Is the Nothing CMF Buds 2a worth the upgrade from the Cambridge Audio Melomania A100?
Verdict
Downgrade
The Nothing CMF Buds 2a actually scores 11.0 points below the Cambridge Audio Melomania A100, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. It loses ground on sound (9.0 to 7.0) and calls (8.0 to 6.4). On paper: weight 9.4 g to 4.3 g and driver size 10 mm to 12.4 mm. Worth checking: battery life goes 11 h to 8 h and codecs goes SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LDAC to SBC, AAC. It is at least $73 cheaper, so the lower score comes with a saving. Only worth it if a specific feature above matters more to you than overall quality does.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound9.07.0
- Noise cancelling7.86.8
- Battery8.57.5
- Calls8.06.4
- Value9.68.8
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | Melomania A100 | CMF Buds 2a | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 11 h | 8 h | |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LDAC | SBC, AAC | |
| Weight | 9.4 g | 4.3 g | |
| Water resistance | IPX5 | IP54 | |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 6.5 h | 5 h | |
| Battery incl. case | 39 h | 35.5 h | |
| Full charge time | 66 min | 89 min | |
| Driver size | 10 mm | 12.4 mm | |
| Microphones | 6 | 4 | |
| Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
| ANC type | adaptive | feedforward | |
| Quick charge | 10 min → 3.2 h | 10 min → 5.5 h | |
| Driver | 10 mm dynamic | 12.4 mm driver |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "Melomania A100 to CMF Buds 2a". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across true wireless and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.