Cambridge Audio today introduced its first over-ear headphones. The new Melomania P100 is a wireless noise-canceling headphone that complements the recently launched Melomania M100 true wireless earbuds, forming the new Melomania series for 2024.
P100 Features
Drivers and reinforcement: The P100 features a 40mm, three-layer Mylar driver tuned to Class AB amplification (as used on Cambridge Audio’s CX Series amplifiers). This is intended to deliver deep bass and high-frequency clarity. 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 the combination of high-performance drivers and industry-leading amplification works at its best, the P100 features Bluetooth 5.3 with Snapdragon Sound from Qualcomm.
Support is provided for aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive (up to 24-bit/96kHz), along with codec support for SBC and AAC. Bluetooth Multipoint connectivity is also included.
Tip: In addition to wireless Bluetooth control, wired control is also supported via USB-C to 3.5mm jack or USB-C to USB-C (both cables are included).
Noise reductionn: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) offers three user-selectable settings, along with Transparency mode.
Battery life: In addition to the drivers, amplification and Bluetooth, the P100 has a whopping 60 hours of battery life (and even 100 hours if you turn off the noise canceling).
This supports a continuous music listening experience for a work week or holiday weekend. In addition, a quick charge of 5 minutes can provide up to two hours of listening pleasure with ANC on or four hours with ANC off.
Melomania Connect App: The Melomania Connect app (iOS/Android) lets you choose from a 7-band EQ with 6 presets and a gaming mode that supports precise sound synchronization (you can also use gaming mode for watching TV).
Cambridge sound: 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 just in their tastes, but also in how they listen. That’s why the P100 offers options to help users tailor the sound to their preferences.
Sustainability: Cambridge Audio has also incorporated sustainability into the design of the P100. User-replaceable batteries and ear cushions extend the life of the product, and the use of 50% recycled plastic and aluminium, as well as recycled neodymium, is used in the drivers. Plastic-free packaging has also been chosen. The ear cushions are made from “vegan leather”.
Nice tip: Audible feedback voiced by actor and musician Matt Berry (English only).
First impression
The wireless headphone market is extremely competitive and there is no doubt that Apple, Sony, Bose, Beats and Sennheiser control a significant percentage of the market.
High-end brands like Focal, Bowers & Wilkins, DALI and Master & Dynamic offer superior solutions, but all that innovation and improved performance also comes with a much higher price tag.
Cambridge Audio’s Melomania P100 are much more affordable, and we particularly like their support for Bluetooth 5.3 and aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive. Not having heard them yet, we can’t comment on how they compare to the competition, but we suspect they’re worth a look if they really deliver the kind of performance that Cambridge Audio’s products consistently deliver.
$279 seems like a good deal when these headphones offer ANC and sound performance that’s comparable to or better than Apple and Sony’s leading wireless headphones.
Price & Availability
The Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 is available in white or black from cambridgeaudio.com and Amazon, priced at $279/£229/€279.