Quad ERA-1 Planar Headphones Review

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

Robust construction and high-end finish give a luxurious experience, even though they're still lightweight and comfortable compared to many planar designs. Two kinds of earpads are included - one which is made from soft leather and the other is made of latex, topped with fleece which allows for individual tailoring to suit your preferences and acoustic characteristics.

ERA-1

Quad ERA-1 headphones have a high level of transparency and a large soundstage. They are suitable for studio work, home DJ work, audio and mobile use. They feature a light diaphragm, which is placed between two magnets, which provides a smooth frequency response without phase irregularities. This is unlike traditional dynamic cone speakers, which have an uneven frequency response. The ERA-1s have a clear and clear sound, as well as clear and precise vocals. The ERA-1s are full and rich with bass that's not overpowering. The treble is clear and enticing quality, whereas the mid-range is well-defined and clear.

The soundstage of the ERA-1 is a lot bigger than other headphones that are priced at this level. The headband and earpads have a leather surface with a soft, comfortable feel. Its design is elegant and simple, with a minimal look that is in line with its high-quality audio. The cable is equipped with the standard TRS connector that is detachable, which makes it easy to replace or swap out if you need to. It also comes with a carrying case made of hardshell and an additional pair of earpads that can be used for different sound signatures.

The ERA-1 can be comfortable for fhoy.kr long listening sessions. They're not lightweight on the ears, but they are still considerably lighter than other high-end headphones that have similar performance. Additionally, they are extremely efficient and don't require much power to drive. The ear pads are also extremely soft, which means that you can wear them for a long time without discomfort.

The ERA-1s compete with headphones from Audeze, HiFiMAN, and MrSpeakers in an industry that is filled with moderately priced, high-quality planar magnetic designs. In a market that is crowded it requires more than a good brand name and a low-cost label to stand out. To see how the ERA-1s perform compared to other models, I played a track by Alter Natives, a band that plays percussive, rhythmic jazz improv. Their songs include diverse instruments that include electric guitars, flute, bass, and the saxophone. The ERA-1s reproduced the tracks with astonishing clarity and precision even at high volume.

ERA-2

The first headphones of Quad were hailed as a technology breakthrough by both customers and critics. The ERA-1 seeks to capture the magic of the company’s legendary electrostatic speakers in an Monolith M1570 Open Back Planar Headphones - Premium Sound and clear headphone with deep bass, soft articulate mids, crystal clear, highs and a wide intimate soundstage that isn't restricting. It's difficult to imagine a better headphone than one that has an appropriate tonal balance and realistic separation of the instruments and makes you feel as if you're in the studio right with the musicians.

The earcups are made of the ear cups with a breathable, lightweight material for comfort during long listening sessions. Its unique patented non-linear vibration suppression technology is designed to eliminate unwanted resonances in the headphones, improving clarity and precision. The ERA-1's drivers are also audio-acoustically tuned to extremely precise tolerances, which results in a high transient response and high resolution. The slim and sleek design makes it ideal to carry around. It also comes with an adapter for headphones that can be detachable and comes with two standard 3.5mm TRS connectors, making it simple to use custom aftermarket cables.

In contrast to electrostatic headphones, which require a specific bias voltage and very high-voltage audio signal to function, planar-magnetic designs can be powered by the output of a majority of portable digital audio players or an external headphone amplifier. This allows them deliver a more natural and immersive listening experience than traditional 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 used an array of music, including classical pieces and modern recordings. I found the ERA-1 to have superb imaging and articulation, which was particularly evident on the music with strings. Each note was clearly defined in space. It was less flesh-and bone than the LCDX in this respect it has a more natural and full-bodied presentation. Both are able to track the shapes of notes with remarkable accuracy however, the ERA-1 is just more coherent. It also has a lighter sound, making it more suitable for use on mobile devices.

ERA-3

With the exception of the best planars, the majority of headphones in the sub-$1000 range have a sound signature that sounds too confined and sealed in. The ERA-1 offers the transparency and Headphonesshop.Uk openness that you would expect from a planar-style design. The headphone's weight is light and low clamping force make it comfortable for long listening sessions. Our listeners include SoundStage! Solo editor Brent Butterworth; John Higgins who is a music performance graduate of USC and regular contributor to Wirecutter and Sound & Vision and Los Angeles-based saxophonist LeRena Major.

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

Planars can also be driven by an audio player portable with a driver sufficiently sensitive. The ERA-1 is one of the few headphones that can be used this way, but to unlock the full potential of these headphones, you'll require a top headphone amplifier.

The ERA-1 has a large soundstage, excellent clarity and a natural and smooth midrange. It also has a fast response, which makes it easy to follow the notes of string in complex arrangements. I tried the track "Mining for Gold" from the Cowboy Junkies album The Trinity Session (16/44.1 FLAC, RCA), and discovered that the notes for the string had excellent separation and were remarkably well defined.

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, but it still has excellent clarity and black background. I then played the jazz quartet semi-improv piece performed by Alter Natives from their Over The Counter - Culture CD on the SST label (24/96 vinyl rip) to hear the way the ERA-1 performed with drums flute, electric guitar and saxophone; this track requires a high speed and dynamic range to reproduce precisely. The ERA-1's remarkable phase coherency as well as its clarity and bass were all evident.

ERA-4

Quad is SIVGA SV021: Superior Closed Back Wooden Over-Ear Headphones in the headphone market following an extended absence. The ERA-1 planar magnetic headphones are built on the company’s legacy of electrostatic speakers. It is constructed with a thin, high-quality diaphragm surrounded by drivers that are matched to tight tolerances. This allows the entire diaphragm, including the earpieces to be vibrating simultaneously. This improves phase coherency and the reconstruction of the peaks of signal. Its lightweight and comfortable design also means you can wear it for extended listening sessions.

The ERA-1 is an excellent choice for music fans who want a rich and spacious soundstage, with outstanding imaging. It is more user-friendly than many of the planar headphones and it can be used with any smartphone or portable audio device. Its low impedance makes them compatible with a variety of amplifiers. The earcups are padded and soft, making them more comfortable for long listening sessions. Its soundstage is spacious and its high-frequency response is a great transient response. Its midrange and bass are both precise and natural.

The ERA-1 has identical drivers on both sides of the headphone. This ensures equal performance for both ears. This feature is crucial for those who like to listen to music in a group, or share it with friends. The open-backed design on the ERA-1 offers excellent sound isolation and helps to reduce bleed from external sources.

If you're looking for a headphone which can provide you with the highest audio quality, you should consider the ERA-1 by Quad. Its slim profile design and light construction make it a simple to use for any shape of head. The headphone comes with a carrying case, spare set of earpads and a carrying bag. It is a great option for traveling. The ERA-1 also has a detachable cable that can be replaced with a custom one.

In comparison to other headphones when compared to other headphones, the Quad ERA-1 is a great option for those who love classic hi-fi. The open-backed design provides a wide soundstage, excellent imaging and a neutral and transparent sound that is suitable for all genres of music. Its deep detail, and clear vocals, are particularly impressive. The ERA-1 can be purchased from various online stores at an affordable price.