Quad Era 1 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£620
  • Avg. price in US: ~$800
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Quad Era 1 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.7

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

3.2

Technical Score

20.0%

5.9

User score

Poor
3.2

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

3.5

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

4.9

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

1.1

Calls & Controls

Poor
5.9

User score

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 components:

70.0%

7.2

User reviews

30.0%

2.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.6
(36)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(36)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Good
  • 0.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 0.5
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    1.0

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 0.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 1.4
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

  • quad-era-1
  • quad-era-1
  • quad-era-1
quad-era-1
quad-era-1
quad-era-1

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

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.

Technical Specifications of Quad Era 1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

3.5

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

4.9

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

1.1

Calls & Controls

3.2
Quad Era 1 has a technical score of 3.16 points, which is lower than that of 97.9% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

7.2

User reviews

30.0%

2.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.6
(36)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(36)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

5.9
Quad Era 1 has a user score of 5.9 points, which is lower than that of 94.5% of products in this category.
Popularity
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.
2.9
Quad Era 1 has a popularity of 2.9 points, which is lower than 61% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

3.7

Overall score

40.0%

7.2

Price

4.8
Quad Era 1 has a quality-to-price ratio of 4.8 points, which is lower than 96.1% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Quad Era 1 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

planar
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Quad Era 1 uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

10 Hz
Quad Era 1 reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.3% of headphones and equal to 12.5% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Quad Era 1 is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

0
Quad Era 1 has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A
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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Quad Era 1 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Quad Era 1 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
Quad Era 1 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
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Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Quad
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

420 g
Quad Era 1 weighs 420 g, heavier than 95.8% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

open-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

5.2
Quad Era 1 has a clamp force of 5.2, higher clamp force than 71.6% of headphones and equal to 0.7% of headphones.
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Quad Era 1 vs the average headphone

  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Quad Era 1 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
    What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
    When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Quad Era 1 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 20,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Quad Era 1 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Quad Era 1 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.40000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Quad Era 1 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Quad Era 1 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Open-back design
    Quad Era 1 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
    When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Quad Era 1 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 0.95 m more useful cable length
    Quad Era 1 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2.2 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
    When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.

    Importance: LOW

    Quad Era 1 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (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
  • 8 mm more spacious earcup width
    Quad Era 1 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (51 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
    What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Quad Era 1 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (51 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.51 mm vs 43 mm
  • Open-back design
    Quad Era 1 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 0.95 m more useful cable length
    Quad Era 1 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2.2 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
  • 8 mm more spacious earcup width
    Quad Era 1 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (51 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Quad Era 1 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 20,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Quad Era 1 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Quad Era 1 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 92.7% higher weight
    Quad Era 1 is heavier than the average headphone (420 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 0.9 higher clamp force
    Quad Era 1 has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5.2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Quad Era 1 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 8 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Quad Era 1 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 1.53 dB looser channel balance
    Quad Era 1 has a higher channel balance tolerance than the average headphone (2 dB vs 0.47 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.47 dB.
  • 9 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Quad Era 1 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (94 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • Not headset-ready
    Quad Era 1 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Quad Era 1 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Quad Era 1 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Quad Era 1 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
    When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Quad Era 1 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 92.7% higher weight
    Quad Era 1 is heavier than the average headphone (420 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Quad Era 1 is heavier than the average headphone (420 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.420 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    Quad Era 1 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
    When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

    Importance: LOW

    Quad Era 1 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 8 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Quad Era 1 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Quad Era 1 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (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
    Quad Era 1 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
    When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Quad Era 1 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 6.89x more expensive
    Quad Era 1 is more expensive than the average headphone (£620 vs £90).
    Quad Era 1 is more expensive than the average headphone (£620 vs £90).£620 vs £90
  • 41.2% worse value for money
    Quad Era 1 has worse value for money than the average headphone (4.77 vs 6.736).
    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.
    Quad Era 1 has worse value for money than the average headphone (4.77 vs 6.736).4.77 vs 6.74
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Quad Era 1 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
    When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    Quad Era 1 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1

Graphic comparison of Quad Era 1 and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

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 dislike 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

Expert reviews

H
hifipig.com
14/01/2019

The Quad ERA-1 is the historic British audio brand's first foray into the headphone market, utilizing a planar magnetic design inspired by their legendary electrostatic loudspeakers. Priced at £599, these over-ear headphones deliver a full-bodied, neutral sound signature with a characteristically warm, mellow midrange and an incredibly powerful, energetic bass response. Built with a...Read more

T
theabsolutesound.com
12/06/2019

The Absolute Sound review praises the $799 Quad ERA-1 planar-magnetic headphonesGo as an exceptional debut, noting they deliver the "uncanny transparency" of Quad’s historic ESL-57 speakers while surpassing them in technical areas like transient speed and bass articulation. Sonically, these headphones offer a slightly uplifted, impactful bass alongside detailed, smooth highs,...Read more

H
headphone.guru.dream.website
04/10/2018

The Quad ERA-1 is the British audio company's first foray into the headphone market, opting for an orthodynamic design that aims to replicate the legendary sound of their classic electrostatic speakers. Equipped with a proprietary ultra-thin planar magnetic diaphragm, it delivers exceptional speed, phase coherency, and excellent dynamic range. The review highly praises the inclusion...Read more

S
soundstagesolo.com
01/02/2019

The Quad ERA-1 is an open-backed, planar-magnetic headphone ($799 USD) that delivers exceptional clarity, speed, and openness, allowing listeners to easily distinguish small micro-details and natural instrument decays. A major highlight is the inclusion of two distinct sets of earpads that offer viable, interchangeable sound profiles. The velour pads provide a warm, midrange-centric...Read more

M
majorhifi.com
01/02/2019

The Quad Era-1 is an open-back planar-magnetic headphone priced at $799 that marks a successful first foray into headphones for the prestigious British amplifier brand. It delivers an articulate, full, and energetic sound signature characterized by a precise, tactile bass with ample impact, well-balanced and low-distortion mids, and a highly detailed, smooth high-end extension. The...Read more

T
theabsolutesound.com
05/04/2019

The Quad ERA-1 planar-magnetic headphones are reviewed as an attainable, open-back, sub-$800 option offering the transparency of Quad's iconic ESL-57 speakers, with superior bass response and superior dynamics. Key strengths include excellent midrange clarity and highly detailed high frequencies, positioning it as a top contender in its price class. Conversely, the 420-gram design...Read more

H
hifiplus.com
12/06/2019

In this hi-fi+ Global review, Chris Martens evaluates the Quad ERA-1Go, the historic British brand's first-ever open-back planar magnetic headphone. Priced at $799 (£599), the ERA-1 aims to channel the signature transparency of Quad's legendary ESL-57 electrostatic loudspeakers. Martens notes that the headphones feature a premium build with matte silver-grey housings, black...Read more

H
headphoneer.com
29/08/2023

The Quad ERA-1 is an open-back, planar magnetic headphone from the historic British HiFi manufacturer that punches significantly above its price point, offering a fast, open, and transparent presentation akin to electrostatic speakers. In terms of performance, the review highlights a superb, well-extended bass that reaches deep with excellent texture, alongside a focused, nuanced...Read more

F
fairaudio.de
10/12/2018

The Quad ERA-1 is an open-back magnetostatic headphone that delivers exceptional transient response, high-end detail, and an impressively linear sound profile for its €699 price point. It features a lightweight, full-surface voice coil membrane that tracks analog signals with extreme precision, allowing it to excel at micro-dynamics and clinical fault-finding during recording or...Read more

A
areadvd.de
25/07/2025

The QUAD ERA-1 is an open-back, planar-magnetic over-ear headphone priced at 749 EUR, representing the brand's first venture into the headphone market. It features an ultra-thin, electrically active diaphragm combined with a powerful magnetic system and a patented non-linear vibration suppression system designed to optimize clarity and dynamics. In sound testing paired with high-end...Read more

K
kopfhoerer.de
23/03/2019

The Carsten Kaiser review on kopfhoerer.de highlights the Quad ERA-1Go as an exceptional open-back, planar-magnetic HiFi headphone that delivers high-quality engineering and an unadulterated, purist sound profile. Architecturally, the headphones feature an ultra-lightweight diaphragm and a frequency response ranging from 10 to 40,000 Hz, culminating in highly detailed treble...Read more

H
hifi-regler.de
29/06/2026

The Quad ERA-1 is an open-back magnetostatic headphone that marks a highly successful debut for the traditional British brand. Reviewers from stereoplay and STEREO praise the headphones for their warm, full-bodied, and highly natural sound signature that remains deeply engaging without becoming clinical. It excels at delivering exceptional vocal clarity and a lively, rhythmic...Read more

L
lite-magazin.de
06/09/2018

The Quad ERA-1Go review highlights the British manufacturer's impressive debut into the headphone market with an open-back, over-ear model priced at 699 Euros. Heavily inspired by Quad's legendary electrostatic speakers, these headphones utilise an ultra-thin planar magnetic diaphragm to deliver exceptional speed, neutrality, and clear, spatial imagery. Pros include high-quality...Read more

O
on-mag.fr
19/09/2019

The ON-mag.fr review evaluates the Quad Era-1Go, a €700 open-back circumaural hi-fi headphone that marks the legendary high-end audio brand's first venture into the headphone market. Historically famous for its iconic electrostatic speakers, Quad opted for orthoplanar (planar magnetic) drivers for this model, measuring roughly 4.5 x 6.5 cm. The hardware boasts highly capable...Read more

O
on-mag.fr
19/09/2019

The Quad Era-1 is an impressive debut open-back orthoplanar (planar magnetic) headphone from a legendary high-end audio brand, offering true audiophile performance at a reasonable price of €700. The headphone is highly praised for its sound quality, specifically its ability to create a wide, deep, and beautifully separated soundstage. Unlike many other planar models, it delivers...Read more

M
majorhifi.com
01/02/2019

The Quad Era-1 is an open-back planar-magnetic headphone priced at $799 that marks a successful entry into the headphone market for the veteran British amplifier manufacturer. It features an impressive, expansive, and airy soundstage with excellent instrument placement, paired with a full, energetic, and highly detailed low end that delivers a tactile bass impact without sounding...Read more

A
atconsumer.es
24/09/2018

In his review for AT Consumer, Francisco Tersa provides a highly positive assessment of the QUAD ERA-1, the historic British brand's first venture into planar magnetic headphones. Priced at €699, these headphones are highlighted as an exceptionally versatile, "all-terrain" option that stands out for its high-quality construction, supreme comfort, and rich accessories, which include...Read more

M
majorhifi.com
01/02/2019

The Quad Era-1 is a $799 open-back planar-magnetic headphone that delivers an exceptionally balanced, highly detailed, and emotionally engaging audio experience. It distinguishes itself with a full, energetic, and highly accurate low-end performance that provides tactile bass impact without becoming sloppy or uncontrolled. The midrange offers stunning clarity and low distortion for...Read more

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