Compare Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE Headphones vs DALI IO-12 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 broadly described as effective for reducing low rumbles and general ambient noise, but it is not considered class-leading compared with flagship Bose, Sony, or Apple models; some mention susceptibility to wind noise. Noise cancellation adjustability is limited to onboard mode switching in most coverage, with some sources noting multiple ANC modes, but no fine tuning via app.

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.

Multiple sources confirm there is no companion app for the IO-12.

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

Multiple reviews explicitly cite aptX options, including higher-tier variants such as aptX HD and aptX Adaptive, as part of the IO-12 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 typically described as tight and controlled in Hi-Fi mode with convincing weight, while Bass mode adds slam and warmth without turning into a boomy mess, though it can trade away some treble presence.

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 commonly cited around 35 hours, with at least one real-world report closer to 30 hours; overall it is respectable but not exceptional relative to cheaper competitors.

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 connectivity is commonly reported as stable, with fast pairing and few to no dropouts even in busy environments.

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

Build quality is repeatedly described as ultra-premium, with strong materials and a luxury feel that holds up to travel use when handled with care.

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

Buttons are often praised for responsiveness and tactile feedback, but a few reviewers mention accidental activation, especially when adjusting volume or leaning against a seat while traveling.

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

Cable quality feedback is mixed: some appreciate the included cables and finish, while at least one reviewer calls the cable frustrating to use and prefers the shorter 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 carry case is typically praised as premium and protective, with good structure and compartments, but it adds bulk and can be impractical for compact packing.

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.

Charging is described as taking roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from flat with no fast-charge boost mentioned, and one reviewer notes behavior consistent with limiting charge to protect long-term battery health.

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

Clamping force is usually described as secure but comfortable, ranging from light to moderately firm depending on the reviewer, without feeling unstable.

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

Codec support is positioned as strong for a premium wireless headphone, with repeated mentions of AAC and aptX-family options that help preserve detail over Bluetooth.

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 most consistently praised aspects, with roomy earcups and plush pads that avoid pressure points for many listeners.

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 widely described as premium and distinctive, but the dark chocolate color can divide opinion, and the large earcups create a bold, bulky look on some heads.

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 and pad materials are frequently described as plush, premium leather with generous space for larger ears, contributing to both comfort and isolation.

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

Earcups are commonly described as able to swivel or lay flat, aiding seal and travel storage even though the overall design does not fold compactly.

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

Without an app, EQ customization is not available beyond onboard preset modes, which limits personalization compared with mainstream flagship wireless headphones.

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.

Hi-Fi mode is commonly described as balanced and relatively uncolored, while Bass mode shifts the tonality warmer and can slightly reduce upper-mid and treble prominence.

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.

Headband adjustment is described as smooth and secure, holding its position well once set.

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 are generally considered generous, with multiple cables and adapters plus a premium case, though some note the absence of a USB-C to USB-C cable.

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 consistently praised, with precise placement and clear spacing between layers even 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.

Reviews that discuss loud listening report strong composure and minimal distortion at higher volumes, encouraging careful use because it stays clean as you turn it up.

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 clarity is repeatedly highlighted as a standout strength, with clean layering and realistic vocal and instrument textures that feel unusually hi-fi for Bluetooth.

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.

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 noted as supported and convenient for staying connected to two devices, though it is not heavily stress-tested across all sources.

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 noise isolation is described as strong thanks to large, well-sealing earcups and design details aimed at closing gaps around the ear, providing a solid foundation before ANC is even 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.

Portability is a recurring compromise: the headphones are large, do not fold down compactly, and several reviewers mention the case is too big for many backpacks.

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 sound modes are generally seen as well-judged: Hi-Fi is the reference setting for balance and clarity, while Bass mode adds punch and warmth, sometimes with a tradeoff in treble and mid presence.

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

Replaceable earpads are explicitly mentioned as a welcome premium touch, with pads that can be removed for cleaning or replacement.

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

Some coverage notes the absence of wear sensors and similar smart conveniences found on mainstream flagships, reinforcing the IO-12 focus on audio and simplicity over automation.

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.

Day-to-day operation is described as straightforward because settings are handled on the headphones, but the lack of an app also means limited customization and some sources note manual firmware updating.

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, sound quality is the headline: a speaker-like, highly resolving presentation that many call among the best in wireless closed-backs, with strong imaging and refinement. Wired sound is often described as equal or better in resolution than wireless, with USB-C and 3.5 mm options; passive use is supported, and some recommend listening powered on to benefit from onboard DSP.

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

Most reviews describe an unusually open, spacious soundstage for a closed-back wireless headphone, with strong width and credible depth; one reviewer notes it is not stadium-wide but avoids feeling claustrophobic.

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 generally described as secure with a good seal, but the sizing and overall footprint may feel better suited to average-to-larger heads than very small ones.

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

Control surfaces are generally responsive; some coverage mentions touch-style control areas, but overall interaction is described as clicky and deliberate rather than finicky.

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 generally described as clear and practical for awareness, without strong criticism, though fewer reviews go deep on its nuance.

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

Treble is generally airy, detailed, and smooth, with occasional notes that it can approach brightness on certain recordings; Bass mode can tame the top end if needed.

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 highlighted as both a charging and playback option, with multiple sources noting USB audio support up to 24-bit and 96kHz.

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

Voice assistant support is described as available via a press or long-press action, and some sources also mention voice prompts for battery status.

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.

Volume output is commonly described as having plenty of headroom, with enough drive to get loud without feeling strained.

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.

Weight is noted as present but generally not burdensome once worn, though some acknowledge the overall heft and size compared to mainstream travel headphones.