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 headphones feature low impedance, high efficiency and performance that mirrors the legendary ESL speakers.
The sturdy construction and high-end finish make them feel luxurious however, they're comfortable and light in comparison to other plansar designs. Two kinds of earpads are included, one made of soft leather and another made of fleece and latex. This gives you a more personalised fit and better audio quality.
ERA-1
Quad ERA-1 headphones have a high level of transparency and a large soundstage. They are ideal for studio work, home DJ work, audio and mobile use. They feature a lightweight diaphragm set between two magnets, which offers a smooth frequency response with no phase irregularities. This is different from conventional dynamic cone speakers which have an uneven frequency response. The ERA-1s provide an open and clear sound with accurate vocals. The ERA-1s are full and rich with bass that's not overpowering. The treble is clear and inviting quality, while the mid-range is nuanced and focused.
The soundstage of the ERA-1 is a lot bigger than other headphones at this price. The earpads are constructed of leather with a soft, smooth surface. the headband is covered with leather. Its design is simple and elegant and minimalist in appearance that complements its high-quality audio. It has a standard TRS connector and can be detached, which makes it easy to swap out if you require to. The package comes with a hardshell carrying bag and an extra pair of earpads with different sound signatures.
One of the most appealing aspects about the ERA-1 is that they can be extremely comfortable for long listening sessions. They're not the smallest however, they are lighter than other premium headphones with comparable performance. Moreover, they are very efficient and do not require much power to run. The ear pads also have a very soft texture, so you can wear them without discomfort for a long time.
The ERA-1s compete with headphones from Audeze HiFiMAN and MrSpeakers in a market that is heavily filled with moderately priced, high-quality planar magnetic designs. But making a mark in this competitive market requires more than an appealing name and a cheap price tag. To determine how the ERA-1s stack up against other models I played a track by Alter Natives, a band that performs percussive, rhythmic jazz improv. The songs of Alter Natives feature a variety of instruments that include electric guitars, flute, bass and the saxophone. The ERA-1s reproduced the tracks with incredible clarity and accuracy, even at high volumes.
ERA-2
It was a step ahead of its time, Quad's initial headphone was awe-inspiring and drew acclaim from both consumers and critics. The ERA-1 aims to recreate the awe-inspiring sound of the company's legendary electrostatic loudspeakers into an open, transparent and spacious headphone that features deep bass, soft and articulate mids, pristine highs, and a wide soundstage that is intimate, but not restrictive. It's difficult to imagine a headphone with more transparency, better tonal balance and convincing separation of instruments that makes you feel like 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 unique patented non-linear vibration suppression technology is designed to suppress unwanted resonances within the headphones, increasing clarity and accuracy. The ERA-1 drivers are also acoustically calibrated with very precise tolerances. This results in excellent transient response and high detail resolution. The sleek and compact design makes it easy to carry. It also has a detachable cable that has two standard 3.5mm connectors. This makes it easy to connect cables from aftermarket.
In contrast to electrostatic headphones, which require a specific voltage of bias and a very high-voltage audio signal to operate the headphones, planar-magnetic designs can be powered by the output of a majority of portable digital audio players or by an external headphone amplifier. This allows them to provide an even more natural and immersive listening experience than standard headphones. The ERA-1 planar magnetic driver has a lower storage power, and can therefore reproduce low-frequency sounds more effectively than headphones with a larger diaphragm.
I played a variety of music to test the ERA-1. This included classical music as well as contemporary recordings. I found the ERA-1 to have excellent imaging and articulation, which was particularly evident on a piece with string music. Each note was clearly identified in space. However https://www.headphonesshop.uk/categories/planar-magnetic-headphones was a bit less flesh-and-bone than the LCD-X in this respect it has a more full and more natural presentation. Both can track the shapes of the notes with astonishing precision. However the ERA-1 just sounds more coherent. It also has a lighter sound and is more suitable for use on mobile devices.
ERA-3
Most headphones under $1000 have a sonic signature which sounds too boxed in and closed. ERA-1 delivers openness and transparency that you would expect from a planar-style design. The headphone is lightweight and has a low clamping force, making it comfortable for long listening sessions. SoundStage was among our listeners! Solo editor Brent Butterworth; John Higgins who is a music performance graduate of USC and a regular contributor to Wirecutter and Sound & Vision; and saxophonist LeRena Major, a Los Angeles-based Major.
Planar headphones use an ultra-thin membrane between two magnets. This differs from electrostatic headphones which require a separate headphone amplifier to produce the bias voltage and the high-voltage audio signal that is required to drive their diaphragms. This means that all components of the diaphragm are equally resonant and eliminates intermodulation distortion due to inductance which can cause electrostatic drivers to emit an bright or edgy sound.
Planars can also operate by a portable audio player equipped with a driver sufficient in its sensitivity. The ERA-1 is among the few headphones that can be used this way, but to unlock their full potential, you'll require a top headphone amplifier.
The ERA-1 provides a large soundstage, excellent clarity, and an incredibly smooth and natural midrange. It also has a fast response, which makes it easy to follow string notes 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 were well separated and remarkably well defined.
Quad ERA-1 is a better alternative to the MrSpeakers Amiron. It offers more accurate image and better separation of instruments. It is a little more comfortable than the Amiron however, it still offers 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 see how the ERA-1 reproduced the drums, electric guitarist flute, saxophone, and flute. This track requires extreme dynamic range and speed to reproduce accurately. Its remarkable phase coherency and detail were apparent, as was the bass, which was both tight and deep.
ERA-4
After a long absence from the market for headphones, Quad is back with their first-ever headphone. The ERA-1 is a planar magnetic headphone which builds on the company's heritage with electrostatic speakers. It features a thin diaphragm that is covered by high-quality drivers, matched to close tolerances. This allows all the parts of the diaphragms to vibrate at the same time which results in better phase coherency and signal peak reconstruction. Its light and comfortable design also means you can wear it for long listening sessions.
The ERA-1 is an excellent choice for music fans who want a detailed and open soundstage, with outstanding sound quality and excellent image. It is easier to drive than many planar headphones, and is compatible with any mobile or portable audio device. Its low impedance makes them compatible with many amplifiers. Its earcups are padded and soft, which makes them more comfortable for long listening sessions. Its soundstage is large in feel and its high frequency response has a superb transient response. Its midrange and bass are both accurate and natural.
The ERA-1 has identical drivers on both sides of the headphone. This ensures equal performance for both ears. This feature is essential for those who enjoy listening to music with friends or in groups. The open-backed design of the ERA-1 provides great sound isolation and minimizes bleeding from external sources.
If you're seeking a headphone that will give you the best sound quality, then consider the ERA-1 by Quad. Its low-profile design and lightweight build make it an easy to use for any shape of head. The headphone includes a carrying case, spare set of with earpads, and a carry bag. It is ideal for trips. The ERA-1 comes with a cord that can be detachable that can be made to fit your needs.
If you compare it to other headphones, the Quad ERA-1 is a great choice for those who appreciate classic hi-fi. The open-backed design provides an extensive soundstage, great imaging and a neutral and transparent sound that is suitable for all genres of music. The rich detail and clear vocals are particularly impressive. The ERA-1 can be purchased from several online retailers at a very affordable price.