First Listen: Cambridge Audio L/R Series Streaming Speakers

The L/R Series includes the L/R X, the flagship model for those seeking maximum impact and features; the L/R M, which offers a balance of compact size and high performance; and the L/R S, focused on near-field listening and smaller spaces. All three boast “advanced acoustic engineering, simple and intuitive connectivity, and bold, timeless design.” At a pre-release reveal at Melomania, Cambridge Audio’s London HQ, StereoNET can confirm the range delivers incredible sound, no matter which model you choose.

The flagship L/R X and the more compact L/R M both feature Cambridge Audio’s StreamMagic Gen 4 platform, supporting high-resolution Wi-Fi streaming, multi-room use, and direct access to leading music services. These models feature Cambridge Audio’s Torus tweeter and an advanced 2.5-way acoustic design, making them well-suited for music fans seeking versatile, immersive listening setups.

Meanwhile, the baby of the batch, the near-field-focused L/R S, offers exceptional Cambridge sound quality via Bluetooth aptX HD-based streaming, making it perfect for desks, bedrooms, or kitchen counters.

The Cambridge Audio L/R S is powered by 50W of Class D amplification in each speaker (25W per driver - 21mm hard-dome alu tweeter and high-excursion 3-inch woofer with rear bass reflex slot port) linked by DIN cable and is capable of filling smaller spaces, offering an analogue line-in, TOSLINK optical input, and USB Audio to connect other sources. A smooth and responsive Bluetooth LE remote is also included for effortless control from across the room, offering direct input selection and EQ presets to always deliver the optimal performance.

Finally, a placement-optimisation control on the rear panel lets listeners achieve the best sound for their space, while a subwoofer output makes expanding to a 2.1 system simple and seamless.

Next up the ladder is the L/R M (above), boasting 150W a side utilising a 2.5-way configuration and Cambridge Audio’s new proprietary 28mm Torus tweeter to create a wide, immersive soundstage. Its distinctive doughnut-shaped rear chamber forms a tapered internal horn that fully absorbs rear energy, preventing reflections and dramatically reducing harmonic distortion. We are also told that the 28mm dual-radius aluminium dome offers 25% more surface area than a traditional 25mm design, enabling more efficient air displacement, while a custom waveguide and phase cap ensure excellent on- and off-axis performance.

Bringing the low end is a pair of 4-inch woofers – one on the front and one discreetly integrated into the base – that work alongside dual 4.75-inch force-cancelling passive radiators to deliver deep, controlled bass. The design delivers the weight and impact of a much larger system while maintaining poise and musicality. Speaker-to-speaker link is achieved via a robust USB-C cable at 24-bit/96kHz quality.

As well as benefiting from Cambridge’s DynamEQ technology to keep music perfectly balanced, even at lower volumes, the L/R M is equipped with the StreamMagic platform, offering high-resolution streaming over Wi-Fi or Ethernet from leading music services including Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz, Amazon Music, and more. Support for ROON, AirPlay 2, Google Cast, UPnP and Internet radio ensures effortless control and futureproof flexibility. Multi-room capability is also available via AirPlay 2 and Google Cast.

Physical connectivity includes HDMI eARC for TVs, a moving-magnet phono stage for turntables, Bluetooth for easy sharing, and a subwoofer out for larger rooms. There’s also an analogue line input, TOSLINK optical input, and USB Media and USB Audio sockets. No matter how you listen or what you listen to, L/R M will improve the experience.

With a total claimed output of 800W (1 horsepower), the Cambridge Audio L/R X streaming speaker system is for party people and those with larger spaces. With around 135W going to each 28mm Torus tweeter and 5-inch woofer (one front-firing, the other downward), further augmented by dual 6-inch force-cancelling radiators, this compact speaker system truly makes a sonic statement.

L/R X includes StreamMagic for hi-res streaming with Roon, AirPlay 2, Google Cast, and UPnP support, plus HDMI eARC, moving-magnet phono, and Bluetooth options.

However, the L/R Series flagship also offers speaker-to-speaker linking via a choice of wired USB-C cable or wireless WiSA HT – both at 24-bit/96kHz – allowing flexible placement in any room without compromising sound quality.

The Listening

As well as having the opportunity to listen to examples of each model dotted around Melomania HQ, we were treated to a listening session of the L/R X in the company’s dedicated space.

Tracks such as 1+1+1 = 3 by Prince, No Excuses by Alice in Chains, Hans Zimmer’s Mountains, U by Camo & Krooked & Mefjus and more were played through the compact streaming standmounters, and they truly met the brief of sounding much bigger than they are. But, it wasn’t purely how loud they could go (and they can go very loud), but the fact that they neither shook themselves to bits, sounded shouty, nor started to lose grip on the tracks they were playing - and that was the take-home here.

As always, we can’t really evaluate them in an unfamiliar environment, especially as we were told that Cambridge was still fine-tuning the entire range when we heard them. That said, what we did hear sounded very promising indeed, and we look forward to hearing them in our listening room - the orange ones, of course.

The range is available in six finishes - Black, White, Real Walnut, Blue, Green and Orange - all highlighted by the Torus tweeter’s orange dome. L/R M and L/R X feature a signature floating base with underlighting that can be switched off for a more minimal look.

The Cambridge L/R X (£1,799 | US$2,299 | €1,999; Real Walnut: £1,899 | US$2,399 | €2,099) and L/R M (£1,199 | US$1,599 | €1,399; Real Walnut: £1,299 | US$1,699 | €1,499) will be available from summer 2026.

L/R S arrives in spring 2026 for £399 | US$549 | €499 (£449 | US$599 | €549 for Walnut).

For more information visit Cambridge Audio