Cambridge Audio Builds a Full Hi-Fi System Into a Pair of Speakers

If you’ve ever looked at a classic hi-fi rack and thought “I love the sound, but not the mess”, Cambridge Audio has something very much up your alley. With the new L/R Series, the British brand is taking a swing at the traditional stereo system—and landing somewhere far more modern.

Three models are on the way: L/RX, L/RM, and L/RS. Together, they’re designed to replace your amplifier, streamer, DAC, and speakers with one neat, active solution that still sounds like proper hi-fi.

Cambridge Audio L/RX, L/RM and L/RS - New active speaker systems with streaming, TV connectivity and high power density — Cambridge Audio L/RX, L/RM and L/RS – New active speaker systems with streaming, TV connectivity and high power density

Streaming brains built right into the speakers

The L/RX and L/RM are full-on all-in-one systems. Inside the cabinets you’ll find Cambridge Audio’s latest StreamMagic platform, giving you native access to Spotify, Qobuz, TIDAL, Amazon Music, internet radio, and podcasts. Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, and Qobuz Connect are all supported—and yes, they’re Roon Ready too.

The Cambridge Audio L/RX and Cambridge Audio L/RM models are designed as complete hi-fi systems.

TV fans get some love as well. HDMI eARC lets you hook the speakers straight to your television, while HDMI CEC means volume control works with your regular TV remote. Big sound for movies and series, minus the soundbar compromises.

Despite the strong streaming focus, Cambridge Audio hasn’t forgotten old-school gear. The L/RX and L/RM come with analog and digital inputs, a built-in MM phono stage for turntables, USB-A for storage devices, and USB-C for direct connection to a PC or Mac.

The two speakers can talk to each other either via a wired USB-C cable or wirelessly using WiSA, which makes placement much easier than with traditional active speakers.

The Cambridge Audio L/RS is aimed at users looking for an active speaker system for a desk, shelf, or smaller living spaces.

Setup and tuning are handled via the StreamMagic app for iOS and Android, including adjustments for room size and speaker placement. Smart, but not complicated.

Both the L/RX and L/RM use a 2.5-way design with tweeters, mid-bass drivers, and side-mounted passive radiators. Everything runs through DSP, with multiple amplifiers driving each driver individually.

In real-world terms, these aren’t polite, background-only speakers. They’re built to play loud, stay clean, and fill real living rooms with sound. The L/RX is the muscle model, with deeper bass and higher output, while the L/RM offers a more compact form without feeling underpowered.

All three models feature a clean, minimalist design language that deliberately departs from classic speaker designs.

The L/RS is the smallest member of the family and aimed at desks, shelves, and smaller rooms. It skips network streaming and focuses on Bluetooth plus classic analog and digital inputs.

A sealed cabinet makes it wall-friendly, DSP keeps the sound tight and balanced, and there’s even a subwoofer output if you want to add more low-end punch later. Small, tidy, and far more serious than it looks.

he modular design of the series allows for precise customization of the system to suit room size and usage scenarios.

Visually, the L/R Series is refreshingly un-hi-fi. The design is clean, modern, and furniture-friendly, with multiple finishes available—including real wood veneer for those who want a warmer look. Fewer boxes, fewer cables, and far less visual clutter.

This is hi-fi that’s meant to live with you—not take over the room.