Differences between Cambridge Audio's Melomania P100 and P100 SE Wireless Headphones: Unveiling the Key Distinctions
Cambridge Audio Introduces Melomania P100 SE: Enhanced Sound Quality, Comfort, and Features
Cambridge Audio has launched the special edition Melomania P100 SE, an upgraded version of their popular wireless ANC headphones. The new model offers improved sound quality, refined comfort, and software features, while maintaining key design elements and battery life.
Improved Sound Quality
The P100 SE features retuned 40mm composite neodymium drivers, delivering a weightier bass, more refined dynamics, and a more immersive sound compared to the original P100. DynamEQ technology, new to the SE, dynamically adjusts bass and treble to maintain balance even at low volumes. Both models support aptX Lossless for CD-quality wireless streaming, but the SE offers a more refined and enjoyable audio signature thanks to these driver and tuning enhancements.
Enhanced Comfort
While the overall design remains similar, the P100 SE has a re-engineered headband providing increased cushioning and optimized clamping force for greater comfort across different head shapes. It is available in new color options, including a striking blue finish, broadening the style appeal.
Advanced Features
Both earbuds share core features such as Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint pairing, gaming mode with low latency (80ms), wired listening via USB-C and 3.5mm cables, and active noise cancellation (ANC) with three modes. The P100 SE introduces a revamped Melomania Connect app with six custom EQ presets and a seven-band manual equalizer, enhancing the user’s ability to tailor sound — a step up from the original’s more limited customization.
Battery Life
Battery performance remains unchanged between the models, with up to 100 hours playback without ANC and around 60 hours with ANC active. Fast charging remains efficient, providing 2 to 4 hours of playback from 5 minutes of charging depending on the source.
Pricing and Availability
The Melomania P100 SE launches at £249 / $299 / €279 (Australian pricing is TBC), representing a £20/$20 increase over the original model. The original P100 is currently on offer for £199 / $239.
Voice Prompts and Color Options
British comedian and actor Matt Berry provides the voice prompts when choosing the "Southwark" option on the P100 SE. The new model also offers a new blue color alongside the existing black and white options, described as a bold and stylish finish.
The Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE is a significant upgrade from the original model, delivering a more engaging sound profile, superior comfort, and more advanced app-based customization. These changes position the SE as a stronger competitor in the premium wireless ANC headphone segment. The true measure of the P100 SE's success will depend on how effectively these improvements translate into real-world performance and against the competition around this price point.
- The Melomania P100 SE, an upgraded version of Cambridge Audio's popular wireless ANC headphones, boasts a more immersive sound due to its retuned drivers.
- The P100 SE offers a more refined audio signature thanks to its dynamically adjusted bass and treble with DynamEQ technology.
- The P100 SE's headband is re-engineered for increased cushioning and optimized clamping force, enhancing comfort for various head shapes.
- The revamped Melomania Connect app on the P100 SE includes six custom EQ presets and a seven-band manual equalizer, offering more tailoring options for sound.
- If you're in the market for headphones, the P100 SE retails at £249 / $299 / €279, a £20/$20 increase over the original model, but the original is currently available for a discounted price.
- Before making a purchase, be sure to check out reviews and previews of the Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE, a significant upgrade in the wireless ANC headphone segment, featuring improved sound quality, enhanced comfort, and advanced features.
