The year 2026 is shaping up to be a historic turning point for British manufacturer Cambridge Audio, which is taking a major step forward in its strategy with the announcement of its very first range of active speakers integrating amplification, streaming and modern connectivity. Known simply as the L/R Series, this new family, presented for the first time at CES in Las Vegas, aims to rival established references such as the KEF LSX II and KEF LS50 Wireless II.
A range of three speakers: S, M, X
Founded in the late 1960s, Cambridge Audio has established itself over the decades as one of the leading names in British hi-fi. Long renowned for its integrated amplifiers, CD players and network players, the brand has built its reputation on a rational approach to hi-fi, combining sonic performance, streamlined design and perfect control of each component.
In recent years, the brand has initiated a strategic diversification. After a notable foray into portable audio with the True Wireless earbuds and Bluetooth headphones from the Melomania range, the British manufacturer is taking a new step forward by unveiling its first series of active stereo speakers at CES 2026. This is an area in which the brand has not historically been present, but one it is approaching with a certain legitimacy, backed by its expertise in amplification, digital signal processing, and network platforms via its StreamMagic ecosystem.
Called the Cambridge L/R Series, this new range includes three pairs of active bookshelf speakers: L/R S, L/R M and L/R X. All incorporate their own amplifiers and share an immediately recognizable design, marked by a wide waveguide surrounding the tweeter, integrated anti-vibration feet and, on the M and X versions, woofers built into the side panels to deliver powerful bass from a compact format.
While the basic architecture is the same, the differences between the models are essentially based on format, power and acoustic ambition. The L/R S is a compact, affordable solution, while the L/R M is a versatile active speaker designed for living room and TV use. Finally, the L/R X embodies Cambridge Audio’s most accomplished vision of connected active speakers, with high-end performance and functionality.
Cambridge L/R S: small size, big ambitions
The Cambridge Audio L/R S speaker is the entry ticket into the British manufacturer’s active range. With a height of just 22cm, they are among the most compact speakers on the market, making them the perfect solution for enjoying music in an office, bedroom or small living room, while maintaining a dynamic, controlled reproduction.
To achieve this, they feature class D amplification capable of delivering 100 watts of total power. It powers a 3″ midbass driver and a 0.8″ aluminum dome tweeter. The latter is placed inside an acoustic horn for extended diffusion and to limit the sweet spot effect. Like all speakers in the range, they incorporate the DynamEQ technology introduced by the brand’s headphones and earbuds, which automatically adjusts the bass and highs to ensure balanced sound at all times, even at low volume.
Connectivity is deliberately pragmatic, with Bluetooth aptX HD compatibility for wireless streaming, complemented by 3.5mm analog mini-jack, optical and USB-C audio inputs to connect a computer, for example. A dedicated output lets you connect a subwoofer to extend the bass response. The most compact and affordable model in the range, it will go on sale in 2026 at €499 per pair.
Cambridge L/R M: the heart of the range
More generous than the Cambridge L/R S, the Cambridge L/R M speaker features internal amplification delivering up to 300 watts of cumulative power, ensuring a full, dynamic and perfectly controlled reproduction, even in medium-sized rooms. Its acoustic architecture uses a 1.1″ Torus tweeter specifically developed to deliver a wide soundstage and excellent detail clarity. The latter is combined with a dual 4″ midbass driver directed towards the front and bottom of the speaker to reproduce all the nuances and details of the lowest frequencies. Two 4.7″ passive radiators mounted on the sides support this configuration to guarantee powerful, controlled bass down to 40Hz. All this is controlled and filtered by a high-precision 64-bit processor, capable of preserving the finest details of recordings.
The Cambridge L/R M speaker also adds network connectivity thanks to the integration of the StreamMagic ecosystem. Shared by the brand’s connected amplifiers and network players, it provides native access to the main high-quality streaming services such as Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz, while being Roon Ready and multi-room compatible via AirPlay 2 and Google.
Last but not least, connectivity is extended with an HDMI eARC input for direct connection to a TV, RCA inputs, including an MM phono input for vinyl lovers, as well as the traditional digital and analog inputs. Digital processing tools, such as DynamEQ adjustment and room adaptation settings, refine the sound reproduction according to the listening environment. With the L/R M, Cambridge Audio is clearly targeting listeners in search of an all-in-one hi-fi solution that’s elegant, modern and uncompromising on sound quality. It will be offered at the same time as the rest of the range at a price of €1,399.
Cambridge L/R X: the reference speaker
A true technological showcase for the series, the Cambridge L/R X speaker embodies the brand’s most ambitious vision of connected active speakers. Designed to replace an entire hi-fi system on its own, it relies on particularly generous internal amplification, developing up to 800 watts in total. This substantial power reserve is aimed above all at control, bass response and the ability to fill large spaces without compression or loss of finesse, even at sustained volume levels.
Acoustically, the Cambridge L/R X takes the 1.1″ Torus dome tweeter from the L/R M and combines it with two 5″ midbass drivers on the front and bottom of the speaker, and a dual 6″ passive radiator. The latter are mounted in opposition to each other on the sides of the speaker, and reach 35Hz. A real feat for a speaker that is only 33cm tall. For an optimal listening experience, the speaker features DynamEQ technology, as well as Room Optimization to optimize the sound reproduction according to its position in the room.
In terms of functionality, it offers the same possibilities as the Cambridge L/R M, with integration of the StreamMagic ecosystem for streaming Spotify, Deezer, Tidal, Qobuz or Amazon Music, as well as Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Roon Ready and Chromecast. The connectivity is also identical, with two RCA inputs, including a phono for turntables, an HDMI ARC input, an optical input, a USB-C port for DAC mode and a subwoofer output. This speaker is also scheduled for release in 2026 at a price of €1,999.
With the L/R series, Cambridge Audio makes a major strategic shift by applying its historic expertise to full active systems, capable of replacing a traditional hi-fi system without sacrificing sound quality. Divided into three clearly distinct levels, the L/R series covers a wide spectrum of needs, from close-to listening sessions to ambitious home installations, while retaining a common identity based on masterful amplification and meticulous acoustic design. Without revolutionizing the genre, Cambridge Audio provides a coherent, mature vision of the active speaker, with a convincing balance between performance, functionality and ease of use.
