Cambridge Audio Melomania M100

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 review: the best earbuds prompts in the business with excellent ANC too

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 Review

Key Points:

• Release Date: March 27, 2024
• Price: $219 / £169 / AU$299
• Features:
  • Effective ANC (Active Noise Cancellation)
  • Multi-point connectivity
  • aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, Bluetooth 5.3
  • Up to 10 hours battery (buds) with ANC, 33 hours total
  • IPX4 waterproofing
  • 10mm drivers, class A/B amplification
• Sound Quality:
  • Expansive, detailed, clean, neutral
  • Minor shortfall in dynamic nuance
• Design:
  • Ergonomic, comfortable, black color only
  • Large but durable case
• Voice Prompts:
  • Matt Berry's voice available
• Value:
  • Competitive price compared to flagship models
  • Exceptional sound quality and ANC

Pros:

• Excellent ANC
• High battery life
• Customizable EQ
• Superior audio quality

Cons:

• Lacks advanced spatial audio features
• Only available in black
• Slightly more expensive than some competitors

Alternatives:

• Technics EAH-AZ80
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Ultra

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 review

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 Review

Specifications:

• Price: $219 / £169 / approx. AU$335
• Battery Life: 10 hrs (ANC on); 16 hrs (ANC off); 36 hrs (case, ANC off)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, LE Audio
• Durability: IPX4
• Color: Black

Pros:

• Sound Quality: Hi-Fi, powerful bass, clear treble, 10mm drivers, Class AB amplification.
• Battery Life: Long-lasting, fast charging, Qi wireless charging.
• Features: Active noise canceling (3 levels), new Melomania app with 7-band EQ, custom sound profiles, gaming mode.
• Design: Smaller, rounded, comfortable, multiple tip sizes.

Cons:

• Controls: Touch commands can be unreliable, wear detection issues.
• Noise Canceling: Good, but not top-tier; high frequencies can break through.

Verdict: Exceptional sound quality and value, especially for audiophiles.

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 Review

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 Review

Price: $219
Pros:

• Expansive sound with larger 10mm drivers
• Effective ANC
• Hi-res Bluetooth codecs: AAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LC3, SBC
• Long battery life: 10 hours (ANC on), 16 hours (ANC off), case adds 23-36 hours
• Qi wireless charging
• IPX4 rating

Cons:

• Bulky earpiece design
• Faint mic signal
• Poor call quality
• Transparency mode less effective than competitors

Comparisons:

• For Android: Good alternative to pricier options like Sony WF-1000XM5 ($299) and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds ($299)
• For iPhone: AirPods Pro ($249.99) recommended for better integration and mic quality

Features:

• Touch controls, customizable via app
• Ambient Noise Control modes: Normal, Noise Cancelling, Transparency
• Customizable EQ presets
• Multipoint connectivity, Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair

Packaging:

• Made with 50% recycled plastics and plastic-free packaging

Overall: Top-notch earbuds for Android users seeking hi-fi audio, strong ANC, and long battery life at a competitive price.

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 review

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 Review

Pros:

• Matt Berry Voice: Unique and entertaining voice prompts.
• ANC: Effective active noise cancellation.
• Battery Life: 10 hours (ANC on), 16 hours (ANC off), 52 hours total with case.
• Comfort: Lightweight, secure fit with multiple eartips.
• Audio Quality: Clear, balanced sound with detailed instrument separation.
• Bluetooth 5.3: Supports aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC, LC3.
• Touch Controls: Customizable and responsive.
• Melomania Connect App: EQ presets, wear sensor, multipoint connection, gaming mode.

Cons:

• Dynamics: Constrained, lacking in dynamic contrast.
• Transparency Mode: Less effective, hard to hear over music.
• Wear Sensor: Inconsistent performance.

Price: £169 / $219

Score:

• Sound: 4
• Features: 4
• Comfort: 5