Short answer: the Neumann KH 150. It ranks #8 of 119 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.8/5, at $3,398. The Cambridge Audio L/R X ranks #76, rated 4.1/5, at $2,399, $999 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
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 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 Neumann KH 150 is the better-sounding option. Studio monitors with exceptionally accurate sound and solid bass, plus room tuning for critical listening. Watch for: A two-way nearfield monitor cannot match the largest three-way systems for deep-bass output at distance.
Buy the Neumann KH 150. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $999 you would save on the Cambridge Audio L/R X does not close the gap.
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.
Studio monitors with exceptionally accurate sound and solid bass, plus room tuning for critical listening.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Cambridge Audio L/R X | Neumann KH 150 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,399.00 per pair | $3,398 per pair |
| Ranked | #76 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #8 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 34.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 28mm aluminum tweeter, 2x 5” mid-woofers, 2x 6” side-firing passive radiators | 1” tweeter, 6.5” woofer |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz - 24kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified) | 39Hz-20.4kHz +/-3dB |
| Amplifier Power | 800W total (400W per speaker) | 245W total (145W woofer, 100W tweeter, 10% THD+N) |
| Inputs | HDMI eARC, RCA aux, RCA phono (MM), optical digital, USB-C, USB-A, Ethernet, Wi-Fi | XLR (balanced analog), RCA S/PDIF (digital) |
| 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) | 13.6”H x 8.9”W x 10.7”D (345 x 225 x 273 mm) |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs (10.4kg) each | 17.6 lbs (8.0 kg) each |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | - |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | Yes |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | Yes | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | - |
| Enclosure | - | ported |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1.7kHz |
| Warranty | - | 2 years |
| Country | - | Germany |
| Maximum SPL | - | 118.7dB @ 1m half space (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 6.65 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 8.38 |
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