Quad ERA-1 Planar Headphones Review

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

A robust design and a premium finish deliver a luxurious feel though they're still lightweight and comfortable in comparison to other planar designs. Two kinds of ear pads are included - one that is made of soft leather and the second from made of latex and topped with fleece which 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 can be used for studio, home audio and DJ work, as well as mobile use. They have a very lightweight diaphragm set between two magnets that provides a smooth frequency response without any phase shifts. This is unlike traditional dynamic cone drivers that have a more uneven frequency response. The ERA-1s have a clear and clear sound, with clear and precise vocals. They also have a rich, full bass that is not overpowering. The treble has a crisp and inviting quality, while the mid-range is nimble and focused.

The soundstage of the ERA-1 is significantly larger than other headphones in this price range. The earpads are constructed of leather with a soft surface, and the headband is adorned with leather. The minimalist design of the earpads matches its high-performance sound. The cable has an ordinary TRS connector and can be detached, which makes it easy to replace or swap out if you need to. The package includes a hardshell carrying bag as well as an additional pair of earpads with different sound signatures.

One of the great things about the ERA-1 is that it can be very comfortable for long listening sessions. They are not lightweight, but they are lighter than other premium headphones that have similar performance. Moreover, they are very efficient and do not require the use of a lot of power to run. The pads are also extremely soft texture, which means you can wear them without discomfort for many hours.

The ERA-1s are competing against headphones from Audeze and HiFiMAN in a marketplace dominated by high-end, moderately priced planar magnetic closed back headphones magnetic models. In a crowded market it is more than a good brand name and a low-cost tag to make a mark. I was listening to a track from Alter Natives who perform percussive rhythmic improv. The songs by Alter Natives use diverse instruments such as electric guitars and flute, bass, saxophone, and more. The ERA-1s recreated this track with amazing accuracy and clarity, even at high volume.

ERA-2

It was a step ahead of its time, Quad's first headphone garnered awe and admiration from both critics and consumers. The ERA-1 seeks to capture the magic of the company's legendary electrostatic speakers into an open and high-quality headphone that offers rich bass, soft, articulate mids, pristine, highs and a wide, intimate soundstage without being restrictive. It's difficult to imagine a better headphone than one that has an ideal tonal balance, and convincing separation of instruments, making you feel like you're in the studio with the musicians.

The ear cups feature an incredibly lightweight and breathable material to ensure comfort during long listening sessions. Its exclusive non-linear, patented vibration suppression technology is designed to block unwanted resonances in the headphones, enhancing clarity and precision. The ERA-1's drivers are audio-acoustically tuned to extremely precise tolerances, which results in superb detail and transient response. Its slim and elegant design makes it simple to transport. It also comes with a detachable cord that comes with two standard 3.5mm connectors. This makes it simple to connect aftermarket cables.

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 much more natural and immersive listening experience than standard headphones. The ERA-1's magnetic drivers are planar. also have lower stored energy, which means that they can reproduce low frequencies more effectively than other headphones with a bigger diaphragm.

To test the ERA-1 I tried a wide range of music, including classical works and contemporary recordings. I found the ERA-1 to have excellent image and articulation. This was particularly evident in an instrument with strings. Each note was clearly defined in space. It was less flesh-and bone than the LCDX in this way, which offers a more full-bodied and natural presentation. Both What Are Planar Magnetic Drivers able to recognize the shapes of notes with a remarkable precision however, the ERA-1 is just more coherent. It also has a lower volume and thus more suitable for mobile usage.

ERA-3

Most headphones under $1000 have a sonic signature which sounds too cloistered and boxed-in. ERA-1 delivers the openness and transparency that you expect from a planar design. The headphone's light weight and low clamping force makes it comfortable for long listening sessions - our listeners were SoundStage! Brent Butterworth, solo editor; John Higgins a music performance graduate of USC and regular contributor for Wirecutter and Sound & Vision and Los Angeles saxophonist LeRena Minor.

In contrast to electrostatic headphones, which need an amplifier for the headphone to produce the required bias voltage and high-voltage audio signal that drives their diaphragms. Planars make use of a thin diaphragm that is placed between two magnets. This means all parts of the diaphragm are equally resonant and remove the intermodulation distortion caused by inductance that can cause electrostatic drivers to emit an edgy or bright sound.

Another benefit of planars is their capacity to be driven by the portable digital audio player equipped with a driver that is sensitive enough. The ERA-1 is among the few headphones that can be used in this way, however, to fully unlock their full potential, you'll need an excellent headphone amplifier.

The ERA-1 has a wide soundstage, superb clarity, and a natural and smooth midrange. It also has a quick response, making it easy to follow the notes of string in complicated arrangements. I listened to 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.

As compared to the superior but expensive MrSpeakers Amiron, the Quad ERA-1 offers better instrument separation and more precise imaging. It's a bit more comfortable than the Amiron however, it still offers outstanding clarity and a 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 the ERA-1 reproduced the drums, electric guitarist flute, saxophone, and what are planar magnetic Drivers flute. This track requires extreme dynamic range and speed to reproduce accurately. The ERA-1's remarkable coherency in phase as well as its clarity and bass were all evident.

ERA-4

After a long absence from the headphone market, Quad is back with their first ever headphones. The ERA-1 planar magnetic headphones build on the company's history of electrostatic speakers. It uses a thin, high-quality diaphragm that is surrounded by drivers that are tuned to precise tolerances. This allows the entire diaphragm, including the earpieces to move simultaneously. This improves the coherence of phase and the reconstruction of the peaks of signal. The light and comfortable design lets you wear it for extended listening sessions.

The ERA-1 is a fantastic choice for those who love music and want a an open, clear soundstage that has excellent clarity. It's easier to drive than many planar headphones and works with any smartphone or portable audio player. Its low impedance allows it to be used with all amplifiers. Its earcups are padded and soft, making them more comfortable during long listening sessions. The soundstage is large and its high-frequency sensitivity is excellent in its transient response. The midrange is clear and natural, while its bass is full of depth.

Unlike most headphones, the ERA-1's driver complement is the same on both sides of the headphone. This allows for equal performance across both ears. This feature is essential for those who prefer to listen to music in a group or share it with friends. Additionally the ERA-1's open back design allows for excellent sound isolation and reduces bleeding from external sources.

If you're seeking a headphone that will give you the best audio quality, you should consider the ERA-1 by Quad. The low-profile design makes it easy to adapt to any shape of head. The headphone comes with a carrying case as well as an extra set of earpads, making it an ideal choice to take on trips. The ERA-1 also has a detachable cable that can be replaced with a custom-made one.

The Quad ERA-1 is a good choice for what Are planar magnetic drivers those who enjoy classic hi-fi. The open-back design offers a wide soundstage, excellent imaging, and a neutral and transparent sound that can be used for any genre of music. The rich detail, as well as clear vocals are impressive. The ERA-1 can be purchased from several online retailers for an affordable cost.