D
- Tweeter: 21mm aluminum dome with custom waveguide and phase cap
- Woofer: 3-inch high-excursion driver
- Bass Design: Rear bass reflex slot port
- Audio Processing: DynamEQ loudness optimization
- Wireless: Bluetooth aptX HD
- Connectivity:
- USB Audio
- Analogue line input
- TOSLINK optical input
- Subwoofer output
- Speaker Link: Secure DIN cable
- Controls: Bluetooth LE remote with EQ presets
- Placement Optimization: Rear-panel adjustment
- Finishes: Black, White, Orange, Blue, Green, Real Walnut
- Accessories: Optional tilt stand
- Availability: Spring 2026
- Pricing:
- $549 (£399 / €499)
- $599 (£449 / €549) in Real Walnut
L/R S doesn’t pretend to be something it isn’t. It’s a compact, thoughtfully designed active speaker that prioritizes usability and sound quality in equal measure—and for many listeners, that balance will matter more than anything else in the L/R lineup.
The Bottom Line
This is the most serious move Cambridge Audio has made in years—and it finally feels cohesive. Across the L/R lineup, the fundamentals are right: real amplification (800W for L/R X, 300W for L/R M, 100W for L/R S), modern active designs, and—in the two upper models—full StreamMagic Gen 4 support with TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, AirPlay 2, and Google Cast. That’s the feature set that actually matters in 2026.
The compromise is clear at the bottom of the range. L/R S drops the phono stage, HDMI eARC, and any built-in streaming platform, relying entirely on Bluetooth aptX HD plus wired inputs. At $549, that will sting for some buyers—and it’s fair to ask whether $50 more could have bought HDMI ARC or basic network streaming. It feels like a deliberate line in the sand, not an oversight.
What absolutely lands across all three models is the industrial design. These don’t look like anything else on the market. The proportions are confident, the finishes are bold, and the color options actually feel intentional rather than cosmetic afterthoughts. That alone will pull people in.
The bigger question is competitive impact. If the L/R X and L/R M sound even better than the quietly excellent—and sadly discontinued—passive Evo loudspeakers, but now add amplification, streaming, HDMI eARC, and proper system integration, then yes: KEF should be paying attention. Very close attention.
There’s only one real wildcard: StreamMagic Gen 4 has to be stable at launch. No excuses, no “firmware coming soon.” If Cambridge nails the software execution, this lineup has the potential to seriously disrupt KEF’s LS dominance. If not, the hardware won’t save them. This feels like Cambridge’s moment—now it has to stick the landing.
For more information: cambridgeaudio.com
Related Reading:
- KEF Expands LSX II Wireless Speaker Lineup With Two New Color Options — But Is A New Paint Job Really Enough?
- KEF Unveils Coda W: Bluetooth Speakers With AptX Lossless, But No Wi-Fi?
- Cambridge Audio Adds Qobuz Connect Support — Completing The Spotify, TIDAL, And Qobuz Streaming Trifecta
- Cambridge Audio Joins Spotify Lossless Push, JLab Expands With JBuds Open & Epic Pods, And Nothing Launches Ear (3): Editor’s Round-Up
