Cambridge Audio Melomania P100: Punching Above Its Weight?
Cambridge Audio has a reputation for delivering stellar audio quality without breaking the bank, and the Melomania P100 earbuds aim to continue that tradition. In a market saturated with true wireless options, these earbuds promise audiophile-grade sound in a compact, comfortable package. But do they truly live up to the Melomania name, or are they merely another set of earbuds vying for your attention? Let’s dive in and find out.
The P100s immediately impress with their custom-designed 10mm dynamic drivers, engineered to deliver a wide soundstage and exceptional clarity. And deliver they do. The audio signature is well-balanced, with a pleasing emphasis on detail retrieval. Vocals are crisp and clear, and bass is present but not overpowering, lending itself well to a wide range of musical genres. Listening to lossless audio files, the subtle nuances in instrumentation become much more apparent. They particularly shine with acoustic and vocal-heavy tracks, making them great for podcasts too.
Design-wise, the P100s adopt a more traditional earbud shape compared to their predecessors, the Touch model. The matte finish and subtle Cambridge Audio logo exude a sense of understated elegance. While the overall aesthetic is pleasing, the larger size of the buds might not be a perfect fit for everyone, especially those with smaller ears. Comfort is subjective, of course, but during extended listening sessions, I found them to become slightly fatiguing.
Build quality is solid, with the earbuds and charging case feeling robust and well-constructed. The IPX4 rating offers decent protection against sweat and splashes, making them suitable for workouts. The inclusion of multiple ear tip sizes ensures a secure and comfortable fit for most users.
Feature-wise, the P100s offer a good but not exceptional suite of functionalities. Bluetooth 5.3 provides a reliable connection, and SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive codecs are supported. Battery life is adequate at around 8 hours on a single charge, with the charging case providing an additional two charges. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is present but not class-leading. It effectively dampens low-frequency ambient noise but struggles with higher-frequency sounds. The accompanying app allows for customization of EQ settings and touch controls.
In terms of value, the Melomania P100s occupy a sweet spot. They offer a significant step up in audio quality compared to many similarly priced earbuds. However, the slightly bulky design and middling ANC might deter some potential buyers who prioritize comfort and noise cancellation above all else.
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Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 Quick Summary
Key Scores:
- Value: 86%
- Design: 90%
- Performance: 91%
- Quality: 89%
- Popularity: 92%
Top Pros
- ✅ The audio quality is exceptional, with a balanced and detailed sound signature.
- ✅ Bluetooth 5.3 provides a stable and reliable wireless connection.
- ✅ The inclusion of aptX Adaptive codec enhances sound quality.
Key Cons
- ❌ Active Noise Cancellation performance is not as effective as competitors.
- ❌ The larger size of the earbuds may not be comfortable for all users.
- ❌ The design, while elegant, could be considered somewhat unremarkable.
