Short answer: the AsciLab C8C. It ranks #1 of 119 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.9/5); the Cambridge Audio L/R X ranks #76 (rated 4.1/5).
The AsciLab C8C is the better-sounding, deeper-bass option. Excellent large powered monitors, with extremely accurate sound and bass deep enough to skip a subwoofer. Its bass reaches about 30.8Hz before falling 3dB, against 43Hz for the Cambridge Audio L/R X. The tradeoff: The result applies to the revised measured configuration; confirm that the speaker’s tuning matches it.
The case for the Cambridge Audio L/R X: Active speakers with HDMI eARC, a phono input, Wi-Fi streaming, wide even dispersion, and solid bass. Watch for: On-axis response is less linear than the L/R S, with dips in the bass, a peak around 1-2kHz, and a dip spanning the upper mid-range into the lower treble; Cambridge confirmed the dip is a deliberate DSP notch for a tweeter breakup resonance rather than a driver flaw, but it was audible as a mild suck-out in an AB pink-noise comparison.
Buy the AsciLab C8C. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Cambridge Audio L/R X.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Excellent large powered monitors, with extremely accurate sound and bass deep enough to skip a subwoofer.
Active speakers with HDMI eARC, a phono input, Wi-Fi streaming, wide even dispersion, and solid bass.
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Specifications Side By Side
| AsciLab C8C | Cambridge Audio L/R X | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €5799 per pair | $2,399.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #1 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #76 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | sealed | - |
| Drivers | 1” alumina ceramic dome tweeter with waveguide, 2x 6” alumina ceramic midrange/woofers, 2x 8” side mounted opposed cardioid subwoofers | 28mm aluminum tweeter, 2x 5” mid-woofers, 2x 6” side-firing passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 22”H x 10”W x 13.8”D (560 x 254 x 350 mm) | 7.9” (200 mm) W x 330mm H x 260mm D (each) |
| Weight | 60.6 lbs (27.5 kg) each | 22.9 lbs (10.4kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 600W total (100W tweeter, 250W midrange, 250W subwoofer) | 800W total (400W per speaker) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 23.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 30.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 20.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 150Hz, 1.2kHz | - |
| Warranty | 2 years | - |
| Country | South Korea | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.70 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.48 | - |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA, AES/EBU, Coaxial, Optical | HDMI eARC, RCA aux, RCA phono (MM), optical digital, USB-C, USB-A, Ethernet, Wi-Fi |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | Yes |
| AES Input | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 20kHz (±1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 35Hz - 24kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC |
| App | - | Yes |
| DSP | - | Yes, room size, wall distance, and reflective surface correction |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | Subwoofer |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.1 |
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