Cambridge Audio L/R X review: Big on bass, big on features, big on price

The Cambridge Audio L/R X is a powerful and feature-rich bookshelf speaker that commands a significant price tag. Upon first encountering the L/R X at High End 2026 in Vienna, the reviewer was impressed by its uniquely powerful bass and striking neo-retro design. Inside the cabinet, Cambridge has cleverly incorporated an additional downfiring woofer, complemented by two 6-inch passive radiators, granting the L/R X an impressive low-end extension down to 35Hz.

This design choice results in a substantial bass impact, as demonstrated during the testing of tracks like SOHN's 'Antigravity' and Odetta's 'Hit Or Miss'.

However, the reviewer notes a slight lack of attack in the lower mid-range, particularly on dense tracks featuring heavy basslines. This issue was mostly alleviated by adjusting toe angle and tweaking the software's room acoustics settings in the accompanying Cambridge app. The L/R X delivers excellent vocal clarity, with Kelly Jones' smoky voice on Stereophonics' 'Just Looking' sounding superb, and James K's ethereal vocals in James K's 'Hypersoft Lovejinx Junkdream (Priori remix)' exhibiting exceptional spaciousness.

The speaker's high-resolution audio handling is exceptional, with crisp highs and a broad frequency response spanning 35Hz to 24kHz. Connectivity-wise, the L/R X offers a comprehensive array of options, including USB-C, USB-A, Phono, Aux RCA, HDMI eARC, Optical, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, and Bluetooth.

The speaker's sizeable footprint and downfiring woofers necessitate the use of stands; Cambridge provided the reviewer with prototype flat-topped stands, which are expected to be commercially available soon. Overall, the Cambridge Audio L/R X is best suited for space-constrained hi-fi enthusiasts seeking a blend of powerful bass, high-quality sound, and a sophisticated design.