OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Quad Era 1 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£620Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Quad Era 1 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Quad Era 1
5.2/10

Overall score

Score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 94% of models
Score components

80%

4.9

Technical score

20%

6.4

User score

▼Worse than 94% of headphones
5.8

Value for money

Value for money
5.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components

70%

5.2

Overall score

30%

7.2

Price

▼Worse than 96%
4.9

Technical score

Technical score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 94% of models
Score components

52%

5.6

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.0

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

▼Worse than 94%
6.4

User score

User score
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 94% of models
Score components

70%

7.2

User ratings

30%

4.7

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
▼Worse than 94%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Quad Era 1

Technical score
Technical score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 94% of models
Score components:

52%

5.6

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.0

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

4.9
User score
User score
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 94% of models
Score components

70%

7.2

User ratings

30%

4.7

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
6.4
Popularity
Popularity
4.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 62% of models
Popularity:
Quad Era 1 has a popularity score of 4.7 points, which is lower than that of 61% of products in this category.
4.7
Value for money
Value for money
5.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components:

70%

5.2

Overall score

30%

7.2

Price

5.8
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
planar
Driver size
?
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
10 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.2% of headphones and equal to 12.6% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
no
This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while 15.1% is. 84.9% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
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Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Quad
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
420 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 420 g, heavier than 95.8% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
5.2
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 5.2, higher clamp force than 71.4% of headphones and equal to 0.7% of headphones.
Show more

Quad Era 1 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 20,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 0.95 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (2.2 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    2.15 m vs 1.2 m
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 7 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (51 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    51 mm vs 44 mm
  • 0.95 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (2.2 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    2.15 m vs 1.2 m
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 7 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (51 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    51 mm vs 44 mm
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 20,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 92.7% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (420 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    420 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 8 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 6.89x more expensive
    Quad Era 1 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£620 vs £90).
    £620 vs £90
  • 24.9% worse value for money
    Quad Era 1 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (5.82 vs 7.3).
    5.82 vs 7.27
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 6.89x more expensive
    Quad Era 1 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£620 vs £90).
    £620 vs £90
  • 24.9% worse value for money
    Quad Era 1 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (5.82 vs 7.3).
    5.82 vs 7.27
  • 24% lower user score
    User score
    6.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Quad Era 1
    the average pair of headphones
    Quad Era 1 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.45 vs 8).
    6.45 vs 8
  • 92.7% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (420 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    420 g vs 218 g
  • 0.9 higher clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (5.2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    5.2 vs 4.3
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 8 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 1.5 dB looser channel balance
    This pair of headphones has a higher channel balance tolerance than the average pair of headphones (2 dB vs 0.5 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.5 dB.
    2 dB vs 0.5 dB
  • 9 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (94 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    94 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

6.0
ConvinceMeAudio
✓ explicit
27/12/2022
Hands-on review · build, pads, sound and scoring
Verdict
Quad Era-1 is a recommended planar with forward treble and lively detail, though its cable and drive needs are drawbacks.
8.0
Z Reviews
≈ estimated
09/09/2020
Hands-on review · build, pad handling and sound impressions
Verdict
Quad Era-1 works well and is well liked, though it is a bit overpriced for what it offers.
Shop video
Not graded
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Quad Era 1

  • Deep, textured, and punchy bass with impressive transient response
  • Rich and detailed midrange with clear, airy treble that avoids fatigue
  • High build quality featuring a solid metal construction and premium finish
  • Relatively easy to drive compared to other planar magnetic headphones
  • Includes two sets of high-quality ear pads (leather and velour) and a sturdy case
  • Excellent spatial imaging and a wide, deep soundstage for an immersive experience

What customers don't like about Quad Era 1

  • Large physical footprint can be loose or unstable for users with smaller heads
  • The included cable is sometimes criticized for being boring or having a peeling textile cover
  • Lacks the extreme micro-detail retrieval found in significantly more expensive 'detail monsters'
  • Stock foam in the headband and pads is not as plush as industry-standard memory foam
  • Not a perfectly linear or 'reference' sound; has a deliberate, slightly aggressive 'fun' tuning

Verdict

The Quad ERA-1 is a high-performance open-back planar magnetic headphone designed to emulate the transparent, natural sound of the brand's legendary electrostatic speakers. It features a low-mass, ultra-thin diaphragm—thinner than a human hair—driven by a high-sensitivity magnet system with patented non-linear vibration suppression technology, achieving a wide frequency response of 10Hz to 40kHz. With a low nominal impedance of 20 ohms and 94dB sensitivity, it is exceptionally easy to drive from both portable devices and dedicated amplifiers. Main characteristics include a warm, musical tonality with a full-bodied midrange and a 'slam' in the bass that is both deep and textured. Key pros are its spacious soundstage, superb imaging, and the inclusion of two distinct sets of earpads (perforated sheepskin and hybrid velour) to tailor the acoustic profile. However, potential cons include a relatively heavy weight of 420g, a loose fit that may not suit those with smaller heads, and some reports of fragile plastic components in the yoke assembly.

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