In the bustling market of affordable true wireless in-ear headphones, the Cambridge Audio A100 SE emerges as a notable contender, offering a compelling blend of features and audio fidelity. These earbuds distinguish themselves through their expertly balanced sound, which marries dynamism with intricate detail, alongside a comprehensive specification list that positions them favorably against top competitors. Despite minor drawbacks concerning rhythmic fluidity and material aesthetics, the A100 SE presents a strong value proposition for audio enthusiasts seeking high-quality sound without a premium price tag.
Cambridge Audio has opted for a familiar stem design for the A100 SE, a style widely popularized by tech giant Apple. The earbuds and their accompanying sleek charging case are crafted from conventional plastic, which, while not luxurious, proves functional and facilitates easy removal of the earbuds—a significant advantage over many alternatives. The ergonomic shaping of the driver housing ensures a comfortable fit, further enhanced by a selection of three silicon ear-tip sizes. Available in blue, white, and black, the build quality and finish meet expected standards. Each earbud features a capacitive touch surface, providing intuitive control over playback, calls, and active noise cancellation (ANC) settings. Users can also customize these touch controls via Cambridge's Melomania Connect app, which offers robust functionality and stability.
The Melomania Connect application is a cornerstone of the A100 SE experience, offering greater reliability than the physical touch controls. It includes a seven-band equalizer with several presets and the ability to save custom settings, alongside options for firmware updates, wear detection toggling, and a gaming mode. A standout feature, playfully nestled within the 'Audible Feedback' section, is the option to select 'Southwark' for voice prompts, delighting users with the distinctive voice of Matt Berry announcing device connections—a charming, if gratuitous, touch carried over from previous Cambridge headphone models. Connectivity is managed via Bluetooth 5.4, supporting advanced codecs like LDAC and aptX Lossless, ensuring high-fidelity wireless streaming. This compatibility allows for CD-quality, bit-perfect 16-bit/44.1kHz resolution with aptX Lossless, and support for lossy 24-bit/96kHz streams with ultra-low latency, thanks to Snapdragon Sound and a dual-core 240MHz Qualcomm Kalimba DSP. The audio processing benefits from Class A/B amplification, a technology borrowed from Cambridge’s esteemed CX and EX ranges of hi-fi amplifiers, delivering sound through 10mm drivers with recycled Neodymium. Dolby Audio integration, accessible via the app, offers an alternative listening experience for those preferring a less direct sound projection. Dual-point connectivity facilitates seamless switching between two devices, and the earbuds boast an impressive total of 39 hours of battery life with the charging case, supporting both wireless and USB-C fast charging. Six Qualcomm cVc microphones handle voice interactions, telephony, and adaptive hybrid active noise cancellation, while an IPX5 rating provides reasonable water resistance.
Sonically, the A100 SE distinguishes itself by creating a spacious and open soundstage, rather than projecting music directly into the listener’s head—a common characteristic of many true wireless earbuds. This sense of openness is complemented by the earbuds' authoritative control over soundstage creation, offering considerable width and depth. The A100 SE meticulously organizes individual audio elements, such as those in Rotary Connection’s 'I Am the Black Gold of the Sun,' maintaining clear separation without making anything sound distant. With default EQ settings, the frequency response is well-balanced and tonally even-handed, exhibiting a subtle warmth in the lower frequencies that, while slightly bass-forward, is far from detrimental. Detail retrieval is exceptional across the spectrum, with the earbuds adept at identifying and emphasizing subtle nuances, as well as accurately rendering dynamic and harmonic variations. Despite their expansive presentation, the Cambridge Audio A100 SE maintain a cohesive and direct listening experience, confidently articulating the relationships between various musical components. Their primary sonic limitation lies in rhythmic expression; while low-frequency control is generally good with no excessive overhang, the earbuds occasionally lack fluidity, resulting in a slightly lumpy and less sinuous portrayal of rhythms compared to some musical preferences.
Overall, the Cambridge Audio A100 SE represents a strong entry into the competitive true wireless earbud market. They offer a highly accomplished sonic performance that rivals more expensive alternatives, making them an excellent choice for those prioritizing balanced, dynamic, and spacious sound. While their rhythmic portrayal might not be their strongest suit, the comprehensive feature set, comfortable design, and impressive sound quality make them a compelling option for a wide range of users.
