Quad is a British HiFi manufacturer with a long history, going back to the 1950s. Their QUAD II Power Amplifier and the ESL electrostatic speaker are the most iconic creations. They have continued focusing on amplifiers and electrostatic speakers, although they also make all typical audio electronics and normal dynamic speakers too. As of 2018, they also have a headphone in their lineup; the Quad ERA-1.
Here’s how Quad introduces their ERA-1 headphones:
“…QUAD has been responsible for many landmark hi-fi products throughout its history, none more famous than successive generations of the ESL – the world’s most revered electrostatic panel loudspeaker, a technology invented by QUAD’s founder, Peter Walker.
To create the ERA-1 – the company’s first-ever headphones – QUAD developed a planar magnetic driver delivering fast, open and transparent performance. The resulting sonic realism and fidelity to the source are fully in keeping with the brand’s heritage, displaying qualities akin to the famous ESLs….”
Planar magnetic headphones are not especially new, and neither are they rare these days when Hifiman and Audeze are major actors on the high-fidelity headphone arena. However, Quad has made its own version, and all that matters is how it sounds.
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WHAT WE LIKE
- Superb sound
- Well-extended, balanced yet powerful bass that reaches deep and is full of texture.
- The mid-range is nuanced, inviting and focused.
- Crisp and clear treble without getting fatiguing.
- Pin-point imaging
- Exceptional price/performance ratio
- Well built, lots of metal
- Two different sets of pads in the box
- Swivel action on the yokes
- Not picky on amplification
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- Pads and headband could have had softer padding
QUAD ERA-1 SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Planar Magnetic Diaphragm Headphones Impedance: 20 Ω
- Sensitivity: 94 dB/mW
- Frequency Response Range: 10 – 40,000Hz
- Total Harmonic Distortion: ≤ 0.2 (1kHz,100dB)
- Rated Input Power: 100mW
- Weight w/o Cable: 420g
- Pads: Two different pairs of pads included
- Cable: Detachable cable 2 m, 3.5mm TRS connectors on headphones, 3.5mm to amp with 6.35 mm TRS adapter
BUILD QUALITY AND COMFORT
These headphones are very well built with lots of metal parts. There are two different pads supplied: Angled fenestrated sheepskin and flat hybrid pads with pleather on the outside, fenestrated pleather on the inside and velour on the face. The angled sheepskin pads are much thicker, they have plenty of space for your ears. The hybrid pads are much flatter and I found them uncomfortable because my ears touched the insides.
One thing that could have been better is the foam in the pads and head-band. The supplied pads are just fine but memory foam has become sort of an industry standard and is more comfortable. The pads use a proprietary connector ring similar to Focal’s pads and I have not managed to find anyone that offers adapter rings to use with 3rd party pads. You can, however, cut off the pad you like the least, probably the hybrids, and use the adapter ring you’ve cut loose. It fits standard oval pads (Brainwavz etc.) You can also use double-sided gel tape to attache 3rd party pads. Gel tape is always a practical way to attach pads.
The ERA-1 has detachable cables. There is not too much room for the connector plugs so be sure to order extra thin 3.5mm connectors if you want a 3rd party cable.
AMPLIFICATION
The ERA-1 is already great with modest sources but certainly does not mind a good amplifier.
It sounds decent from my LGV40 phone. Too bad headphone jacks are increasingly being removed from phones – but we still can use dongles.
USB DONGLES
The ERA-1 sounds quite good with the Fiio KA3 (only tried unbalanced) and the Onyx THX, which sounded quite the same. Enjoyable but definitely not at the same level as my desktop amps. However, the good old Dragonfly Black is actually a step up from the other two.
REASONABLY PRICED DESKTOP AMPS
With regards to desktop amps, the Fiio K5 PRO ESS (with external source) does a very fine job, slightly warm sounding and certainly a good match. Schiit Magni 3 Heretic works absolutely fine, and the Topping A90 too. The Monolith THX AAA 887 stands out. It is superbly in control and very neutral in the right way. The Ukrainian Rebel Amp is also fabolous with the ERA-1.
NON-BUDGET DESKTOP AMPS
The discontinued Questyle CMA800R is one of my favourite solid-state amps, with slight warmth but stellar control. I often chose to use that amp for the ERA-1 in my headphone comparisons. The Violectric V200, Auralic Taurus and Bryston BHA-1 are great too. However, the Monolith THX AAA 887 gets you very close.
The Woo WA22 tube amp, however, sounds like nothing else with the ERA-1. It’s absolutely gorgeous. It makes the ERA-1 sound more euphonic and well-rounded without losing detail or punch, whilst at the same time delivering a bigger soundstage. I thought I’d say that expensive amplifiers don’t necessarily make a big difference but the WA22 proved me wrong.
AMPLIFIERS CONCLUSION
The Dragonfly Black (probably even better with the Red) was a good portable option for the ERA-1. My favourite budget-friendly desktop amp is the Monolith THX AAA and the Rebel Amp. You don’t really need more. However, all the amps I tried served the ERA-1 well, though the Woo WA22 stands out as a spectacular match.
All in all, this must be the one headphone I have tried that has been the most easygoing when it comes to amplifier matching. There are differences, but they are small once you get to a decent desktop amp – the WA22 excepted.
HEADPHONE COMPARISONS
FOCAL ELEAR/ELEX SHEEPSKIN VS ERA-1
The Focal Elear and Elex are dynamic driver headphones. They are the same headphones, just with different pads (the Elex has the pads from the original Clear).
After I put some Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskin pads on the Elear/Elex, I never took them off and I never will. These pads made the Elear/Elex a much better headphone. Tighter bass, better midrange and treble. I have tried other sheepskin pads too. They’re also better than stock. Anyway, the Dekoni Fenestrated padded Focal Elear is what I will compare the ERA-1 to here. Oh, and it also has a Black Dragon cable.
Amplification: I’m using the Auralic Taurus unbalanced mode for both. They sound almost exactly equally loud at the same volume setting.
Aubade by Trio 3
With this jazz improv piece, they both sound very open, crisp and clear. There is lots of space between the instruments. There is plenty of detail and texture, and great dynamics too. Both are great and have a similar tonality, the ERA-1 a tad brighter. However, I think the ERA-1 is a bit better technically speaking. It is clearer and has better separation, dynamics and detail.
All for Us by Labyrinth
Again they sound more similar than not. The Elear has a bit more bass, both have lots of space. The ERA-1 sounds a little bit more intense, details are sharper cut.
As Before by Olga Konkova
They are actually so similar that I often confuse which one I have on my head. The differences remain as before. The ERA-1 is a tad clearer. The Elear sounds great but a bit more diffuse, or relaxed, could I say, because it’s not entirely a bad thing. They both are well balanced, and punchy, have rich and textured vocals and clear highs.
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
Here I prefer the Elear, it’s a little bit more forgiving. It’s not a big difference, but something makes me feel that it’s more coherent.
Daddy Lessons by Beyonce
Once again. Very similar presentation. Neither is overly warm, both have great punch and clarity.
To conclude, these two headphones are remarkably similar. Even though I sometimes find myself attracted to the Focal’s slightly more forgiving presentation, I find that technically speaking the ERA-1 is better. It’s clear, crisp, detailed and punchy, yet very nicely tuned.
HIFIMAN HE-560 VS ERA-1
Amplification: Auralic Taurus for HE-560 and Questyle CMA800R for the ERA-1. Both amplifiers sound very similar with the ERA-1.
My HE-560 is slightly modded. It has 3rd party hybrid pads from AliExpress, airflow grills (grillmod) and an Atlas Zeno cable. It’s a planar magnetic headphone just like the ERA-1. According to Hifiman there is no difference except the headband, connectors and cup colour between the different 560 versions.
Den du veit by Frida Ånnevik
Beautiful Norwegian female vocals cover version with two gentle guitars. It sounds absolutely fantastic with the HE-560. So much detail and such a great tonality. Velvet-like vocals. And I can say the same thing about the ERA-1. They are not identical, but equally nice. I’d say the ERA-1 offers even more detail and is a bit crisper without being too bright.
Liszt Piano Recital by Leif Ove Andsnes
They both sound great and quite similar with the piano. The ERA-1 is a bit clearer sounding. You can hear every little detail and nuance, every reverberation.
Down by Stone Temple Pilots
The bass of the ERA-1 is incredible. It’s strong, focused and extremely detailed. The modded HE560 is quite close, but not as pinpointed, it has a slightly more diffuse sound stage.
Even though the HE-560 v4 at the end sold at ridiculously low prices, the HE-560 is a stellar headphone that retailed for 899 USD at launch back in the day, and IMO is still worth it, especially with the grill mod. The ERA-1 is similar, but technically an even better performer.
BEYERDYNAMIC AMIRON VS ERA-1
Amplification: Auralic Taurus for Amiron, and Questyle CMA800R for the ERA-1. Again, both amplifiers sound very similar with the ERA-1.
These are quite different headphones and have radically different presentations. I am, however, a big fan of both. The Amiron is priced a bit lower than the ERA-1. It also has a higher impedance of 250 ohms.
Hymn to the Unloved by Kaja Draksler
Experimental improv. The ERA-1 feels extremely detailed and clear. The background is very black and separation is supreme. The Amiron also offers plenty of detail but the sound stage is more diffuse, and the sound is cozier and a bit more forgiving. The details are there but they are not as articulated as with the ERA-1.
Identikit by Radiohead
Again both sound great. The ERA-1 is more articulated the background is blacker and the separation is better. The Amiron is again cosier, more enveloping, not making the details as apparent.
Lovers on the Sun by David Guetta
Sounds good on the ERA-1, even though this song is quite bright and can be unpleasant to listen to. The ERA-1 is tight and detailed, without being too bright. The bass kicks hard and has plenty of texture. The Amiron is also doing well with this track, a bit more forgiving and warmer sounding.
Alban Berg Lyric Suite IV by Alban Berg Quartet
String music seems to be a lot more interesting to listen to with the ERA-1. The great separation, black background and extreme level of detail do the magic. The strings have a lot of bite and attack without being edgy or unpleasant. The Amiron is also great, but more diffuse, more laid back. Still, it also gives you details in spades.
Concluding the Quad ERA-1 continues to impress. It’s delicious and technically superior but the Amiron is also a pleasure to listen to.
SENNHEISER HD600 VS ERA-1
Amplification: Auralic Taurus for HD600 and Questyle CMA800R for the ERA-1. Again, both amplifiers sound very similar with the ERA-1
All for Us by Labyrinth
It sounds very good on the HD600 – open and detailed, nice mid-range. The ERA-1 has better bass and separation.
Rocket by Smashing Pumpkins
It becomes very clear that the HD600 has a bass roll-off. There is no contest here, really. The HD600 sounds good by itself but in comparison, it’s clearly lacking in the lower regions.
Can’t You See by Susan Wong
As good as the ERA-1 is, the mid-range is so delicious on the HD600. The ERA-1 is crisper and clearer, more open-sounding.
Plane Temp by Glasser
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They have similar tonality but the ERA-1 is more articulated, more defined and has a blacker background.
Prokofiev Violin Concerto 2 by Janine Jansen
Playing some classical music the ERA-1 shines yet again. Superb imaging and separation. The HD600, though, also shines with this piece. It’s hard to pick a winner. The HD600 just sounds so natural. Here they do not sound as similar as with other music but both are great.
Listening some more it becomes very clear that the HD600 is a delicious-sounding headphone. The ERA-1, however, is technically better and has superior detail retrieval and imaging along with deeper fuller and tighter bass. The HD600’s strongest point is its fabulously well-tuned mid-range. However, the ERA-1 is also very nicely tuned and has a great, but a bit different, mid-range presentation.
AUDEZE LCD-X VS ERA-1
Amplification: Auralic Taurus for LCD-X, and Questyle CMA800R for the ERA-1.
The Audeze LCD-X is also a planar magnetic headphone and a reference in its class. It’s however a lot bigger and heavier than the ERA-1, as well as twice the price.
Carratera by David Brito and Julie Fahrer
Female vocals, jazz guitar. Sounds absolutely smashing with the LCD-X. It sounds smashing with the ERA-1 too, very clean. The LCD-X has more body and tonal weight, the ERA-1 is lighter and airier. Both have lots of detail and nuances.
Revolution by Tied and Tickled Trio
It sounds very open and clean with the ERA-1. The LCD-X has to me however a better tonality it is more full-bodied and more weighty.
Daddy Lessons by Beyonce Knowles
Here they are not too dissimilar. The bass is weightier with the LCD-X, but the ERA-1 isn’t lacking. The ERA-1 is a bit brighter and thinner sounding, the LCD-X has a more flesh-and-bone presentation.
Vivaldi 4 Seasons, Winter, by the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra
Playing string music, the ERA-1 is really nice. It’s crisp and crystal clear. The LCD-X is also very enjoyable. It’s a little bit darker, with less treble intensity yet still very detailed.
Don’t Know Why by Norah Jones
The vocals are rich and delicious with the LCD-X. They are very nice with the ERA-1 but in a different way. The ERA-1 has a crisper presentation and necessarily thinner sounding, for better and worse.
In conclusion, both headphones are very detailed and have a pleasant presentation of the music. They both play very well in the lower regions with both bass quality and quantity. The mid-range is great with both, but different. The treble is brighter and crisper with the ERA-1. The LCD-X has more tonal weight, flesh and blood. The ERA-1 has a bit bigger soundstage. Considering the price difference it is quite amazing what the ERA-1 delivers. Even though I personally often prefer the LCD-X, I can easily understand someone who has it the other way around.
HIFIMAN SUNDARA VS ERA-1
Amplification: Auralic Taurus for Sundara, and Questyle CMA800R for the ERA-1.
Floratone by Floratone
It sounds amazing with the ERA-1. The deep and textured bass, the deep space, the space between instruments, the micro detail, the articulation. It really is stunning. Moving over to the Sundara, it still sounds good, but it’s not in the same league.
Gilimanuk by Nils Petter Molvær
The Sundara sounds very good, with great bass, and beautiful mid-range. The trumpet is rendered tenderly. Moving over to the ERA-1, things do however get quite a lot clearer and better defined. The only thing I miss from the Sundara is the “bigger” mid-range, it’s a tradeoff, I guess – the ERA-1 pinpointing everything.
I continue listening and the impressions remain the same. The Sundara sounds great on its own, especially the mid-range and the relaxed presentation appeals to me. However, the ERA-1 is clearer, crisper, more detailed, and has better separation and soundstage depth. The bass is deeper and more textured. It’s just a better headphone.
SENNHEISER HD660S2 VS QUAD ERA-1
These are in the same price range but are very different. The 660S2 is an evolution of the HD6** line, which all headphone enthusiasts know has a reputation for above all, presenting a natural-sounding mid-range.
Amplification: Questyle CMA800R for the ERA-1, Auralic Taurus for the HD660S2.
Giraffe by BMX
This jazz quartet semi-improv piece is one of my favourite tracks. The guitar, trumpet and saxophone sound great with the HD660S2. However, when switching over to the Quad ERA-1, the increase in instrument separation is very apparent. There’s so much more articulation, space and detail with the ERA-1. It is technically superior in all aspects.
Identikit by Radiohead
This sounds really good on the HD660S2. The bass is good and punchy, the presentation is very enveloping. Nice amount of detail. The soundstage is not big but still open enough to feel that you’re listening to an open headphone.
With the ERA-1, everything is much more pinpointed, and the instrument separation is superb. It feels cleaner but less enveloping, although still very seducing.
Haydn Cello Concertos – III Finale by Freiburger Barockorchester
The separation with the ERA-1 is incredible. Every string is clearly defined in the room. The HD660S2 is more diffuse, but also airier. A larger room but less pinpoint imaging. Both are incredibly good sounding with this fabulous piece of string music. The strings have attack and texture, both headphones feel quick and coherent, but in different ways. If you want to be able to follow each instrument, almost hyper-realistically, the ERA-1’s got you. If you rather want a more airy and maybe more “natural” presentation, the HD660S2 is great.
It Should Be Obvious by Jørn Øien Trio
Percussion-intensive, rhythmic improv-jazz. Sounds good on the HD660S2, but the separation, snappiness and precision of the ERA-1 are in another league. The bass rubble is also more present, it is obvious that the ERA-1 has no bass roll-off.
Limit to Your Love by James Blake
On this track, I expected a clear win for the ERA-1 due to the bass. It’s a win, but the HD660S2 holds up quite well. The bass is better with the ERA-1, but not at all bad with the HD660S2.
Can’t You See by Susan Wong
Beautiful vocals with the HD660S2. They are quite different with the ERA-1 but still beautiful. The ERA-1 is more intense, and the HD660S2 is more laid back, less articulate, and less precise. Yet still, it has a nice rendering, just not as good as the ERA-1.
Concluding, it is pretty clear to me that there is no contest when it comes to which is the technically better performer. The ERA-1 has a much more correct bass response that doesn’t roll off. It has a clearer mid-range and treble. It has better imaging, layering and dynamics. The HD660S2, however, has a seducing presentation in its own way. Some might prefer it. I’d certainly find them to complement each other. But the ERA-1 is way better value. They shouldn’t be in the same price range.
HIFIMAN HE-500 VS ERA-1
This is a little bit interesting for me because the reason I acquired the ERA-1 in the first place was actually that I was searching for a replacement for my old HE-500 which I regretted that I’d sold. The ERA-1 came up, and I got a good deal at it. However, it wasn’t enough to stop my itch for the HE-500, so I ended up rebuying the HE-500 anyway. I’ve installed airflow grills (grill mod), 3rd party leather pads and an Atlas Zeno cable on them.
Carretera by David Brito and Julie Fahrer
The mid-range of the HE-500 is delicious and the female vocals are smooth as velvet without feeling lacking in detail. The midrange of the ERA-1 is also great, just in another way. The ERA-1 has better imaging and separation, but I find the HE-500 holds up very well. It’s not as pinpointed but offers a larger image. Everything seems to take up more space in the room with the HE-500, even though it also has very good separation. The bass is solid on both, as expected.
Daddy Lessons by Beyonce
The HE-500 has a great bass, however a bit more bloomy than the ERA-1. The vocals are great on both, but it’s hard to beat the HE-500.
Down by Stone Temple Pilots
This sounds better with the more meaty presentation of the HE-500. The ERA-1 does, however, have a remarkably well-defined bass and general clarity. It’s quite bright without being overly bright.
Lovers on The Sun by David Guetta
This EDM/Western hybrid track is also quite bright-sounding. However, both headphones handle it well. HE-500 is to me most enjoyable; fuller sounding, and more massive. The ERA-1 is very articulated and detailed.
Janacek String Quartets No. 1 by Emerson String Quartet
The ERA-1 is delicious with those strings. You can hear them vibrate. Again, imaging is superb. The HE-500 is also delicious, also very detailed sounding. The biggest difference is the wider but slightly more diffuse soundstage on the HE-500.
Concluding, these are two very capable and enjoyable headphones. The ERA-1 is extremely detailed and has pinpoint imaging. They both have a great bass impact and extension, the ERA-1 is, however, better defined, and the HE-500 a bit more bloomy. The mid-range is very nice on both with lots of information but the HE-500 is smoother and more delicious. The treble is a bit hotter on the ERA-1 but both have great detail in the upper regions. The grill mod on the HE-500 contributes to that.
MEZE 109 PRO VS ERA-1
The Meze is a bit more expensive than the ERA-1. It’s a beautifully crafted headphone and has gotten a lot of praise for its sound.
Lovers on the Sun by David Guetta
The Meze has got some serious bass punch. They sound quite similar in many ways. The ERA-1 has a tighter bass, the 109 Pro a bit more oomph. The soundstage is similar, nice and spacious with both. They feel similarly bright with this quite bright-sounding song.
Irish Blood English Heart by Morrissey
Both have good instrument separation and very nice bass. Again, the 109 has a bit more bass quantity. Their soundstage and tonal character are quite similar. Great bass, detailed and nice, but not bloomy, mids, crisp and clear highs.
Dualist by Ola Kvernberg
This instrumental “modern classical meets jazz”-piece is pretty interesting and quite busy. Both headphones handle it very nicely, with great separation and imaging, details in spades and satisfying dynamics. It’s remarkable how similar they sound, really.
Nevermind by Leonard Cohen
The bass is tighter and more detailed with the ERA-1. Cohen’s voice is very nicely rendered by both headphones. Lots of textures and nuances.
Never Forget The Good Ones by Solveig Slettahjell
Again they sound remarkably similar. They are very similarly tuned. The biggest difference is that the ERA-1 has a tighter and better defined bass, whereas the 109 is a bit more bloomy and punchy.
Muggen Fallskjerm by Jøkleba
This percussion-intensive jazz improv track sounds tighter, more effortless and dynamic with the ERA-1. It’s good with the 109 too, just not all the way there.
In Conclusion, these are both very good headphones. It is hard to pick a winner but if I had to it would be the ERA-1, it feels more neutral and a little bit tighter. With some tracks, it is often not noticeable but on other tracks, it makes a difference. The build quality, however, is a win for Meze.
STAX SR-L700 VS ERA-1
Given the heritage of Quad and their electrostatic speakers, it would not be fair to do this review without comparing their first headphones ever to an electrostatic. Quad themselves say the ERA-1 builds on their heritage and experience with electrostatic speakers, even though the ERA-1 actually is a planar magnetic headphone.
Amplification: Questyle CMA800R for the ERA-1, KGSSHV Carbon for the SR-L700.
Maple Noise by Greene Serene
On this groovy jazz improv-quartet track, they both show excellent instrument separation. They are quite similar in many aspects with this track. The SR-L700 however has a bigger soundstage, while still being good at the pinpoint-imaging. It also feels more effortless in the presentation of the both the midrange treble. The Electrostat feels even more natural and easygoing than the Quad, which sounds a bit drier, as most headphones do compared to electrostatic headphones.
Midnight City by M83
Also here they sound quite similar in many ways. The ERA-1 has a better bass presence, but the L700 is better in the mids and treble. Both sound good. The soundstage of the ERA-1 feels very open but also smaller at the same time. The L700 sounds bigger and even more natural.
Bach Minimaliste by La têmpete
Harpsichord and violin. Both these headphones sound great with classical music. However, they are not exactly identical sounding. When comparing directly going from the SR-L700 to the ERA-1, the ERA-1 sounds a bit thin. The soundstage is narrower, yet still, everything has space between them. Once your brain has adjusted it’s no issue. It’s just strange to experience how different and how similar headphones can be at the same time.
Ding Dong Merrily on High by SWR Vokalensemble
Both sound great with this choir classic. The SR-L700 is a bit more natural and effortless, but the ERA-1 is quite close.
Don’t Know Why by Norah Jones
Also here, they’re not too different. The vocals are delicate and full of nuances with the ERA-1. I still prefer the SR-L700, but I am really impressed with how close the ERA-1 gets.
Concluding, it is impressive once again what the ERA-1 delivers. It is half the price of the SR-L700 and still getting very close to it. I find that they sound quite similar in many ways and it is nice to hear that Quad certainly has achieved something close to an electrostatic presentation.
CONCLUSION
The Quad ERA-1 delivers superb sound quality. The bass is deep, textured and punchy, the midrange is delicate and nuanced and the treble is crisp and clear without inducing fatigue.
ERA-1 is a headphone that punches far above its retail price. It might possibly be the best value in high-fidelity headphones. It is not picky with the amplifier and works well with portable options. However, good amps aren’t wasted on the ERA-1’s. All desktop amps I tried worked very well, although some sounded a bit better than others. The mighty Woo WA22 brought the ERA-1’s to even higher levels than I thought possible.
Even though it is a planar magnetic headphone, it stays true to Quad’s heritage. Needless to say: The Quad ERA-1 comes highly recommended.
