Short answer: the HEDD Type 20 MK2. It ranks #26 of 119 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $4,798. The Cambridge Audio L/R X ranks #76, rated 4.1/5, at $2,399, $2,399 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
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 tradeoff: 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.
The HEDD Type 20 MK2 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass choice. Three-way studio monitors with balanced mids, useful deep bass, and switchable ported or sealed bass for different needs. Its bass reaches about 32Hz before falling 3dB, against 43Hz for the Cambridge Audio L/R X. Watch for: These results are for ported operation, not every bass or phase setting.
Buy the HEDD Type 20 MK2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $2,399 saving on the Cambridge Audio L/R X is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Active speakers with HDMI eARC, a phono input, Wi-Fi streaming, wide even dispersion, and solid bass.
Three-way studio monitors with balanced mids, useful deep bass, and switchable ported or sealed bass for different needs.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Cambridge Audio L/R X | HEDD Type 20 MK2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,399.00 per pair | $4,798 per pair |
| Ranked | #76 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #26 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 32Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 26Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 28mm aluminum tweeter, 2x 5” mid-woofers, 2x 6” side-firing passive radiators | 7” honeycomb composite woofer, 4” honeycomb composite midrange, HEDD AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz - 24kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified) | 32Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 800W total (400W per speaker) | 900W (3x300W) |
| Inputs | HDMI eARC, RCA aux, RCA phono (MM), optical digital, USB-C, USB-A, Ethernet, Wi-Fi | XLR (Analog/AES) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | - |
| App | Yes | Yes (HEDD CTRL) |
| DSP | Yes, room size, wall distance, and reflective surface correction | Yes (96kHz/32-bit) |
| Dimensions | 7.9” (200 mm) W x 330mm H x 260mm D (each) | 14.1”H x 11”W x 13.3”D (358.1 x 279.4 x 337.8 mm) |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs (10.4kg) each | 34 lbs (15.4 kg) each |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | XLR (AES pass-through) |
| 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 | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | - |
| EQ | - | Yes (Desk filter, shelf filters) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 120dB @ 1m (per pair) (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 6.11 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.69 |
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