Short answer: the Neumann KH 310 A. It ranks #20 of 119 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.6/5, at $4,998. The Cambridge Audio L/R X ranks #76, rated 4.1/5, at $2,399, $2,599 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The Neumann KH 310 A is the better-sounding, deeper-bass choice. Sealed three-way studio monitors with balanced sound, useful deep bass, and low distortion even when played hard. Its bass reaches about 35.2Hz before falling 3dB, against 43Hz for the Cambridge Audio L/R X. Watch for: Its measured tonal balance is not as even as the Neumann KH 150 or the best coaxial alternatives.
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. 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 Neumann KH 310 A. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $2,599 you would save on the Cambridge Audio L/R X does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Sealed three-way studio monitors with balanced sound, useful deep bass, and low distortion even when played hard.
Active speakers with HDMI eARC, a phono input, Wi-Fi streaming, wide even dispersion, and solid bass.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH 310 A | Cambridge Audio L/R X | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,998 per pair | $2,399.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #20 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #76 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28.3Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Frequency Response | 34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 35Hz - 24kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 8.25” woofer, 3” midrange, 1” tweeter | 28mm aluminum tweeter, 2x 5” mid-woofers, 2x 6” side-firing passive radiators |
| App | No | Yes |
| EQ | No | - |
| DSP | No | Yes, room size, wall distance, and reflective surface correction |
| Amplifier Power | 290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter) | 800W total (400W per speaker) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.21 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.70 | - |
| Inputs | XLR (balanced analog) | HDMI eARC, RCA aux, RCA phono (MM), optical digital, USB-C, USB-A, Ethernet, Wi-Fi |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | Yes |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Dimensions | 10” x 15.1” x 11.5” (253 x 383 x 292 mm) (H x W x D) | 7.9” (200 mm) W x 330mm H x 260mm D (each) |
| Weight | 28.7 lbs (13.0 kg) | 22.9 lbs (10.4kg) each |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | Subwoofer |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.1 |
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