Short answer: the Cambridge Audio L/R X if sound quality matters most, the Edifier R2850DB if price matters most. The Cambridge Audio L/R X ranks #76 of 119 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.1/5, at $2,399. The Edifier R2850DB ranks #103, rated 3.8/5, at $499.99, $1,899.01 cheaper.
What the Edifier R2850DB does well: A big three way powered pair with deep bass, enough output for a large room, and Bluetooth, optical and RCA inputs. It supports aptX Bluetooth, which the Cambridge Audio L/R X lacks. Watch for: The big cabinets need real stand or furniture space, and their bass is slightly boomy.
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. 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.
Buy the Edifier R2850DB if the price is the priority over sound quality, or the Cambridge Audio L/R X if sound quality is the priority over the price.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
A big three way powered pair with deep bass, enough output for a large room, and Bluetooth, optical and RCA inputs.
Active speakers with HDMI eARC, a phono input, Wi-Fi streaming, wide even dispersion, and solid bass.
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
| Edifier R2850DB | Cambridge Audio L/R X | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 per pair | $2,399.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #103 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #76 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 18.1”H x 10.1”W x 12.4”D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm) | 7.9” (200 mm) W x 330mm H x 260mm D (each) |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz-20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 35Hz - 24kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | HDMI eARC, RCA aux, RCA phono (MM), optical digital, USB-C, USB-A, Ethernet, Wi-Fi |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs (23 kg) | 22.9 lbs (10.4kg) each |
| Drivers | 8” (203mm) woofer | 28mm aluminum tweeter, 2x 5” mid-woofers, 2x 6” side-firing passive radiators |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | SBC, AAC |
| EQ | No | - |
| DSP | No | Yes, room size, wall distance, and reflective surface correction |
| Amplifier Power | 75w RMS Per Speaker | 800W total (400W per speaker) |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | Yes |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | Subwoofer |
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