Cambridge Audio is back with an update to its over-ear wireless headphones, the Melomania P100. The new model, called the P100 SE (Special Edition), brings a few thoughtful upgrades without changing the formula too much. It still looks familiar, but the changes under the hood are aimed at improving how it feels, sounds, and works for everyday listening.

The headline changes? A retuned sound profile for punchier bass and more dynamic audio, a comfier headband for long sessions, and a new Blue finish that joins the existing Black and White options. The price stays competitive at $299 / £249 / €279.

The sound tweaks are a big part of the update. The P100 SE still uses a 40mm composite driver with neodymium magnets—like the original—but the tuning has been adjusted for more depth in the low end and a livelier overall sound. It also keeps the Class AB amplifier inside, which is something you typically see in hi-fi gear, not wireless headphones. That’s a choice aimed at listeners who care about cleaner, more natural sound without overemphasizing certain frequencies.

Cambridge has also kept its DynamEQ tech in the mix. This feature automatically adjusts bass and treble as you change the volume, helping to keep things sounding full even when you're listening quietly.

One area that really stands out is battery life. With Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) turned on, the P100 SE offers up to 60 hours of playtime. Turn ANC off, and that jumps to 100 hours. For context, that’s several days of use without needing to plug in. And if you do run low, a five-minute fast charge gets you around two hours of ANC listening—or four hours if ANC is off.

ANC has also been improved in this Special Edition. You now get three adjustable levels of noise cancellation, making it easier to block out your surroundings whether you're on a flight, at the office, or just trying to focus at home. There's also a transparency mode when you need to let some outside noise in—like when you're walking around town or having a quick conversation.

Comfort has been a focus too. Cambridge reworked the headband with more cushioning and adjusted the clamping force so it’s less tight on larger heads. These changes aim to make the headphones feel better during long stretches of use, whether you're working, traveling, or relaxing at home.

If you're into customizing your sound, the Melomania Connect app has you covered. You can choose from six preset EQ modes for different genres, or use the seven-band manual EQ to dial in your own sound. It's a straightforward way to get the music just how you like it—whether that’s extra bass for hip-hop or a brighter sound for podcasts.

On the wireless front, the P100 SE supports a wide range of Bluetooth codecs, including aptX Lossless for CD-quality audio (when paired with compatible Android devices), as well as SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive. There's also a low-latency gaming mode that reduces delay to around 80 milliseconds, which can make games and movies feel more in sync.

Cambridge also added a few practical touches that speak to longevity. The P100 SE is made with 50% recycled plastic, ships in recyclable packaging, and has user-replaceable batteries and ear pads—something that’s still rare in the wireless headphone world.

For connectivity, it supports multipoint Bluetooth pairing, which means you can stay connected to two devices at once—handy if you’re switching between a laptop and phone. And if you prefer wired listening, it includes both a USB-C and 3.5mm cable in the box.

In a market crowded with big names like Sony and Bose, the Melomania P100 SE doesn’t try to grab your attention with flashy tricks. Instead, it focuses on delivering solid performance, long battery life, and a few quality-of-life upgrades that make it a practical choice for listeners who care about sound and comfort.

The Melomania P100 SE is available now through Cambridge Audio’s website and Amazon.