The Cambridge Audio L/R S is Cambridge Audio’s first-ever active stereo speaker system, marking the brand’s ambitious entry into a market dominated by established rivals like KEF and Ruark. This compact, wireless-capable desktop speaker system arrives at a price point that undercuts many competitors, but the question remains: does Cambridge deliver genuine value, or are corners cut in ways that matter?
Key Takeaways
- Cambridge Audio L/R S is the entry-level model in the brand’s new L/R active speaker range, alongside the L/R M and L/R X
- 100 watts of Class D amplification (50W per channel) powers a 21mm tweeter and 76mm mid/bass driver in each speaker
- Bluetooth with aptX HD support, USB-C, RCA line-in, and optical input—but no Wi-Fi streaming or HDMI eARC
- Frequency response spans 55Hz to 24kHz, with DSP resampling all signals to 24-bit/48kHz before amplification
- Designed for desktops and small rooms, not as a full-featured wireless multiroom system
What Cambridge Audio L/R S Gets Right
The Cambridge Audio L/R S strips away the unnecessary bells and whistles that bloat many active speakers. What remains is a focused, no-nonsense design: two compact speakers with genuine amplification built in, Bluetooth connectivity that actually supports a high-quality codec (aptX HD), and multiple wired input options for flexibility. The 100-watt amplifier driving each pair is respectable for the form factor, and the driver configuration—a waveguide-equipped hard-dome tweeter paired with a mid/bass unit—suggests Cambridge has thought about imaging and coherence rather than just stuffing in the cheapest components available.
The inclusion of USB-C alongside RCA and optical inputs means the L/R S plays well with desktops, turntables, streaming devices, and anything in between. For someone setting up a compact listening space, that flexibility matters. You are not locked into a single ecosystem or forced to adopt a proprietary app ecosystem just to play music.
Where the Cambridge Audio L/R S Falls Short
The absence of Wi-Fi streaming is a real limitation in 2025. While Bluetooth aptX HD is solid, it is not a substitute for true network audio. If you want to stream losslessly from a NAS or stream-optimized services, you are out of luck—the L/R S simply does not support it. There is no HDMI eARC either, which rules out direct TV integration without a separate audio interface. And if you were hoping for a phono stage, you will need to add a preamp to the chain.
The DSP resampling all signals to 24-bit/48kHz before amplification raises questions about whether the USB-C and optical inputs’ support for 24-bit/96kHz is marketing window dressing or genuine added value. The speakers are also positioned as desktop-first, which means they are not designed to anchor a multiroom system or fill a larger living space convincingly. Compared to the Ruark MR1 Mk3, which occupies similar pricing territory, the Cambridge Audio L/R S trades some design refinement and ecosystem integration for a more straightforward, amplified-only approach.
Cambridge Audio L/R S vs. the Broader L/R Range
Cambridge Audio L/R S is the entry point into a three-model lineup. The L/R M sits in the middle, and the L/R X is the flagship—each adding more power, larger drivers, and enhanced features as you climb the range. For most desktop users and small-room listeners, the L/R S delivers the core promise: active amplification, wireless connectivity, and a compact footprint without the premium pricing of its siblings. The decision to keep the L/R S simple and affordable is sound strategy, but it also means prospective buyers need to be honest about what they are not getting.
Is the Cambridge Audio L/R S Worth Your Money?
If you are building a desktop audio setup and want active speakers with genuine amplification, aptX HD Bluetooth, and multiple wired inputs, the Cambridge Audio L/R S is a credible option. It undercuts many rivals on price while delivering a straightforward, no-nonsense feature set. The absence of Wi-Fi streaming and HDMI eARC will disappoint those seeking a connected, TV-integrated solution, but for pure music listening on a desk or shelf, the L/R S gets the fundamentals right. The real question is whether Cambridge’s first-generation execution matches the promise—and that depends on how the drivers perform in real-world listening, a detail the specification sheet alone cannot answer.
Does the Cambridge Audio L/R S support Wi-Fi streaming?
No. The Cambridge Audio L/R S supports Bluetooth with aptX HD codec but does not include Wi-Fi streaming capabilities. If network audio is essential to your setup, you will need to look elsewhere or add a separate streaming device to the chain.
What inputs does the Cambridge Audio L/R S have?
The primary speaker includes USB-C, RCA line-in, digital optical input, and a subwoofer pre-out. This combination covers desktops, turntables, streaming devices, and analog sources without requiring proprietary adapters or apps.
How much power does the Cambridge Audio L/R S deliver?
The Cambridge Audio L/R S uses Class D amplification with 100 watts total power, split evenly as 50 watts per channel. This is adequate for desktop and small-room listening but not designed to fill large spaces or compete with floor-standing systems.
The Cambridge Audio L/R S represents a sensible first step into active speakers for the brand, but it is not a universal solution. It excels as a desktop speaker system and works well in compact spaces where simplicity and flexibility matter more than latest connectivity. For buyers willing to accept its limitations, it is a solid choice.
Where to Buy
Edited by the All Things Geek team.
Source: What Hi-Fi?
