Quad ERA-1 Planar Headphones Review

After establishing British Hi-Fi as the leader since 1936 with the iconic ESL electrostatic panel loudspeakers Quad has launched its first ever headphones. The ERA-1 headphones have low impedance, high efficacy and performance that mirrors the legendary ESL speakers.

The robust construction and premium finish make them feel luxurious however, they're comfortable and lightweight in comparison to other planar designs. Two kinds of earpads are included - one of that is made of soft leather and the other made of latex and topped with fleece that allows for personal tailoring for preferred comfort and acoustic qualities.

ERA-1

The Quad ERA-1 headphones are an open, planar-magnetic planar headphones earphone that has a very high degree of clarity and soundstage expansion. They are suitable to perform home audio, studio and DJ work, as well as for mobile use. They feature a diaphragm which is extremely light and positioned between two magnets. This gives smooth response to frequency with no the occurrence of phase irregularities. This is in contrast to conventional dynamic cone speakers which have an uneven frequency response. The ERA-1s have a clear and open sound with accurate vocals. They also have a full bass that is not overpowering. The treble is clear and inviting, while the midrange is naive.

The soundstage of the ERA-1 is significantly larger than other headphones that are priced at this level. The earpads and headbands are made of a leather surface with a soft feel. Its minimalist design matches its high-performance sound. The cable is equipped with a standard TRS connector, and it is detachable, which makes it easy to swap out if you want to. The package includes a hardshell carry bag and an additional pair of earpads that have different audio signatures.

One of the most appealing aspects about the ERA-1 is that it can be very comfortable for long listening sessions. They are not light on the ears, but they are still much lighter than other high-end headphones that have similar capabilities. They're also extremely efficient and do not require a lot of power to run. The ear pads are also extremely soft, which means that you can wear them for hours without discomfort.

The ERA-1s compete against headphones from Audeze, HiFiMAN, and MrSpeakers in an industry that is packed with moderately priced, high-quality planar magnetic designs. But making a mark in this competitive market is more than having a great name and a low price tag. I have listened to a track of Alter Natives who perform percussive rhythmic improv. The songs of Alter Natives feature diverse instruments, including electric guitars, bass, flute and saxophone. The ERA-1s reproduced the track with amazing accuracy and clarity even at high volumes.

ERA-2

Quad's first headphones were hailed as a technological breakthrough by both customers and critics. The ERA-1 seeks to recreate the awe-inspiring sound of the company's legendary electrostatic loudspeakers in an open, transparent headphone that has deep bass, soft and articulate mids, pristine highs, and a soundstage that is intimate, but not constricting. It's difficult to imagine an even better headphone with a proper tonal equilibrium, and convincing separation of instruments that makes you feel like you're in the studio with the musicians.

The ear cups are constructed of a breathable and lightweight material that is comfortable for long listening sessions. The patented nonlinear vibration suppression technology is designed to block unwanted reverberations inside the headphones. This improves clarity and precision. The ERA-1's drivers are tuned acoustically to extremely tight tolerances, resulting in superb detail and transient response. Its slim and sleek design makes it ideal to transport. It also features a detachable headphone cable with two standard 3.5mm TRS connectors, making it simple to connect custom aftermarket cables.

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

I played different pieces of music to test the ERA-1. This included classical music as well as modern recordings. I found the ERA-1 to have outstanding image and articulation. This was evident in an instrument with strings. Each note was clearly identified in space. It was less flesh-and-bone than the LCDX in this way, which offers a more natural and full-bodied presentation. Both are able to recognize the shapes of notes with incredible precision however the ERA-1 is just more consistent. It also has a lower volume, which makes it more suitable for mobile usage.

ERA-3

With the exception of the very top planars, the majority of headphones in the sub-$1000 range have a distinctive sonic sound that is too cloistered and boxed in. The ERA-1 has the openness and transparency that you expect from a planar design. The headphone's weight is light and low clamping force make it comfortable for long listening sessions - our listeners were SoundStage! Brent Butterworth, solo editor; John Higgins a music performance graduate from USC and a regular contributor for Wirecutter and Sound & Vision and Los Angeles saxophonist LeRena Minor.

In contrast to electrostatic headphones, which require an additional headphone amplifier to generate the necessary bias voltage and high-voltage audio signal which drives their diaphragms, the planars utilize a diaphragm with a very thin profile that is set between two magnets. This means that all components of the diaphragm resonate equally, eliminating inductance-related intermodulation distortion which can cause electrostatic drivers to emit an bright or edgy sound.

Planars can also be controlled by a portable audio player equipped with a driver that is sensitive enough. The ERA-1 is one of the few headphones that can be used this method, however to realize their full potential you will need an excellent headphone amplifier.

The ERA-1 provides a large soundstage, superb clarity, and an exceptionally smooth and natural midrange. It has a quick response that makes it simple to follow the strings in complicated arrangements. I tested the track "Mining for Gold" from the Cowboy Junkies' album The Trinity Session (24/44.1 FLAC) and found that the string notes were well-defined and had excellent separation.

In comparison to the superb but more expensive MrSpeakers Amiron, the Quad ERA-1 offers better instrument separation and more precise imaging. It's a little more relaxed, however it still has excellent clarity and black background. I then played the jazz-improv portion of Alter Natives' Over The Counter - Culture album on the SST Label (24/96 vinyl rip) to see how well the ERA-1 reproduced the drums, electric guitarist, flute, and saxophone. This track requires a high dynamic range and speed to reproduce accurately. Its impressive phase coherency as well as clarity were evident as was the bass, which had both depth and tightness.

ERA-4

After a long absence from the headphone market, Quad is back with their first-ever headphones. The ERA-1 is a planar magnetic headphone that builds on the company's history with electrostatic speakers. It has a diaphragm that is thin that is surrounded by high-quality drivers matched to close tolerances. This allows all the parts of the diaphragm to move at the same time which results in greater phase coherency and peak reconstruction. The light and comfortable design allows you to wear it for long listening sessions.

The ERA-1 is a great choice for those who love music and want a a detailed, open soundstage with superb imaging. It is easier to drive than many of the planar headphones and is compatible with any smartphone or portable audio device. Its low impedance allows it to be used with all amplifiers. The earcups are cushioned and soft, which makes them more comfortable for long listening sessions. The soundstage is large, and its high-frequency response is a great transient response. Its midrange is precise and natural, while its bass is full of depth.

In contrast to most headphones, planar magnetic headphone the ERA-1's driver complement is identical on each side of the headphone, allowing for equal performance across both ears. This feature is essential for those who prefer to listen to music in a crowd, or share it with others. Moreover the ERA-1's open back design provides good sound isolation and reduced bleed from external sources.

The ERA-1 headphone made by Quad is a great option to get the best sound. The design is low-profile, making it easy to fit any head shape. The headphone comes with a carry case, a spare set of earpads and a carrying bag. It is ideal for trips. The ERA-1 also has an unattachable cable that can be replaced with a custom one.

The Quad ERA-1 is a good option for those who appreciate 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 impressive. The ERA-1 can be purchased from various online retailers at a very affordable price.