Introduction
Cambridge didn't replace the Melomania A100. It gave it a Special Edition. The A100 SE keeps the same body, the same Qualcomm platform and the same 10 mm drivers, then changes the parts you hear: Dolby Audio spatial processing, a less restrictive grille mesh for more air in the treble, and a new voicing Cambridge describes as deeper in the bass and richer in the mids.
The rest is the reason the A100 got attention in the first place. Class A/B amplification borrowed from Cambridge's CX and EX hi-fi components, aptX Lossless and LDAC over Snapdragon Sound, adaptive hybrid noise cancelling and up to 39 hours of playback with the case. Blue is the new colour; Black and White carry over.
Where it doesn't stretch: Dolby Audio here is spatial processing, not Dolby Atmos, and lossless or hi-res Bluetooth needs a compatible Android phone. On an iPhone you're on AAC like everyone else.
Watch It in Action
Cambridge Audio's official introduction to the A100 SE:
Key Features & Benefits
- Hear amplifier engineering, not a phone chip: Class A/B amplification, the same topology Cambridge uses in its CX and EX components, drives a 10 mm driver in each earbud.
- Get out of your own head: Dolby Audio, switched on in the Melomania Connect app, widens the presentation and lifts dialogue in films and podcasts. It works with any source.
- Stream lossless when your phone can: aptX Lossless and LDAC via Snapdragon Sound, up to 24-bit/96 kHz, with aptX Adaptive, AAC and SBC as fallbacks.
- Block the commute or let it in: adaptive hybrid ANC that adjusts to your surroundings, plus transparency mode and wind noise reduction.
- Take calls without shouting: six microphones, three per earbud, with Qualcomm cVc echo cancelling and noise suppression.
- Charge less often: 6.5 hours per charge, up to 39 hours with the case (ANC off), 10 minutes of fast charging for about 3.2 hours, and wireless charging on the case.
- Stay on two devices: Bluetooth 5.4 multipoint, Google Fast Pair and a gaming mode under 80 ms.
Real-World Reactions
“They have the sound and the specification to compete with the very best at this sort of money.”
Simon Lucas, Trusted Reviews
“Because at this sort of money, finding something obviously ‘better’ than the Cambridge A100 SE is going to prove tricky.”
Simon Lucas, TechRadar
Both reviews praise the same thing we'd point you to first: an open, spacious sound for in-ears, which Dolby Audio stretches further. Both also flag the same trade-off, a slightly stiff way with rhythm, and touch controls that are less dependable than the app.
Gallery
Every finish in one place. Click any shot to open it full size.
Who It's For
- Android listeners with an aptX Lossless or LDAC phone who want to hear what those codecs can do
- Anyone moving up from entry-level earbuds who wants hi-fi tuning without flagship pricing
- Commuters and travellers who watch films on the go and will actually use Dolby Audio
Who should look elsewhere: if rhythmic snap matters more to you than space and detail, or you want Dolby Atmos head tracking, look at the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5. Already own the original A100? The SE is a refinement, not a reason to upgrade.
Quick Specs
- Driver: 10 mm dynamic, recycled neodymium magnets
- Amplification: Class A/B
- Codecs: LDAC, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC
- Bluetooth: 5.4, multipoint
- Noise cancelling: adaptive hybrid ANC, transparency mode
- Battery: 6.5 h per charge, up to 39 h with case (ANC off), up to 21 h (ANC on)
- Charging: USB-C and wireless
- Water resistance: IPX5
- Weight: 4.7 g per earbud, 48.1 g total with case
- Finishes: Blue, Black, White
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Class A/B amplification, aptX Lossless and LDAC at €149
- Open, spacious sound, wider still with Dolby Audio
- Up to 39 hours total playback with wireless charging
⚠️ Cons:
- Rhythm is a touch less fluid than some rivals
- Touch controls are less reliable than the app
- Lossless and hi-res Bluetooth need a compatible Android source
Where to Buy
The Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 SE is open for pre-order at Soundium at €149, in Blue, Black and White, with first units expected in October 2026.
- Free pickup shipping on orders over €149
- Free courier shipping on orders over €299
- Secure checkout and interest-free payments
- Support from people who actually know the gear
Pre-order the Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 SE from Soundium
Final Thoughts
The A100 SE doesn't reinvent Cambridge's earbuds, and it doesn't need to. It keeps the hardware that made the A100 unusual at this price, adds Dolby Audio and a better-breathing tuning, and puts it in a blue that looks far more expensive than €149. If you want hi-fi credentials in a pocket-sized case, this is the easy recommendation.
Still Unsure?
Not sure the A100 SE suits your phone or your listening? Reach out to our team and we'll help you find the right match.