More space, more color, but otherwise much of the same: Cambridge Audio is expanding its relatively new Melomania A100 lineup with the A100SE, which adds Dolby Spatial Audio and a new midnight blue color option. The true wireless in-ear headphones with ANC and up to 39 hours of battery life cost 149 euros.
In our review of the Cambridge Audio Melomania A100, the first A100 scored 92 percent and earned a “Best Buy” recommendation. We were particularly impressed by its balanced sound, natural vocal reproduction, and deep bass even with noise cancellation enabled. The noise cancellation itself, however, wasn’t among the best in its class. The announcement doesn’t specify whether Cambridge Audio has also worked on the tuning or the ANC for the SE version.
Dolby Spatial Audio expands the soundstage
Cambridge Audio cites Dolby Spatial Audio as the most important new feature. The spatial audio processing is designed to make music and other content sound more expansive. The manufacturer has yet to provide details on the technical implementation: Neither head tracking nor any specific requirements on the part of the streaming service are mentioned in the announcement. There is also no mention of Dolby Atmos.
It therefore remains to be seen whether Spatial Audio works on the headphones themselves for every stereo signal or requires compatible content and playback devices. A test should reveal, at the very latest, whether the new spatial effect offers audible benefits or whether purists would prefer to stick with classic stereo playback.
Class-AB amplifier drives 10-millimeter drivers
For its core acoustic design, Cambridge Audio relies on the well-known combination of a 10-millimeter neodymium driver and a Class AB amplifier stage in each earbud. This type of circuitry is more commonly found in classic hi-fi amplifiers. According to the manufacturer, even in this miniature format, it is designed to deliver a transparent, natural sound with powerful bass.
The Melomania A100SE uses Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless transmission. In addition to AAC, it supports LDAC and aptX Lossless. LDAC enables high-bitrate transmission on compatible Android devices, while aptX Lossless promises a lossless, CD-quality connection under suitable conditions. Cambridge Audio also mentions support for up to 96 kHz. The announcement does not specify which combination of codec and playback device is required for this.
Thanks to Bluetooth Multipoint, the in-ear headphones can stay connected to two devices at the same time. For example, you can watch a video on your laptop and then answer a call on your smartphone without having to re-establish the Bluetooth connection each time.
Up to 39 hours without plugging in
Without active noise cancellation, the earbuds are rated to play for up to 11 hours on a single charge. With ANC enabled, Cambridge Audio quotes 6.5 hours. The slim charging case provides power for an additional 28 hours, resulting in a total of up to 39 hours under ideal conditions.
The fast-charging feature is designed to provide up to three additional hours of playback after just ten minutes of charging. As with the A100, silicone ear tips are available in three sizes. They are designed to ensure a comfortable fit and provide the necessary passive seal. The earbuds are IPX5-rated for protection against water jets, making them suitable for workouts or use in the rain. Cambridge Audio does not specify a protection rating for the charging case.
Seven-band equalizer and customizable touch controls
Using the free Melomania Connect app for Android and iOS, you can customize the sound with a seven-band equalizer. Users can also remap the functions of the touch-sensitive controls. This way, everyone can decide for themselves whether a tap controls playback, adjusts the volume, or activates ANC.
We’re already familiar with many of the features mentioned from the previous A100: Class AB amplification, 10-millimeter drivers, Bluetooth 5.4, LDAC, aptX Lossless, multipoint, IPX5, and the battery specifications remain unchanged. The clearly identified new features of the Special Edition are thus Dolby Spatial Audio and the additional color option. Based on the information currently available, the “SE” designation does not suggest a fundamental generational change.
Price and Availability
The Cambridge Audio Melomania A100SE will be available at specialty retailers starting October 1, 2026, in black, white, and midnight blue. The suggested retail price is 149 euros. This is ten euros higher than the original MSRP of the Melomania A100.
A listening test will have to determine whether Spatial Audio justifies the extra cost and whether Cambridge Audio has made further improvements in sound detail. In any case, the starting point is promising: Even its predecessor was among the best-sounding true wireless in-ear headphones in its price range.
Technical Specifications for the Cambridge Audio Melomania A100SE
- Type: True Wireless In-Ears
- Driver: dynamic, 10 mm, neodymium magnet
- Amplification: Class AB
- Spatial audio: Dolby Spatial Audio
- Bluetooth: 5.4, multipoint for two devices
- Codecs: LDAC, aptX Lossless, AAC
- Maximum sampling rate: up to 96 kHz
- Noise Cancellation: ANC
- App: Melomania Connect for Android and iOS
- SoundCustomization: Seven-band equalizer
- Earbud battery life: up to 11 hours without ANC, up to 6.5 hours with ANC
- Total playtime with case: up to 39 hours without ANC
- Fast charging: 10 minutes for up to 3 hours of playback
- Protection rating: IPX5, earbuds
- Ear tips: Silicone in three sizes
- Colors: Black, White, Midnight Blue
- Price: 149 euros
- Availability: starting October 1, 2026
For more information: Cambridge Audio
