OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
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REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Cambridge SE1 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£70Form factor:in-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Cambridge SE1 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Cambridge SE1
6.0/10

Overall score

Score
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Score components

80%

5.2

Technical score

20%

9.2

User score

â–¼Worse than 60% of headphones
7.2

Value for money

Value for money
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
Score components

70%

6.0

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 59%
5.2

Technical score

Technical score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
Score components

52%

5.4

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

7.2

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 86%
9.2

User score

User score
9.2/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 95% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

★Better than 95%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Cambridge SE1

Technical score
Technical score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
Score components:

52%

5.4

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

7.2

Calls & Controls

5.2
User score
User score
9.2/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 95% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

9.2
Popularity
Popularity
10/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Popularity:
Cambridge SE1 has a popularity score of 10 points, which is higher than that of 91.9% of products in this category.
10
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
Score components:

70%

6.0

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.2
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
8 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 8 mm, smaller driver size than 96.1% of headphones and equal to 1.7% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
19 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 19 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.5% of headphones and equal to 0.3% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
?
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 1 microphones, more microphones than 26.9% of headphones and equal to 50.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
?
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Cambridge
Form factor
in-ear
Weight
8.7 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 8.7 g, lighter than 97.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
N/A
Show more

Cambridge SE1 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 96% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (8.7 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    8.7 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 14.5% higher user score
    User score
    9.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Cambridge SE1
    the average pair of headphones
    Cambridge SE1 has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (9.16 vs 8).
    9.16 vs 8
  • 70.4% more popular
    Cambridge SE1 is more popular than the average pair of headphones (10 vs 5.9).
    10 vs 5.87
  • 14.5% higher user score
    User score
    9.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Cambridge SE1
    the average pair of headphones
    Cambridge SE1 has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (9.16 vs 8).
    9.16 vs 8
  • 70.4% more popular
    Cambridge SE1 is more popular than the average pair of headphones (10 vs 5.9).
    10 vs 5.87
  • 96% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (8.7 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    8.7 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 32 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    8 mm vs 40 mm
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 32 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    8 mm vs 40 mm
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Vortex Reviews
≈ estimated
29/02/2020
Hands-on review · sound, fit and microphone tests
Verdict
Cambridge SE1 offers good sound for the price and is easy to recommend; its cable is the only real drawback.
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

whathifi.com
26/06/2017
Listening test · In-ear headphones
Verdict
The Cambridge SE1 is a detailed, balanced first pair of in-ears, but its cramped soundstage and soft bass hold it back against the class leaders.
techradar.com
09/06/2017
Listening test · Budget in-ears
Verdict
The Cambridge Audio SE1s are comfortable, natural-sounding in-ears that never stand out, though the bass lacks punch and there are no inline volume controls.
techaeris.com
29/11/2017
Listening test · Wired earbuds
Verdict
The Cambridge Audio SE1s are clear, balanced earbuds for listeners who want to hear every detail, though fans of heavy bass will be disappointed.
audioreviews.org
03/03/2020
Listening test · Budget earphones
Verdict
The Cambridge Audio SE1 is a no-brainer at a sale price, with natural, warm mids and good isolation, though its bass is slightly loose.
F
fairaudio.de
25/03/2022
Summary of the review
Review: Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+ (Reference to SE1 Sound Signature)
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
18/08/2024
Summary of the review
Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 Black Review
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Cambridge SE1

  • Warm, balanced, and uncoloured sound profile that excels in timbre and clarity
  • Premium build quality featuring aircraft-grade aluminum housings and beryllium drivers
  • Generous accessory package including seven pairs of silicone and Comply foam tips
  • Comfortable, lightweight design suitable for long listening sessions
  • Excellent value for money, especially at discounted or 'fire sale' prices
  • Charitable initiative where proceeds benefit music education

What customers don't like about Cambridge SE1

  • Bass can be perceived as 'soft,' 'woolly,' or lacking in speed and definition
  • Soundstage lacks depth and space, resulting in a somewhat two-dimensional performance
  • Absence of in-line volume controls on the cable
  • Permanently attached cable restricts replacement or upgrades
  • Isolation is limited without using the foam tips, requiring higher volumes in noisy environments
  • Large nozzle size may cause discomfort for users with smaller inner ears

Verdict

The Cambridge Audio SE1 is a premium wired in-ear headphone featuring 8mm beryllium-coated drivers housed in aircraft-grade aluminium for high rigidity and minimal distortion. These earphones deliver a balanced, transparent 'Great British Sound' with technical specs including a 19Hz–20kHz frequency response, 22-ohm impedance, and a 102dB sound pressure level. Main pros include its lightweight 8.7g design, exceptional high-frequency clarity, and the inclusion of seven pairs of ear tips—including Comply foam—for a superior fit. However, notable cons include the lack of inline volume controls, a non-detachable cable, and a soundstage that some users find lacks depth and punchy bass.

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