Short answer: the Mesanovic CDM65. It ranks #2 of 119 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.9/5, at $5,998. The Cambridge Audio L/R X ranks #76, rated 4.1/5, at $2,399, $3,599 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
Why pick 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.
The Mesanovic CDM65 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. High end monitors with extremely accurate sound and deep bass, plus a cardioid mode that helps in difficult rooms. Its bass reaches about 36.6Hz before falling 3dB, against 43Hz for the Cambridge Audio L/R X. The tradeoff: Cardioid operation and bass tuning affect placement and output, so use the appropriate mode for the room.
Buy the Mesanovic CDM65. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $3,599 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.
High end monitors with extremely accurate sound and deep bass, plus a cardioid mode that helps in difficult rooms.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Cambridge Audio L/R X | Mesanovic CDM65 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,399.00 per pair | $5,998 per pair |
| Ranked | #76 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #2 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 36.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 29.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 28mm aluminum tweeter, 2x 5” mid-woofers, 2x 6” side-firing passive radiators | 1” aluminum dome waveguide tweeter, 5” aluminum cone midrange, 2x 6.5” paper Kevlar side mounted subwoofers |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz - 24kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified) | 40Hz-20kHz +/-1.0dB |
| Amplifier Power | 800W total (400W per speaker) | 600W total (150W tweeter, 150W midrange, 300W subwoofers combined) |
| Inputs | HDMI eARC, RCA aux, RCA phono (MM), optical digital, USB-C, USB-A, Ethernet, Wi-Fi | XLR (balanced analog), WiSA wireless |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | - |
| App | Yes | - |
| DSP | Yes, room size, wall distance, and reflective surface correction | - |
| Dimensions | 7.9” (200 mm) W x 330mm H x 260mm D (each) | 15”H x 8”W x 14”D (381 x 203 x 356 mm) |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs (10.4kg) each | 32 lbs (14.5 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 | - |
| Enclosure | - | sealed |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 150Hz, 2,300Hz |
| Warranty | - | 2 years |
| Country | - | United States |
| Maximum SPL | - | 103dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 7.07 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 8.57 |
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