20 Fun Informational Facts About Planar Headphones
Quad ERA-1 Planar Headphones Review
Quad's first headphones are the direct result of the famous ESL electrostatic loudspeakers that have been a part of British Hi-Fi for over 30 years. The ERA-1 provide high efficiency, low impedance and performance that is comparable to their famous ESL speakers.
The robust construction and the premium finish provide a luxurious feel though they remain comfortable and lightweight when compared to other designs. Two types of earpads are included, one made of soft leather and the other made of fleece and latex. This lets you have a more customized fit and better sound quality.
ERA-1
Quad ERA-1 headphones have a high degree of transparency and a large soundstage. They can be used for studio, home audio and DJ work as well as for mobile use. They have a very lightweight diaphragm set between two magnets that offers a smooth frequency response without any phase shifts. This is in contrast to conventional 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 isn't overpowering. The treble is clear and inviting and the midrange is well-balanced.
The soundstage of the ERA-1 is significantly larger than other headphones that are priced at this level. The earpads are constructed of leather with a soft, smooth surface. the headband is covered with leather. The design is elegant and simple and minimalist in appearance that is in line with its high-quality audio. The cable is detachable and has the standard TRS plug. This makes it simple to switch or replace it if necessary. The package includes a hardshell carry bag and an additional pair of earpads featuring different audio signatures.
One of the most appealing aspects about the ERA-1 is that it can be extremely comfortable for long listening sessions. They're not light, but they are more compact than other top-quality headphones with comparable performance. They are also very efficient and do not require a lot of power to drive. The ear pads are extremely soft, meaning that you can wear them for hours without discomfort.
The ERA-1s compete against headphones from Audeze HiFiMAN, and MrSpeakers in a market that is heavily packed with moderately priced, high-quality, planar-magnetic designs. In this crowded market it requires more than a great brand name and a low-cost label to stand out. I have listened to a track of Alter Natives who perform percussive rhythmic improv. Their songs include a variety of instruments, including electric guitars, bass, flute and the saxophone. The ERA-1s recreated this track with incredible accuracy and clarity even at high volumes.
ERA-2
The first headphones of Quad were hailed as a technological breakthrough by both critics and customers. The ERA-1 is a bid to capture the magic of the company’s legendary electrostatic speakers in a wide, transparent, transparent headphone that has deep bass, soft articulate mids, crystal clear highs and a broad, intimate soundstage without being restrictive. It's hard to imagine a better headphone that has an appropriate tonal balance and believable instrument separation and makes you feel as if you're in the studio alongside the musicians.
The earcups are constructed of a breathable and lightweight material that is comfortable for long listening sessions. The patented non-linear vibration suppression technology is designed to block unwanted resonances in the headphones, enhancing clarity and precision. The ERA-1's drivers also are tuned acoustically to extremely tight tolerances, resulting in superb transient response and high resolution. The slim and sleek design makes it easy for transport. It also comes with a detachable cable that comes with two standard 3.5mm connectors. This makes it easy to use aftermarket cables.
The magnetic headphones of Planar can be powered either by the output from the majority of portable digital audio players or by an external headphone amplifier. This allows them to provide 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 more easily than other headphones with a bigger diaphragm.
I tried different pieces of music to test the ERA-1. This included classical music and contemporary recordings. I found that the ERA-1 had excellent articulation and imaging that was evident on a piece string music, with each individual note clearly defined in space. However it was a bit less flesh-and-bone than the LCD-X, which has a fuller and more natural presentation. Both of them can track the shape of the notes with astonishing precision. However, the ERA-1 just sounds more coherent. It also has a lower volume and thus more suitable for mobile use.
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 closed and sealed into. The ERA-1 has the openness and transparency that you would expect from a planar-style design. The headphone is extremely light and has a low force of clamping, making it comfortable for long listening sessions. SoundStage was among our listeners! 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.
Planar headphones utilize a thin membrane that is sandwiched between two magnets. This differs from electrostatic headphones which require a separate headphone amplifier to generate the bias voltage and high voltage audio signal needed to drive their diaphragms. This allows all components of the membrane to resonate at the same frequency, which reduces the distortion caused by intermodulation due to inductance.
Another advantage of planars is the ability to be driven by the portable digital audio player with an appropriately sensitive driver. The ERA-1 headphones are just one of a few that can be used in 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, great clarity and a natural and smooth midrange. It also has quick response, making it easy to follow notes on strings in complex arrangements. I tried the track "Mining for Gold," from the Cowboy Junkies album The Trinity Session (16/44.1 FLAC, RCA), and found the string notes were well separated and exceptionally clear.
Quad ERA-1 is a better alternative to the MrSpeakers Amiron. It offers a more accurate imaging and a better separation of instruments. It's a bit more relaxed than the Amiron however, it still offers great detail and excellent 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 cut) to hear the way the ERA-1 played with drums, flute, electric guitar, and saxophone; this track requires a high speed and dynamic range to reproduce precisely. Its impressive phase coherency and clarity were evident as was the bass, which was both tight and deep.
ERA-4
Quad is back in the headphone market following an absence of over a year. The ERA-1 planar magnetic headphones build on the company's history of electrostatic speakers. It features a thin, high-quality diaphragm that is surrounded by drivers that are aligned to tight tolerances. This allows all parts of the diaphragm to vibrate at the same time, which provides better phase coherency and signal peak reconstruction. Its lightweight and comfortable design means that you can wear it for extended listening sessions.
The ERA-1 is a fantastic option for those who love music and want a an open, clear soundstage that has excellent clarity. 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 rating allows it to be used with all amplifiers. The earcups of the headphones are cushioned to make them more comfortable. Its soundstage is large in feel and its high frequency response has excellent transient response. Its bass and midrange are natural and accurate.
In contrast to most headphones, the ERA-1's driver complement is identical on both sides of the headphone, allowing for the same audio quality across both ears. This feature is crucial for those who like listening to music with others or in groups. Moreover the ERA-1's open-backed design provides excellent sound isolation and reduces bleeding from external sources.
If you are seeking a headphone that can provide you with the highest sound quality, then consider the ERA-1 by Quad. best planar magnetic iem -profile design makes it easy to adapt to any shape of head. The headphone includes a carrying case, a spare set headphones and a bag for carrying. It is ideal for trips. The ERA-1 comes with a cord that can be detachable that can be customized.
In comparison to other headphones, the Quad ERA-1 is a great choice for those who appreciate classic hi-fi. The open-backed design provides an expansive soundstage, superb imaging and a neutral and transparent sound that can be used for all kinds of music. Its clear and detailed vocals are especially impressive. The ERA-1 can be purchased from several online stores at an affordable cost.