Compare Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE Headphones vs Focal Bathys MG Wireless 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 good to very good and clearly improved over the original, but the consensus is that Sony and Bose still cancel more noise overall, especially in the mids. The three-mode ANC system gives useful control with Silent, Soft, and Transparency options, even though there is no true ANC-off mode.

Android support is straightforward, with repeated references to Android compatibility in specs, pairing, and app support.

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 Focal & Naim app is useful for basics like ANC, EQ, personalization, lighting, and battery view, but several reviewers find it limited or occasionally glitchy.

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

aptX support is a clear plus and is repeatedly listed as part of the headphone's strong everyday wireless feature set.

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 praised for depth, slam, texture, and control, though several reviewers note the default tuning can run a little warm, boomy, or heavy before EQ.

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 solid rather than class-leading, with the commonly cited 30-hour Bluetooth figure generally holding up well in real use. Battery replacement appears possible through Focal service rather than as a user-swappable design, offering some serviceability without true end-user replaceability.

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 performance is usually stable with fast pairing and dependable everyday use, but a few reports mention quirks rather than flawless behavior.

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

Build quality is one of the strongest consensus positives, with premium materials, excellent finishing, and solid construction throughout.

The built-in DAC and hi-res USB playback are among the headphone's clearest differentiators, and many reviewers treat DAC mode as a headline feature.

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

Physical controls are a strength, with tactile buttons and switches that are generally easier to trust than touch panels.

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

The included cables are generally described as acceptable to durable, even if they are not luxurious extras.

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 carry case is repeatedly praised as protective, slim, and premium, even if a few users still find it bulky in a bag.

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.

Fast charging is a practical plus, with the widely repeated 15-minute top-up for roughly five hours of playback.

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

Clamp is generally better judged than on the original Bathys, feeling secure without being overly oppressive for most listeners.

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

Codec support is serviceable rather than cutting-edge: aptX and aptX Adaptive are welcome, but multiple reviews call out the lack of broader premium codec coverage.

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.

Long-session comfort is one of the Bathys MG's most consistent wins, with many reviewers praising fatigue-free wear over flights, workdays, or extended listening.

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 major selling point, with the chestnut finish, leather, metal accents, and illuminated logo giving the Bathys MG a clearly luxurious identity.

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 included 3.5mm and USB-C wired options add real convenience for travel, desk use, and higher-quality listening beyond 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.

Softer, more supple pads are a meaningful upgrade, improving comfort, seal, and overall premium feel.

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

The cups offer enough articulation to sit comfortably and fold flat, but the headphone is not especially compact and does not fold into a tighter travel shape.

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 is helpful and usable, but the five-band structure is repeatedly described as limited compared with fuller parametric options.

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.

Reviewers consistently describe the tonal balance as natural, balanced, or close to reference in the better presets, with cleaner frequency relationships than the original Bathys.

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 headband and slider system is easy to adjust and feels premium, helping users dial in fit without fuss.

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

The yokes and hinge-related hardware are widely described as sturdy, well finished, and built to last.

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

The included bundle is straightforward but useful, typically covering the hard case plus 3.5mm and USB-C cables.

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

Instrument separation is frequently singled out as excellent, with strong channel separation, precise placement, and the ability to keep dense mixes organized.

The built-in mic setup is a practical part of the package, handling calls, assistants, and ANC duties without standing out as a weak point.

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

LDAC is a notable omission and one of the most commonly cited feature complaints at this price.

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

At louder playback levels the Bathys MG generally stays composed and detailed, but some reviewers still hear treble edge on bright material, so max-volume behavior is good rather than perfect.

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

The microphone array does a respectable job suppressing background noise and keeping speech intelligible, though wind and harsher noise are not fully erased.

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 solid, with voices coming through clearly and naturally even if the very best Sony-style call performance is still a step ahead.

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

Midrange performance is a major strength, delivering clear, rich, weighty instruments and improved vocal/instrument resolution over the original, even if a few reviewers wanted vocals pushed further forward.

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.

The Bathys MG works broadly across phones, computers, tablets, and wired sources, making it easy to use across mixed-device setups.

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 supported and often works well, though several reviewers mention occasional switching quirks that keep it from feeling completely polished.

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

Passive isolation benefits from the over-ear seal and softer pads, though seal sensitivity with glasses is noted by at least one reviewer and total isolation still leans on ANC.

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 decent for a premium over-ear: the headphone folds flat and the revised case is slimmer, but it still is not a truly compact travel design.

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.

Preset profiles, especially Dynamic, are viewed positively and can materially improve tonal balance depending on listener taste.

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

Replaceable earpads are explicitly mentioned and add welcome long-term serviceability.

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

Convenience sensors are sparse, with at least one reviewer specifically calling out the lack of wear detection.

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 adjustment is present in the app, but it is not explored deeply enough in reviews to suggest anything beyond basic usefulness.

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 is usually straightforward, but the app and feature set are not always as polished or flexible as the best consumer-audio ecosystems.

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 the file, the Bathys MG is repeatedly described as one of the best-sounding wireless headphones available, with standout refinement, detail, dynamics, and realism. Wired listening is a real strength, especially in USB-DAC mode, with reviewers repeatedly hearing cleaner, higher-resolution playback than over standard Bluetooth.

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

For a closed-back wireless design, the Bathys MG earns unusually strong soundstage marks, with convincing width, layering, and better spatial openness than most ANC rivals.

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 is absent, and several reviewers explicitly note that Focal prioritized core sound over that feature.

Fit stability is mostly good for seated use and commuting, but a few comments suggest movement-related thumping or shifting during more active use.

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

The packaging and material story show some environmental consideration, including recycled or FSC-style materials in the box and presentation.

There are no touch controls here, so anyone wanting swipe gestures or tap controls will not find them.

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 mode is considered effective and natural enough for conversations and situational awareness without removing the headphones.

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

Treble is mostly clear, smooth, and detailed, but a few reviewers hear some edge or heat up top, especially on bright recordings or at louder levels.

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 central to the product experience, handling charging and the high-value DAC mode for higher-resolution wired playback.

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

Voice assistant access is built in and works as expected through the dedicated button and supported platforms.

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.

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 about 350g the Bathys MG is not especially light, but most reviewers still find the weight well managed and comfortable in practice.