Unbelievable Sound Quality from a Newcomer – Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 Review!

In a world where established companies step into uncharted territories with new products, the pressure to impress is immense, especially when the company has a reputation for excellence in its own field. This is the challenge Cambridge Audio faced when it introduced its first wireless headphones, the Melomania P100 ($279), this year. Renowned for its hi-fi amplifiers, digital-to-analog converters (DACs), and speakers, the company ventured into unexplored waters with the P100, aiming to make a lasting impact right from the start.

1. What’s good about the Melomania P100?
   • The P100 boasts a flagship appearance, breaking away from the plastic-heavy trend in high-end headphones with a polished design under $300. Featuring aluminum accents, vegan leather, soft memory foam ear cups, and cross-hatched fabric on the headband, Cambridge Audio paid attention to detail in both aesthetics and comfort.
     • The 60-hour battery life with active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled is impressive, promising extended usage. Additionally, the option to achieve up to 100 hours of playtime with ANC disabled allows for prolonged listening sessions.
     • The P100 utilizes Class AB amplification found in Cambridge Audio’s CX series hi-fi amps, delivering superior sound quality. Equipped with three-layer 40mm drivers tuned for precise highs and dynamic lows, the P100 excels in reproducing crisp, clean details across various genres.
2. What’s not so good about the Melomania P100?
   • The P100’s sound profile may not satisfy listeners seeking an intense bass experience, as the stock tuning favors mids and treble. Although the EQ sliders offer customization options, the adjustments might not deliver the desired impact for bass-heavy tracks.
     • While the ear pads of the P100 are soft, they lack sufficient cushioning from the ridges of the ear cups during prolonged use, potentially causing discomfort.
     • Despite providing essential features like physical controls, adaptive ANC, and aptX Lossless support, the P100 lacks advanced functionalities such as speech detection and spatial audio. In a competitive market where such features are becoming standard, their absence may be noted.

In conclusion, Cambridge Audio has made a commendable entry into the wireless headphones market with the Melomania P100. While the P100 excels in design, sound quality, repairability, and battery life, it may fall short in catering to bass enthusiasts and prolonged comfort needs. Priced attractively under $300, the P100 presents a compelling option for audiophiles, hinting at a promising future for Cambridge Audio in the headphone segment.