You possibly can belief Louder
Our skilled crew has labored for a few of the largest manufacturers in music. From testing headphones to reviewing albums, our consultants purpose to create opinions you’ll be able to belief. Discover out extra about how we assessment.
Clearly, Cambridge Audio aren’t messing about: solely a yr after the discharge of their a lot anticipated P100 wi-fi over-ear headphones, the corporate have unveiled a elaborate new particular version, boasting a extra snug headband, new DynamEQ tech and a brand new blue colourway possibility if the traditional black and white variations are a bit too predictable for you.
Whereas I did not get the prospect to stay my ears within the authentic P100s, it’d take lots to prise me away from my beloved Sennheiser Momentums, so I assumed I would take a look at the P100 SEs out and see what they had been all about.
Melomania P100 SE assessment: design
The primary and most putting impression for me was instantaneous: these are large headphones. The carry case they arrive in is chunky as hell and definitely takes up more room than some other headphone case I’ve had.
And that is earlier than you get to the headphones themselves. Whether or not the sheer measurement of them bothers you’ll rely upon two issues a) how rapidly you may get used to the texture of them and b) if larger headphones are one thing you’d really feel self-conscious about carrying out and about.
Personally, the dimensions did not trouble me and I would really argue it makes them appear like an much more spectacular, correct piece of audio equipment. They’re heavy, too – noticeably so than my Sennheisers once I put on them – but it surely took all of 10 minutes for me to get used to them and after a few weeks of utilization I do not even give it some thought now.
The headscarf has been upgraded from the unique Melomania P100’s for further consolation, and I would undoubtedly agree that regardless of nonetheless weighing a good bit, they’re properly cushioned and really feel snug in opposition to the top and ears.
Melomania P100 SE assessment: Options
The Melomania P100 SE’s boast what Cambridge Audio name their “DynamEQ expertise”, promising to mechanically regulate bass and treble to keep up nice sound, even at low volumes. There are additionally quite a few preset equalisers, in addition to the power customise and save your personal preset for the true audiophiles.
I had a mess around with just a few of the presets and whereas I would not say they drastically improved my listening expertise, I may undoubtedly inform the distinction between a few of the choices. I additionally discovered the Melomania app required to fiddle with all of this straightforward to make use of with a pleasant, clear, easy interface.
I examined the wonderful new Deftones album Non-public Music underneath the ‘Rock’ preset and it undoubtedly helped to make Steph Carpenter’s riffs just a bit weightier, whereas a blast of current Barry Cannot Swim album Loner underneath the ‘Digital’ preset made his propulsive edm bangers that bit crisper.
As for that all-important ANC? I discovered it to be of fantastic high quality: I first examined it whereas in a busy fitness center with some chart-bothering pop music blaring out of the PA, after which subsequent on my morning commute on an overground practice and on the London tube.
In each circumstances, a lot of the background noise was drastically thinned out, which is a should for any pair of high-end headphones I need to begin utilizing frequently.
Oh, and I’ve to acknowledge that outstanding battery life: 100 hours on full cost, or 60 for those who’re utilizing the ANC, places these headphones leagues forward of all opponents on that entrance. It is the one characteristic with which the Melomania P100 SE’s comfortably go away all the things else within the mud.
Melomania P100 SE assessment: Sound
General, I discovered the sound high quality of the Melomania P100 SE’s to be actually fairly good. Whereas not any type of spectacular improve on its rivals, I would say these headphones greater than maintain their very own in opposition to most in the identical value bracket, even when I am undecided they fairly match as much as the best-in-class choices from the likes of Sony and Sennheiser.
That mentioned, be it whereas listening to particular genres utilizing these presets or simply hammering by way of a blended playlist on its default setting, I discovered all the things I listened to to be of top of the range – together with voice notes from pals, which sounded crystal clear with the ANC on whereas I used to be strolling round a busy Paddington avenue earlier this yr.
The options
Sennheiser Momentum 4
For across the similar cash, you may get your palms on the Sennheiser Momentum 4 – a wonderful set of over-ear headphones that boats 60 hours of battery, glorious Adaptive Noise Cancellation and crystal clear audio. App integration additionally means that you can tweak the settings to provide the greatest audio supply.
Sony WH-1000XM4
Whereas Sony’s XM4 have been outdated by the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Sony WH-1000XM6, don’t dismiss the 2021 mannequin. For a begin, a pair of those over-ears will prevent a whole lot of {dollars}/kilos over the newer headphones – they usually nonetheless sound superb with excellent noise cancelling. Thirty hours of battery life isn’t to be sniffed at – they usually fold down for journey functions.
Learn our full Sony WH-1000XM4 assessment