Cambridge Audio today unveiled its first over-ear headphones. New Melomania P100 are wireless noise canceling headphones that join the recently introduced Melomania M100 true wireless headphones to form the new Melomania line for 2024.
Features of the P100
Drivers and amplification: The P100 features a 40mm three-layer Mylar driver that has been matched to Class AB amplification (as used on Cambridge Audio’s CX series amplifiers). This is to ensure deep bass and clear high frequencies. Cambridge Audio claims that Class A/B amplification provides a more immersive listening experience than the Class D technology used by other competitors.
Bluetooth/Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound: To ensure that the combination of a premium driver and high-end amplification reaches its full potential, the P100 features Bluetooth 5.3 with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound.
Support for aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive (up to 24-bit/96kHz) is provided, along with codec support for SBC and AAC. A multipoint Bluetooth connection is also included.
Tip: In addition to Bluetooth wireless operation, wired operation via USB-C to 3.5 mm jack or USB-C to USB-C is supported (both cables are included).
Noise suppressionn: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) offers three user selectable settings along with a transparency mode.
Battery life: In addition to the controls, amplification and Bluetooth, the P100 has a battery life of up to 60 hours (with noise cancellation off up to 100 hours).
This promotes a continuous music listening experience during the work week or holiday weekend. Additionally, a 5-minute quick charge can provide up to two 2 hours of listening time with ANC on or four hours with ANC off.
The Melomania Connect app: Using the Melomania Connect App (iOS/Android), the supplied sound settings include a 7-band equalizer with 6 presets, along with a game mode that supports precise audio synchronization (you can also use the game mode for watching TV).
Cambridge Sound: Right out of the box, the P100 is tuned to deliver the acclaimed Cambridge sound – transparent and natural, bringing you closer to the music without distorting it. But everyone is different, not only in their taste, but also in the way they hear. That’s why the P100 offers options to help users fine-tune the sound to suit their preferences.
Sustainability: Cambridge Audio has also incorporated sustainability into the design of the P100. User-replaceable batteries and ear cups extend product life and use 50% recycled plastic and aluminum, as well as recycled neodymium for the driver. Plastic-free packaging was also chosen. The ear pads are made of “vegan leather”.
Fun tip: Audio feedback voiced by actor and musician Matt Berry (English only).
First impression
The wireless headphone category is incredibly competitive, and there’s no doubt that Apple, Sony, Bose, Beats and Sennheiser control a significant percentage of the market.
Top brands like Focal, Bowers & Wilkins, DALI and Master & Dynamic offer excellent solutions, but all these innovations and performance gains come at a much higher price.
Cambridge Audio’s Melomania P100s are much more affordable, and we really like the support for Bluetooth 5.3 and aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive. As we haven’t heard them yet, we can’t say how they compare to the competition, but we suspect they’d be worth checking out if they really deliver the performance that Cambridge Audio products consistently deliver.
$279 seems like a lot if they offer ANC and audio performance that’s on par or better than Apple and Sony’s leading wireless headphones on the market.
Price & Availability
The Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 is available in white or black finishes from cambridgeaudio.com and Amazon for $279 / £229 / €279.