Compare Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE Headphones vs Meze Audio 105 Silva 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.

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.

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

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

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 generally controlled and textured, with some listeners hearing a fuller, pillowy low end and others calling it restrained or dry compared with bassier alternatives. Sub-bass is present but not the main emphasis, so slam-heads may want more weight.

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.

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.

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

Build quality is consistently described as excellent, with premium materials, tight assembly, and a refined feel. Several reviews highlight serviceability and long-term durability as part of the value proposition.

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 impressions are mixed: many find the stock cable sturdy and functional, but some report microphonics or less-than-ideal ergonomics, and several note the lack of a balanced stock option.

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 hard/semi-hard case is widely praised as well-made and protective, with room for cables/adapters and a secure zipper. It supports storage and occasional transport effectively.

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.

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

Clamp force is generally described as moderate and well-distributed, supporting stability without obvious pain. A handful of impressions mention the clamp feeling a bit tight out of the box, with minor adjustment/break-in helping.

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

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 a consistent strength: the self-adjusting suspension design and soft pads enable long listening sessions for most people. A few note fit quirks (small cups for some ears or clamp that starts slightly tight).

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 a standout, with walnut accents and Meze’s mid-century styling repeatedly called premium-looking and distinctive. Even critics of the tuning tend to praise the aesthetics and finish quality.

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.

The detachable dual 3.5mm system is convenient for replacement, yet recessed/narrow connector sizing can limit third-party cable compatibility compared with more universal designs. Connection security itself is generally praised.

The included USB-C DAC dongle/adapter is viewed as a nice convenience for modern devices, generally adequate for casual listening. Enthusiast reviewers still expect better performance from dedicated DAC/amps.

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

Velour/suede pads are commonly described as plush, breathable, and comfortable, helping distribute pressure and avoid hotspots. Some users wish for a touch more ear room, but pad comfort is still rated highly.

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

Cup articulation is generally sufficient for a good seal/fit, with tilt helping the pads conform, though some describe movement as limited compared with more freely articulating designs.

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

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.

Tonality is often described as balanced or smooth rather than strictly neutral, with a coherent frequency integration that avoids obvious bloat. Some characterize it as tastefully colored (warm-bright/W-shaped) rather than reference-flat.

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.

The auto/self-adjusting headband system is repeatedly singled out as one of the best parts of the design, requiring little to no fiddling while spreading pressure evenly. It also helps with consistent fit and comfort over time.

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

Build discussions suggest robust hinges and a durable chassis, with spring-steel structures and solid joints expected to hold up well over years of use.

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

Accessories are generally seen as generous for the price: a protective case, cables, and adapters (often including USB-C). The main recurring complaint is the absence of a balanced cable in the box.

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 widely regarded as excellent for the price, helping complex mixes stay organized and making positional cues easy to track. Even reviewers who nitpick tuning tend to credit the Silva’s placement and delineation.

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.

When pushed louder, reviewers who mention it report the presentation staying composed, with bass and treble control holding together without obvious strain.

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

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

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

Midrange is a highlight for many, with clear, forward vocals/instruments and an overall transparent character. A few note that certain vocal ranges can sound a bit thin, scooped, or pushed depending on recording and pairing.

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.

Reviewers frequently describe good compatibility across sources (phones with dongles, laptops, DAPs, and desktop amps), helped by easy drivability. Some note it scales with source quality and can reveal harshness from poor gear.

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.

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

As open-backs, passive isolation is low and sound leakage is expected; a couple of reviewers note mild attenuation compared to very open designs, but these are still best for quiet rooms.

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.

Portability is mixed: they’re easy to drive and include a protective case, but the open-back design and size make them better suited to home or quiet environments than true travel/commute use.

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.

Where discussed, earpads are replaceable and intended for long-term ownership, with guides or documentation supporting pad swaps and maintenance.

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.

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.

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.

Across reviews, the 105 Silva is described as an engaging open-back with a premium “Meze” presentation: natural timbre, strong technicalities for the price, and a tuning that favors musical enjoyment over strict neutrality. A minority find the voicing less competitive on pure sound-per-dollar versus cheaper rivals without EQ.

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

Soundstage impressions vary: some describe it as expansive, airy, and three-dimensional, while others find it only moderately wide or a touch narrow with limited depth/layering. Imaging is commonly cited as more consistent than sheer stage size.

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

Fit stability is usually strong thanks to moderate clamp and the suspension design, with reports of little slippage and secure positioning. One review flags potential fit issues for smaller heads due to the frame geometry.

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

Sustainability is repeatedly tied to Meze’s serviceable approach: parts can be replaced rather than discarding the headphone, supporting longevity and repairability over time.

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.

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

Treble is typically praised for clarity and refinement, but several reviews note peaks/extra air that can sound a little spicy, sizzly, or less forgiving on bright or compressed tracks. Others hear it as smooth and well-balanced for long sessions.

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 support comes via an included adapter/dongle, enabling plug-and-play use with phones and computers lacking a headphone jack. It’s positioned as convenience rather than a high-end solution.

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.

Multiple reviews call the 105 Silva very easy to drive (high sensitivity, modest impedance) and capable of reaching loud listening levels from phones, dongles, laptops, and DAPs. Higher-quality sources can still improve refinement and control.

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

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

At roughly mid-300g, the Silva isn’t ultra-light, but reviewers frequently say it feels lighter on-head due to excellent weight distribution. Most report minimal fatigue from weight during extended sessions.