Melomania 1 review, the latest effort by Cambridge Audio attempts to reproduce in pocket format the quality that has always distinguished the brand. Will they live up to the name they bear?
Welcome back to TuttoteK for the review of the True Wireless in-ear headphones Melomania 1 from Cambridge Audio. The latter certainly needs no introduction, the company is indeed industry leader since 1968, and still dominates the market with its products forHome Entertainment. Melomania 1 represents the company’s attempt to reach a straight leg within the market TWS (True Wireless Stereo). The expectations were therefore high and, spoilers, the product did not disappoint us at all.
Data sheet
- Model name: Cambridge Audio Melomania 1;
- SoC: Dual-core 32-bit processor application subsystem & Qualcomm QCC3026 Single-core 120Mhz Kalimba DSP audio subsystem;
- Bluetooth: V. 5.0;
- Supported codecs: Qualcomm aptX™, AAC, SBC;
- Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz;
- Latency: 70ms;
- Charging time: 1,5h;
- Tempo in standby: 1 years;
- Certification: IPX5 (resistance to splashes of water and sweat);
- Case Battery Capacity: 700 mAh (the earphones can be fully charged up to four times);
- Dimensions: Case: 59 x 50 x 22mm – Auricolari: 27 x 15mm;
- Weight: Headset: 4.6g (9.2g both) – Case: 37g – Total: 46.2g.
Packaging, design and build quality | Melomania 1 review
We start as usual from the sales packaging which, let’s say, has arrived in the version addressed to the press. However, the content is almost the same, inside we will find:
- TWS earphones
- Case with integrated battery (700mAh)
- 3 pairs of rubber pads (1 in memory foam)
- Micro-USB charging cable
- Manuals and instructions
Open the package, the first thing that catches the eye is the case which, despite its small size, integrates one 700 mAh battery, thus guaranteeing an autonomy of about 40h with a single recharge. The latter is also equipped with an excellent opening system, solid and without creaking, and with 5 LEDs on the front which indicate the remaining charge. Finally, on the side profile we find the entrance to the door Micro-USB (a bit anachronistic in 2020) which allows full recharging within an hour and a half.
Moving on to the earphones, these present themselves immediately in an elegant, minimal but above all functional design, since theirs round shape facilitates entry into the case and placement in the ear canal. Once positioned well inside the feeling of stability – especially with the rubber pads in memory foam – it is palpable, you will not move them in any way, the same goes for the positioning in the case, which occurs magnetically. However, a slight ear fatigue should be mentioned after a few hours of use. Finally, the presence of the IPX5 certification and a physical button on both earphones (useful for quick shortcuts and smart functionality).
Hardware, connectivity and autonomy | Melomania 1 review
Now let’s get to the juiciest aspect, what’s under the body? Well a little bit of everything, this is where Cambridge Audio plays its best card, equipping Melomania 1 with world-class hardware. Let’s start with connectivity: the Bluetooth is in version 5, this guarantees an immediate connection with the device and one stable connection up to 30 meters. You can also use only one headset at a time, but not on two different devices. The Melomania 1s support three audio codecs: aptX™, AAC e SBC. The first, in collaboration with Qualcomm™, guarantees compression and audio quality as well as a truly remarkable connection stability.
Before moving on to the heart of the matter, the audio quality, let’s focus for a second on the internal construction and the equipment of the earphones. In fact, both have then drives 5.8mm on the graphs (light and functional) but only one, the right, of the microphone for calls. The latter is perhaps the only real flaw of the whole package, since the output audio will be just enough and as soon as the ambient noise becomes louder it will become almost impossible to understand us.
We had mentioned smart functions, in fact, despite the lack of an App Companion, the Melomania 1 offer the possibility of calling up voice assistants, such as Siri e Google Assistant, and take advantage of various shortcuts. These include the ability to change track, pause and accept or reject incoming calls. But how long do they last? A full recharge of the earphones ensures up to 9 hours of use, while the case guarantees an additional four full recharges for a total of 45h (declared). In reality, with a standard use (volume at about 70%), I could see a slightly lower result, let’s talk about 35h / 40h of use, which are still above average.
Audio quality | Melomania 1 review
So here we are at the most important paragraph, and here the presence of a name like Cambridge Audio everything is heard (literally!). Let’s start fromsoundproofing, which is excellent and improves with the memory foam rubber pads, in fact once the song is inserted it will be almost impossible to distinguish external noises. This can be an advantage as well as a disadvantage, so pay particular attention if you want to use them for physical activity. Also worth mentioning is the great ability to keep the sound from dispersing, ergo: you won’t have to worry about disturbing the people around you.
The sound is extremely clear and clean, even at higher volumes you will never notice any distortion (as long as the audio file is of a certain quality). The earphones manage in fact to manage all frequencies optimally, with a slight bass boost. It will therefore not happen to you to hear annoying overlapping of instruments, which indeed represent the strong point given that the so-called imaging, i.e. the ability to accurately reproduce the position of objects or tools in a virtual space, it is exceptional. For this type of test I used Zamfir’s “The Lonely Shepard” and, despite the massive presence of simultaneous ups and downs, the Melomania 1 had no difficulty in managing everything with extreme clarity.
Price and final considerations
After having tested them for more than a week I would recommend this product especially with regard to yours value for money, truly unbeatable. They are in fact sold in the price list at 129.99 euros, however it is currently possible to find them in street price around 90 euros on the official website or on the relevant Amazon page. At such a price it is practically impossible to ask for anything better. The Melomania 1 thus rightfully earned the title of best buy.
Before saying goodbye, we invite you to follow the hardware section of TechGameWorld.com for further news and video reviews. Soon!