Short answer: the JBL 308P MKII. It ranks #34 of 119 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $287.98; the Cambridge Audio L/R X ranks #76, rated 4.1/5, and costs $2,399, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
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. 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.
The JBL 308P MKII is the better-sounding option. Full size studio monitors with accurate sound and real bass from an 8 inch woofer, at a budget price. The tradeoff: Amplifier hiss may be noticeable in quiet, close-range use.
Buy the JBL 308P MKII. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Cambridge Audio L/R X and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
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.
Full size studio monitors with accurate sound and real bass from an 8 inch woofer, at a budget price.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Cambridge Audio L/R X | JBL 308P MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,399.00 per pair | $287.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #76 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #34 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 42.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 37.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Drivers | 28mm aluminum tweeter, 2x 5” mid-woofers, 2x 6” side-firing passive radiators | 8” woofer, 1” neodymium tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz - 24kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 800W total (400W per speaker) | 112W total |
| Inputs | HDMI eARC, RCA aux, RCA phono (MM), optical digital, USB-C, USB-A, Ethernet, Wi-Fi | XLR, 1/4” TRS |
| 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) | 16.5”H x 10”W x 12.1”D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm) |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs (10.4kg) each | 17.9 lbs (8.1 kg) each |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | - |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| 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 | - | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.88 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.69 |
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