Compare Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE Headphones vs Sonos Ace Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

ANC is generally rated as strong for the price and improved versus the original P100 in several comparisons, but most reviewers still stop short of calling it class-leading versus Sony or Bose. Reviewers note multiple ANC strength levels plus quick switching via button/app, making it easy to tailor noise reduction to the environment.

ANC is widely rated strong for travel and commuting, and multiple reviewers say firmware updates pushed it closer to class leaders. A minority still place Bose and Sony slightly ahead, but few call the Ace weak at cancelling steady noise. Most reviews describe limited user control over ANC intensity: typically on, off, or Aware mode, with some adaptive behavior added over time. If you want multiple manual levels like Bose offers, this is a common disappointment.

Android compatibility is generally solid, and Android users get the biggest upside from aptX Lossless and broader codec support. Some Sonos home-theater features started iOS-first, but later updates expanded support according to reviewers.

The Melomania app is typically described as clean and functional for firmware, battery, ANC and EQ; the SE adds DynamEQ, and most find it easy to navigate.

The Sonos app is needed for setup, updates, EQ, and home-theater features, and opinions are mixed. Some like the simplicity and redesign, while others report pairing hiccups, limited options, or updates that feel slower than they should.

aptX support (including Adaptive/Lossless where source devices allow) is consistently mentioned as a key differentiator at this price.

aptX support, including aptX Lossless on compatible Snapdragon Sound devices, is frequently cited as a meaningful advantage over some rivals. Android users benefit most from this capability.

Low-latency or gaming mode is mentioned as helpful for video and gaming, reducing perceived lip-sync issues to a generally acceptable level.

Audio-video sync is usually described as low-latency for movies and TV, especially when features are working properly. A couple of reviews report occasional lip-sync hiccups during TV Audio Swap that were resolved by reconnecting or pausing playback.

Bass is commonly described as impactful and powerful, especially with DynamEQ, but a few reviewers find it can get boomy or overpowering on the stock SE tuning and can vary by track.

Bass is commonly described as full and controlled, helping the Ace feel rich and premium. Some reviewers want more rumble and impact for movies, while others feel the default tuning can lean a bit bass-forward compared with neutral targets.

Across reviews, battery life is repeatedly described as class-leading and is often verified in real use: around 60 hours with ANC on and up to 100 hours with ANC off. The user-replaceable battery is repeatedly singled out as a big longevity and sustainability win, uncommon among mainstream ANC headphones.

Battery life is generally reported around the advertised 30 hours with ANC, and several reviewers call it a strong point. A few wish it were longer, but most agree it is competitive in the premium class.

Bluetooth connectivity is generally stable in daily use, though a few reports mention pairing friction when switching between the original P100 and the SE model.

Bluetooth stability is mostly reported as solid with reliable day-to-day connections. Some reviews mention brief dropouts or stutters, especially around early firmware or when using TV Audio Swap.

Build quality is repeatedly described as premium and sturdy for the price, with only occasional mentions of minor creaking.

Build quality is typically described as premium and well-finished, with sturdy materials and a polished look. A few reviews mention early quirks or software-related rough edges, but physical construction is rarely the main complaint.

Physical button controls are consistently praised for being responsive and reliable, with clear mappings for playback, volume, ANC modes and assistant access.

Included cables are generally described as good quality and part of a well-considered accessory bundle.

Cable quality is mostly fine, but at least one review explicitly complains that the included USB-C cable is too short for comfortable desktop or couch use.

The hard travel case is frequently described as sturdy and premium, with helpful cable storage, but it can be larger than rivals because the headphones do not fold especially small.

The included case is usually praised as protective and slim, and it looks premium on the outside. A few reviewers dislike the material feel, zipper behavior, or the finicky fit when packing the headphones away.

Fast charging is consistently highlighted as useful, with claims of a brief charge (around 5 minutes) delivering multiple hours of playback depending on ANC use.

USB-C charging and fast-charge behavior are widely praised, with multiple reviews citing short top-ups that deliver hours of use. Full charge times and convenience compare well against Lightning-based rivals.

Clamping force is commonly described as well-judged or slightly reduced on the SE, though a few listeners still find the fit snug.

Codec support is repeatedly cited as a strength, with broad compatibility including aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless alongside standard Bluetooth codecs.

Codec support is a key talking point: AAC for iPhone, aptX and aptX Lossless via Snapdragon Sound for compatible Android, plus wired USB-C audio. One review notes the lack of LDAC, so codec completeness depends on what you expect.

Comfort is generally good and improved with the SE headband updates for some users, but weight and a sometimes-stiff headband cushion can create pressure over long sessions.

Comfort is one of the strongest consensus positives: many reviewers say the Ace disappears on the head for long sessions. Some note the cups can feel tight for larger ears or get warm, but comfort is still often ranked top tier.

Design is usually described as clean and upscale with a new blue option, but at least one reviewer finds the headband look wide or goofy when worn.

Design is broadly seen as sleek, minimalist, and premium, with physical controls that many find more reliable than touch pads. Cosmetic preferences vary, but the Ace generally scores high on aesthetics.

Included wired options (USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to 3.5mm) are viewed as convenient for travel and hi-res playback without relying on Bluetooth.

Earpads are described as plush and spacious with a good seal; a recurring minor note is that they can get warm during long listening.

Earcup rotation is frequently praised as flexible enough to lie flat and to fit a range of head shapes comfortably.

EQ control is repeatedly called effective and highly responsive, enabling meaningful tuning changes; a minor recurring gripe is limited granularity/labeling of EQ steps.

EQ customization is frequently described as basic, often limited to simple bass and treble adjustments. It helps fine-tune warmth but is less flexible than multi-band EQs offered by several competitors.

Tonal balance is often described as slightly warm rather than strictly neutral; DynamEQ and the SE retune can shift bass/treble balance, so accuracy depends on settings.

Adjustability is reported as sufficient for a range of head sizes, but comfort outcomes depend more on headband cushioning and weight distribution than on range.

Hinges and moving parts are generally viewed as robust, though a small number of users report slight creaks when moving around.

Included accessories are routinely noted as generous for the price, especially the hard case plus multiple cables and documentation.

Included accessories, especially the hard case and cables or adapters, are generally viewed as generous for the category. A couple of reviewers still wish for longer cables or more flexibility, but the bundle is mostly well received.

Instrument separation and layering are highlighted as strong, contributing to a more hi-fi style presentation and easy-to-follow mixes.

Instrument separation and imaging are often highlighted as a strength, with good layering and placement for a wireless ANC headphone. Even mixed reviews tend to credit the Ace for clarity in complex mixes.

Multiple reviewers explicitly note there is no LDAC support, which may matter to users invested in that ecosystem.

At higher volumes, clarity is generally reported as holding up well with strong dynamics and little audible strain or distortion.

Background noise reduction for calls is described as decent but behind top rivals, with some reviewers noting more noise leaks through in loud settings.

Microphone noise reduction is often described as effective at suppressing background noise, though not always the best in class for wind or the noisiest streets. Overall, most reviewers consider it reliable for calls.

Call quality is usually rated as good in quiet environments and acceptable overall, though not typically viewed as best-in-class.

Call quality is generally rated good to very good, with clear speech in typical environments. A few reviews call it average or slightly muffled, and one notes updates aimed at improving the microphones over time.

Midrange is widely described as clear and well-rounded, keeping vocals present and intelligible even with elevated bass.

Midrange is typically clear and pleasant for vocals, though a few reviews note mild recession depending on the track and default tuning. With light EQ, several reviewers say vocals regain balance easily.

Multi-device use across iOS, Android and computers is reported as smooth overall, helped by Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint and app support on both mobile platforms.

Multi-platform compatibility is generally strong for phones and computers, and the Ace can also integrate with compatible Sonos soundbars. The biggest platform caveats are codec differences (Android vs iOS) and which devices support specific Sonos features.

Multipoint is widely reported to work, but switching behavior is sometimes manual (for example, pausing on one device before playing on another) and auto-switching is not always present.

Multipoint is commonly praised for convenience and generally works well for hopping between phone and laptop. One review reports clunky or inconsistent behavior, so it is not universally flawless.

Passive isolation is frequently praised thanks to the seal and pads, with some reviewers saying it blocks a lot even before ANC is enabled.

Portability is a mixed point: the headphones can travel fine in the included case, but limited foldability and case size make them less packable than some competitors.

The Ace folds flat but does not fold into a compact bundle, so portability depends heavily on bag space. The case is often described as slim, but still fairly wide.

Preset EQ profiles are seen as useful starting points, though some reviewers say differences can be subtle and custom EQ is where the headphones shine.

Replaceable earpads are called out as easy to swap, supporting long-term comfort and maintenance.

Replaceable, often magnetically attached earpads are praised as a practical, premium touch for long-term ownership. Reviewers generally like the ease of removing and reattaching pads.

Wear detection/sensors are generally convenient and responsive, but a few users report occasional pause/resume glitches.

Sidetone/voice passthrough during calls is mentioned as an area for improvement, with at least one reviewer wanting clearer amplification of their own voice.

Sidetone is highlighted as a useful calling feature when available, feeding some of your own voice back naturally so you do not over-project. Not every review treats it as essential, but those who mention it tend to be positive.

Setup and software are usually described as straightforward, but there are a few reports of pairing or sensor quirks that may require firmware updates or re-pairing.

Setup and software are mixed: many find pairing straightforward, while others report app detection issues, feature rollouts that arrive later, or firmware updates that take patience. Updates have also meaningfully improved ANC and home-theater features over time.

Sound quality is a standout theme: detailed, engaging, and competitive with more expensive headphones; however, several note the SE stock tuning can lean bass-forward and benefits from EQ to taste. Wired listening via USB-C (and via included USB-C to 3.5mm cable) is described as a strong option, often sounding excellent and sometimes driving higher volume than Bluetooth.

Sound quality is generally praised as warm, smooth, detailed, and spacious, making it easy to enjoy for long sessions. The recurring critique is that it is not always as punchy, dynamic, or incisive as the very best at this price, and the limited EQ means you cannot fully reshape the signature.

Many reviews describe a wide, immersive stage, though a minority characterize the presentation as more intimate than the widest options in the category.

Soundstage is frequently called spacious for a closed-back, and it becomes more enveloping with spatial audio enabled. Reviews describing movie playback often emphasize the wide, out-of-head presentation.

Spatial audio is commonly noted as absent, but several reviewers say the natural soundstage is wide enough that many listeners may not miss it.

Spatial audio and Dolby Atmos support are widely considered a headline strength, especially for movies and TV, with head tracking adding immersion for many listeners. A minority see it as a gimmick for music, but overall sentiment is strongly positive.

Stability on the head is usually good for everyday use, but one review notes slipping when sweaty. If you plan on workouts, fit stability and heat build-up can be a consideration.

Sustainability is a recurring positive: recyclable packaging, recycled materials, and end-user replaceable battery/earpads are emphasized.

Transparency mode is considered usable and sometimes very natural, but multiple reviewers say it is not as airy/clear as top competitors and can suffer from wind noise.

Transparency or Aware mode is consistently described as natural and easy for conversations, often compared favorably with top competitors. A few reviewers still prefer Apple or Bose, but overall sentiment is very positive.

Treble performance is repeatedly praised for clarity and detail, with some noting extra sparkle/brilliance when DynamEQ is enabled.

Treble is usually characterized as clean and non-fatiguing, avoiding harshness. A few listeners want more sparkle and air, especially compared with brighter, more energetic rivals.

USB-C is the core port for charging and wired audio; reviews generally like the flexibility, though some note it means there is no traditional analog 3.5mm jack on the headphone itself.

USB-C is consistently appreciated for both charging and wired audio, and many reviews call it a clear win over older Lightning implementations. It also supports practical desktop and travel use cases.

Voice assistant integration is available via button shortcuts and is generally reported to work as expected.

Overall loudness is usually sufficient and can get very loud, but some reviewers still wish for a bit more headroom over Bluetooth compared to wired use.

Most reviewers find music playback loud enough, but TV Audio Swap volume is repeatedly described as quieter than music. At least one reviewer also reports a low-volume floor or coarse steps that make quiet listening harder.

At least one reviewer notes there is no water/sweat resistance rating, so these are not ideal for workouts or wet conditions.

Multiple reviews point out there is no official IP rating, making the Ace a weaker pick for workouts, heavy sweat, or rain exposure. Some still use it casually at the gym, but it is not positioned as a sport headphone.

Weight is repeatedly cited around 330g, which is heavier than many peers and can impact comfort for those sensitive to top-of-head pressure.

Weight comfort is routinely praised, especially compared with heavier metal competitors. The lighter feel is a major contributor to long-session wearability.