Quad ERA-1 Planar Headphones Review

After leading British Hi-Fi since 1936 with their iconic ESL electrostatic panel speakers, Quad has delivered its first ever headphones. The ERA-1 headphones have low impedance, high efficiency and performance that is similar to the renowned ESL speakers.

The sturdy construction and premium finish provide a luxurious feel however, they're comfortable and light in comparison to other plansar designs. Two types of ear pads are included - one of which is made from soft leather and the other latex topped with fleece fabric that allows for individual tailoring to suit your preferences and acoustic characteristics.

ERA-1

Quad ERA-1 headphones have a high degree of transparency, and a wide soundstage. They are perfect for studio work, home DJ work, audio and mobile use. They have a very lightweight diaphragm, Planar Headphones which is placed between two magnets that gives an even frequency response, without any phase shifts. This is different from traditional dynamic cone drivers which have a less even frequency response. The ERA-1s produce a clear and open sound with accurate vocals. The ERA-1s have a full, deep bass that doesn't overwhelm. The treble is crisp and inviting, while the midrange is well-balanced.

The soundstage is larger than other headphones at the same price. The earpads are made from leather with a soft surface, and the headband is covered with leather. The design is simple and elegant and has a minimalist look that is in line with its high-quality audio. The cable can be detached and has the standard TRS plug. This makes it simple to swap or replace if necessary. The package includes a hardshell carrying bag as well as an additional pair of earpads with different sound characteristics.

One of the best things about the ERA-1 is that it can be very comfortable for long listening sessions. They're not the heaviest on the ears, but they are still much lighter than other high-end headphones with similar performance. They are also very efficient and don't require much power to drive. The pads are also very soft texture, so you can wear them without discomfort for long hours.

The ERA-1s compete with headphones from Audeze and HiFiMAN in a market that is dominated by premium, moderately priced planar-magnetic models. But making a mark in this competitive market requires more than just having a great name and a reasonable price tag. To determine how the ERA-1s perform compared to other models, I played a track from Alter Natives, a band that performs percussive, rhythmic improv jazz. The songs of Alter Natives include a variety instruments, including electric guitars, flute, bass, saxophone, and many more. The ERA-1s reproduced the track with amazing accuracy and clarity, even at high volume.

ERA-2

In the forefront of its time, Quad's initial headphone was awe-inspiring and drew acclaim from both consumers and critics. The ERA-1 seeks to capture the magic of the company's legendary electrostatic speakers into an open, transparent, clear headphone with rich bass, soft, articulate mids, pristine highs, and a large intimate soundstage that isn't constricting. It's difficult to imagine a headphone that has better transparency, proper tonal balance and believable instrument separation that makes you think you're actually in the studio with the musicians.

The ear cups are constructed from a lightweight and breathable material that is comfortable for long listening sessions. Its exclusive non-linear, patented vibration suppression technology is designed to eliminate unwanted resonances in the headphones, improving clarity and accuracy. The ERA-1 drivers are also acoustically matched with very precise tolerances. This results in a excellent transient response and high detail resolution. Its slim and sleek design makes it easy to transport. It also comes with a headphone cable that can be detached with two standard 3.5mm TRS connectors, making it easy to make custom cables for aftermarket use.

Planar-magnetic headphones can be driven either through the output of the majority of portable digital audio players, or by an external headphone amplifier. This allows them to deliver a more natural and immersive listening experience than conventional headphones. The ERA-1's magnetic drivers are planar. also have lower stored energy, which means they can reproduce low frequencies with greater ease than other headphones that have a larger diaphragm.

To test the ERA-1, I used various pieces of music, including classical pieces as well as modern recordings. I was able to see that the ERA-1 had excellent articulation and clarity, which was especially evident in a piece of string music, with every note being clearly outlined in space. However it was a bit less flesh-and-bone-like than the LCD-X in this respect as it has a richer and more natural presentation. Both can track the shapes of the notes with remarkable accuracy. However, the ERA-1 is more coherent in its sound. It also has a lower volume and thus more suitable for use on mobile devices.

ERA-3

With the exception of the best planars, the majority of headphones in the under $1000 range have a sound signature that sounds too confined and closed in. The ERA-1 has the openness and transparency that you would expect from a traditional planar design. The headphone is light and has a low force of clamping which makes it suitable for long listening sessions. SoundStage was among our listeners! Solo editor Brent Butterworth; John Higgins, a music performance graduate of USC and regular contributor to Wirecutter and Sound & Vision; and Los Angeles-based saxophonist LeRena Major.

In contrast to electrostatic headphones, which require a separate headphone amplifier to produce the required bias voltage and high-voltage audio signal which drives their diaphragms. Planars utilize a diaphragm with a very thin profile that is set between two magnets. This allows all parts of the membrane to resonate at the same frequency, reducing the distortion of intermodulation caused by inductance.

Another advantage of planars is their ability to be driven by an audio player that is portable with a sensitive driver. The ERA-1 headphones are among the few that can be used this manner. However, to get the most out of these headphones, you'll need an effective headphone amplifier.

The ERA-1 has a wide soundstage, exceptional clarity, and an exceptionally smooth and natural midrange. It has a quick response that makes it simple to follow the notes of the string in complicated arrangements. I tried the track "Mining for Gold" from the Cowboy Junkies album The Trinity Session (16/44.1 FLAC, RCA), and I found that the notes on the strings had excellent separation and were exceptionally clear.

Quad ERA-1 is a better alternative to the MrSpeakers Amiron. It offers a more precise image and better separation of instruments. It's a bit more relaxed than the Amiron, but still provides amazing clarity and a stunning black background. I then played the jazz-improv piece of Alter Natives' Over The Counter - Culture album on the SST Label (24/96 vinyl rip) to hear how the ERA-1 reproduced the drums, electric guitarist flute, saxophone, and flute. This track requires a high dynamic range and speed to reproduce the music accurately. The ERA-1's impressive phase coherency detail, phase coherency, and bass were all evident.

ERA-4

Quad is back in the headphone market after a long absence. The ERA-1 is a magnetic headphone with a planar magnetic headphone design that builds on the company's legacy with electrostatic speakers. It features a thin, high-quality diaphragm surrounded by drivers that are matched to tight tolerances. This allows every part of the diaphragm to move at the same time which results in better phase coherency and signal peak reconstruction. Its light and comfortable design means that you can wear it for lengthy listening sessions.

The ERA-1 is a fantastic option for those who love music and want a an open, detailed soundstage that has excellent clarity. It's easier to drive than the majority of planar headphones and works with any mobile phone or portable audio player. Its low impedance quotient makes it compatible with a wide range of amplifiers. The earcups of the headphones are cushioned to ensure they are comfortable. The soundstage is spacious in feel, and its high frequency response has a superb transient response. Its midrange and bass are both accurate and natural.

Contrary to other headphones with driver complements, the ERA-1's is the same on both sides of the headphone, which allows for equal performance across both ears. This feature is important for listeners who prefer to listen to music in a group or share it with others. Additionally the ERA-1's open back design provides excellent sound isolation as well as a reduced bleeding from external sources.

If you are seeking a headphone that will give you the best audio quality, you should consider the ERA-1 model from Quad. The design is low-profile, making it easy to fit into any head shape. The headphone comes with a carry case as well as a spare set of earpads. This makes it an ideal choice for traveling. The ERA-1 also comes with an earphone that is detachable and can be replaced with a custom one.

The Quad ERA-1 is a good choice for those who love classic hi-fi. The open-backed design provides an extensive soundstage, great imaging, and a neutral, clear sound that is ideal for all kinds of music. Its rich detail, and clear vocals, are particularly impressive. The ERA-1 is available at an affordable price, and it can be purchased from many online retailers.