15 Interesting Hobbies That Will Make You Smarter At Planar Headphones
Quad ERA-1 Planar Headphones Review
After spearheading British Hi-Fi since 1936 with their iconic ESL electrostatic panel loudspeakers, Quad has delivered its first ever headphones. The ERA-1 headphones offer low impedance, high efficacy and performance that is similar to the famous ESL speakers.
The sturdy construction and premium finish give them a luxurious feeling however, they're comfortable and light in contrast to other designs. Two kinds of ear pads are included, one of which is made from soft leather and the other is made of latex, topped with fleece, giving a degree of individual tailoring to suit your preferences and acoustic characteristics.
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 mobile use. They feature a diaphragm which is very light and set between two magnets. This provides a smooth response to frequency with no the occurrence of phase irregularities. This is different from traditional dynamic cone speakers, with a variable frequency response. The ERA-1s have a clear and clear sound, as well as precise and precise vocals. The ERA-1s have a full, rich bass that isn't overpowering. The treble is clear and inviting and the midrange is naive.
The soundstage of the ERA-1 is a lot bigger than other headphones in this price range. The earpads and headbands are made of leather surfaces with a soft feel. Its minimalist design matches its high-performance sound. It has the standard TRS connector and is detachable, making it easy to replace or swap out if you require to. It also comes with a carrying case made of hardshell and an additional pair of earpads that can be used for different sound characteristics.
The ERA-1 is a comfortable choice for long listening sessions. They're not lightweight on the ears however, they are significantly lighter than other premium headphones with similar capabilities. They're also very efficient and do not require a lot of power to run. The ear pads are extremely soft, which means that you can wear them for long periods without feeling uncomfortable.
The ERA-1s are competing against headphones from Audeze and HiFiMAN in a market that is dominated by high-end, moderately priced planar magnetic models. In a crowded market, it takes more than a good brand name and a low-price tag to make a mark. To find out how the ERA-1s compare to other models I played a track from Alter Natives, a band which plays rhythmic, percussive jazz improv. The songs of Alter Natives feature diverse instruments including electric guitars, bass, flute, saxophone, and many more. The ERA-1s reproduced the tracks with amazing clarity and precision even at high volume.
ERA-2
Quad's first headphones were hailed as a technology breakthrough by both the critics and the customers. The ERA-1 aims to capture the magic of the legendary electrostatic loudspeakers in an open, transparent and spacious headphone that features deep bass, delicate and articulate mids, crystal clear highs and a soundstage that is intimate but not constricting. It's difficult to imagine a headset with better transparency, proper tonal balance, and the kind of convincing separation of instruments that makes you think you're actually in the studio with the musicians.
The ear cups feature a lightweight, breathable material to ensure comfort during long listening sessions. Its exclusive non-linear, patented vibration suppression technology is designed to eliminate unwanted resonances in the headphones, enhancing clarity and accuracy. The ERA-1 drivers are also acoustically matched with extremely tight tolerances. This results in a superb transient response, and a high resolution for detail. The sleek and compact design makes it easy to carry. It also comes with a detachable cord that has two standard 3.5mm connectors. This makes it simple to connect cables from aftermarket.
Planar-magnetic headphones can be driven either by the output from the majority of portable digital audio players or by an external headphone amp. This allows them to deliver a much more natural and immersive listening experience than standard headphones. The ERA-1 planar magnetic driver has less stored power, and can therefore reproduce low-frequency sounds more easily than headphones with a larger diaphragm.
I tried 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 evident in the music with strings. Each note was clearly identified in space. It was less flesh-and bone than the LCDX in this regard, which has a more natural and rounded presentation. Both are able to track the shapes of notes with incredible precision however the ERA-1 is more consistent. It also has a softer sound and is more suitable for use on mobile devices.
ERA-3
The majority of headphones priced under $1000 have a a sonic signature which sounds too cloistered and boxed-in. The ERA-1 offers the transparency and openness that you would expect from a planar-style design. The headphone's lightweight weight and low clamping force make it comfortable for long listening sessions. Our listeners include SoundStage! Solo editor Brent Butterworth; John Higgins, a music performance student of USC and regular contributor to Wirecutter and Sound & Vision; and Los Angeles-based saxophonist LeRena Major.
Unlike electrostatic headphones, which require a separate headphone amplifier to create the necessary 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 make electrostatic drivers sound edgy or bright sound.
Another benefit of planars is their ability to be driven by an audio player that is portable equipped with a driver that is sensitive enough. The ERA-1 is one of the few headphones that can be used in this way, but to unlock their full potential you will need an excellent headphone amplifier.
The ERA-1 has a wide soundstage, great clarity and a natural and smooth midrange. It is responsive which makes it easy to follow the strings in complicated arrangements. I listened to the track "Mining for Gold" from the Cowboy Junkies' album The Trinity Session (24/44.1 FLAC) and discovered that the notes on the strings were extremely clear and had a great separation.
In comparison to the superb but expensive MrSpeakers Amiron, the Quad ERA-1 offers better instrument separation and more precise imaging. It's a bit more relaxed, but it's still a great sound with 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 electric guitar, drums, flute, and saxophone. The track requires an extreme dynamic range and speed to reproduce the music accurately. The ERA-1's remarkable phase coherency detail, phase coherency, and bass were evident.
ERA-4
After a long absence from the headphone market, Quad is back with their first ever headphones. The ERA-1 is a magnetic headphone with a planar design that builds on the company's history with electrostatic speakers. It features a thin diaphragm that is enclosed by high-quality drivers that are that are matched to tight tolerances. This allows all the parts of the diaphragm to move simultaneously which results in better phase coherency as well as peak reconstruction. The light and comfortable design allows you to wear it for extended listening sessions.
The ERA-1 is a fantastic choice for those who want a detailed and open soundstage, with excellent imaging. It is easier to drive than many other planar headphones and can be used on any smartphone or portable audio device. It's low impedance makes it suitable for use with many amplifiers. Its earcups are padded and soft, making them more comfortable for extended listening sessions. Its soundstage has a spacious feel and its high-frequency response is a great transient. 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 in both ears. This feature is important for listeners who prefer to listen to music in a group, or share it with friends. The open-backed design on the ERA-1 gives excellent sound isolation and reduces bleed from external sources.
The ERA-1 headphone made by Quad is a great choice to get the most excellent sound. Its slim profile design and light build make it an easy to use for any shape of head. The headphone includes a carrying case, a spare set headphones and a bag for carrying. It is an excellent choice for travel. The ERA-1 comes with a detachable cord that can be customized.
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 an extensive soundstage, great imaging, and a neutral, transparent sound that is suitable for any genre of music. Its deep detail, and clear vocals are impressive. The ERA-1 can be purchased from a variety of online retailers for an affordable cost.