Cambridge Audio today introduced its first over-ear headphones. New Melomania P100 is a wireless noise canceling headphone that joins the recently launched Melomania M100 true wireless headphones to form the new Melomania range for 2024.
Features of the P100
Steering and reinforcement: The P100 includes a 40mm triple-layer Mylar driver that has been adapted to Class AB amplification (as used in Cambridge Audio’s CX series amplifiers). This aims to provide deep bass and high frequency clarity. Cambridge Audio claims that Class A/B amplification provides more engaging listening than the Class D technology used by other competitors.
Bluetooth/Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound: To ensure the premium driver and class-leading amplification combination reach their full potential, the P100 includes Bluetooth 5.3 with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound.
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.
counsel: In addition to wireless Bluetooth operation, wired operation is supported via USB-C to 3.5mm jack or USB-C to USB-C (both cables are provided).
Noise cancellationn: Active noise cancellation (ANC) offers three user-selectable settings along with transparency mode.
Battery life: In addition to drivers, amplification and Bluetooth, the P100 has up to 60 hours of battery life (extending up to 100 hours with noise cancellation turned off).
This supports a continuous music listening experience for a work week or holiday weekend. Additionally, a quick 5-minute charge can provide up to two 2-hour listening sessions with ANC On or four hours with ANC off.
The Melomania Connect app: Using the Melomania Connect app (iOS/Android) the audio settings provided include a 7-band EQ with 6 presets, along with a “Gaming” mode that supports accurate sound synchronization (you can use the gaming mode to also watching TV).
The Cambridge Sound: Right out of the box, the P100 is tuned to deliver the renowned Cambridge sound – transparent and natural, bringing you closer to the music without distorting it. But everyone is different, not only in their tastes, but also in the way they listen. That’s why the P100 offers options to help users adjust the sound to suit their preferences.
Stability: Cambridge Audio has also incorporated Durability into the design of the P100. User-replaceable batteries and earcups extend product life and use 50% recycled plastic and aluminum, as well as recycled neodymium for drivers. Plastic-free packaging has also been chosen. The earmuffs are made with “vegan leather”.
Fun tip: Audible feedback from guest voiced by actor and musician Matt Berry (English only).
Initial impression
The wireless headphone category is incredibly competitive and there is no doubt that Apple, Sony, Bose, Beats and Sennheiser control a significant share of the market.
High-end brands like Focal, Bowers & Wilkins, DALI and Master & Dynamic offer superior solutions, but all this innovation and performance improvement comes at a much higher price.
Cambridge Audio’s Melomania P100 are much more affordable, and we really like the support for Bluetooth 5.3 and aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive. Having not heard them yet, we can’t say how they compare to the competition, but we suspect these might be worth checking out if they really deliver the performance that Cambridge Audio products consistently deliver.
$279 feels like a lot if these offer ANC performance and sound that’s comparable or superior to market-leading wireless headphones from Apple and Sony.
Price & Availability
The Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 is available in a white or black finish at cambridgeaudio.com and Amazon, priced at $279 / £229 / €279.