Cambridge Audio is making a clear play for the premium active speaker market with the launch of its new L/R Series, a three-model lineup designed to deliver high-end sound without the complexity of a traditional separate system, and it puts the brand firmly in competition with rivals like KEF’s LSX range.
Unveiled on January 6, the L/R Series includes the flagship L/R X, the mid-sized L/R M, and the compact L/R S, each aimed at different spaces while sharing the same design philosophy: active stereo speakers built for modern living, with streaming and connectivity baked in.
The biggest challenge to KEF comes from the L/R X and L/R M, both of which integrate Cambridge Audio’s StreamMagic Gen 4 platform. This brings built-in Wi-Fi streaming, multi-room support, and direct access to services including Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, and Roon Ready, an all-in-one approach that mirrors the appeal of KEF’s LSX speakers.
Cambridge Audio is also introducing a new 28mm Torus tweeter across the range, paired with a 2.5-way acoustic design on the L/R X and L/R M. The company claims this delivers wider sound dispersion and more precise imaging, helping the speakers fill a room without the need for a separate amplifier or subwoofer.
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At the top end, the L/R X packs a substantial 800W of Class D amplification and a cabinet design intended to rival traditional floorstanders, while still offering HDMI eARC, a built-in phono stage, Bluetooth, and flexible speaker-to-speaker linking. The more compact L/R M retains much of that functionality in a smaller footprint, making it better suited to living rooms and apartments.
For smaller spaces, the L/R S strips things back with a Bluetooth-focused design and 100W of amplification, targeting desks, bedrooms and nearfield listening setups, a similar role to KEF’s entry-level LSX models, but at a notably lower starting price.
All three speakers are designed and engineered in London and will be available in six colour and finish options, placing as much emphasis on aesthetics as performance. Pricing starts at £399 / $549 for the L/R S, rising to £1799 / $2299 for the flagship L/R X, with availability rolling out from spring through summer 2026.
With the L/R Series, Cambridge Audio is signalling that it wants a larger slice of the premium active speaker market, and with its mix of streaming tech, connectivity, and design-led appeal, KEF’s LSX lineup now has more serious competition than ever.
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