Short answer: the Genelec 8340A, if you are buying new. The Genelec 8040B ranks higher than the Cambridge Audio L/R X (#57 vs #76 of 119 powered bookshelf speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the Genelec 8340A, is rated 4.4/5 at $3,790 and is still sold new.
What the Cambridge Audio L/R X does well: Active speakers with HDMI eARC, a phono input, Wi-Fi streaming, wide even dispersion, and solid bass. The catch: 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.
What the Genelec 8040B does well: A compact professional studio monitor with balanced XLR input and analog room controls for easy placement. Watch for: It lacks GLM calibration and consumer streaming inputs.
Buy the Genelec 8340A, the replacement for the discontinued Genelec 8040B; it is rated higher for sound quality than the Cambridge Audio L/R X.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Cambridge Audio L/R X | Genelec 8040B | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,399.00 per pair | $2,790 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #76 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #57 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Drivers | 28mm aluminum tweeter, 2x 5” mid-woofers, 2x 6” side-firing passive radiators | 6.5” (165mm) woofer |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz - 24kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified) | 41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 800W total (400W per speaker) | 180w Per Speaker |
| Inputs | HDMI eARC, RCA aux, RCA phono (MM), optical digital, USB-C, USB-A, Ethernet, Wi-Fi | XLR |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | - |
| App | Yes | No |
| DSP | Yes, room size, wall distance, and reflective surface correction | No |
| Dimensions | 7.9” (200 mm) W x 330mm H x 260mm D (each) | 14.4”H x 9.3”W x 8.8”D (365.8 x 236.2 x 223.5 mm) |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs (10.4kg) each | 20.7 lbs (9.4 kg) each |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | - |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | Yes | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | - |
| EQ | - | Yes (Room adjustment) |
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