A British Hi-Fi Great Just Introduced a Stunning Bookshelf Speaker System

It’s designed for modern audiophiles who want a plug-and-play hi-fi system that looks as good as it sounds.

Close-up of an orange speaker cabinet featuring a black tweeter with a honeycomb grille and a woofer.

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Published January 6, 2026

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Cambridge Audio is well known for its passive bookshelf speakers and loudspeakers, high-end streaming amplifiers and other hi-fi separates.

At CES 2026, the revered British audio maker is introducing its first active stereo speaker system, designed for modern audiophiles who want a plug-and-play hi-fi system that looks as good as it sounds.

Cambridge Audio L/R Series

Three orange rectangular speakers of varying sizes with black circular drivers and orange tweeters. — Cambridge Audio’s all-new L/R Series consists of three different-sized active speaker systems.

The three L/R speaker systems

Cambridge Audio’s brand-new L/R Series consists of three different-sized systems (from smallest to largest): the compact L/R S ($549), the mid-sized L/R M ($1,599), and the flagship L/R X ($2,299).

Each is an active stereo speaker system with built-in streaming and comes in a range of colors. However, they differ quite a bit in size, streaming capability and versatility.

Six rectangular bookshelf speakers in white, navy, green, orange, wood finish, and black, each with a black cone and orange center tweeter. — Each speaker system comes in six different finishes.

Two bookshelf-sized systems

The two larger models, the mid-sized L/R M and the flagship L/R X, share the most in common. Each speaker has a 2.5-way design that consists of a 28mm Torus tweeter, dual woofers and force-canceling passive radiators.

The larger L/R X is considerably larger and more powerful, too. The system delivers 800 watts of power (400 watts per speaker), while the mid-sized L/R M delivers 300 watts (or 150 watts per speaker).

Green rectangular speaker with black circular driver and control buttons on top. — The larger two, the L/R M and L/R X, both support Wi-Fi streaming and inputs for TV and turntable connectivity.

Additionally, these two larger models are the only ones to support Wi-Fi streaming via Cambridge Audio’s StreamMagic app, which is compatible with most music services (Spotify, Deezer, Tidal, Qobuz and Amazon Music) and multi-room platforms (AirPlay 2, Google Cast and Roon Ready).

These two larger models have more wired connections, including an integrated phono stage (MM) for turntable connectivity, as well as an HDMI eARC input so you can use them as TV speakers.

And last, they both have LED lights integrated into the bottom, so the speakers glow from underneath while they play.

Close-up of a white speaker with a black cone and copper-colored center dome. — The two larger models share the same 28mm Torus tweeter.

The smaller desktop speakers

The smallest speaker system in the series, the L/R S, is a little bit of an outlier.

Instead of the 2.5-way design of its larger siblings, it has a more traditional two-way design featuring a 21mm hard-dome tweeter and a 3-inch long-throw woofer. The system delivers 100 watts (or 50 watts per speaker).

Blue rectangular bookshelf speaker with black drivers and an orange tweeter dome. — The smaller L/R S (*pictured*) are positioned more as powered desktop speakers.

Additionally, the L/R S lacks Wi-Fi streaming capabilities — it just has support for Bluetooth aptX. It also lacks the built-in phono stage and HDMI eARC inputs.

Instead, it features auxiliary, optical, and USB inputs, making it a good fit for use as desktop speakers or as a really compact hi-fi system.

Three green rectangular speakers of different sizes with black cones and orange center tweeters arranged side by side on a white background. — From smallest to largest: the compact L/R S ($549), the mid-sized L/R M ($1,599), and the flagship L/R X ($2,299).

Price and availability

Cambridge Audio’s entire L/R Series will be available “later this year.” The systems range from $549 (for the L/R S) to $2,229 (for the L/R X).

All three L/R models will come in six finishes: blue, green, orange, black, white and walnut.

Pair of rectangular orange bookshelf speakers with black circular drivers and stands.

Cambridge Audio L/R Series

About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

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