Quad ERA-1 Headphones

Quad ERA 1, is the first planar magnetic headphones from the highly revered Quad brand, offering a frequency range of 10 to 40k Hertz. They are supplied with 2 pairs of different earpads (genuine leather and synthetic leather) for slightly different acoustics; the sound is tuned to match Quad's world-famous ESL range of loudspeakers.

Quad's Legacy

Since 1936, Quad has been responsible for some landmark audio products, but none more famous than the iconic ESL electrostatic panel loudspeakers. In a new ERA for Quad, they've drawn on their expertise with electrostatics to design these outstanding planar headphones, ERA-1. Quad engineers have developed a planar magnetic drive film technology which delivers a fast, open and transparent sound - similar in performance to the world famous ESL loudspeakers.

No Ordinary Headphone

Unlike ordinary headphones that use mass-produced dynamic cone drivers which can hamper transient response and cause an uneven frequency response, Quad's cutting-edge planar magnetic technology delivers a more natural and accurate sound, ensuring you hear every nuance of a recorded musical performance.

Quad Era-1 incorporates an ultra-thin, electrically active diaphragm, thinner than a human hair yet extremely strong and highly elastic, weighing less than the air it displaces. This is fused with a precisely arranged magnet array, designed to maximise sensitivity and consistency of the applied force over the driver area.

Engaging Performance

Quad's patented nonlinear vibration dampening technology allows the driver to offer an effortless, pure and dynamic extended frequency response for perfect clarity and engaging sound. The metal cavity behind the driver is specially designed for optimal performance and the drivers are closely matched for spacious three-dimensional stereo imaging, suiting all types of music.

Planar Diaphragm

When sound enters our ears, it has a planar wavefront with all spectrum components in phase. A typical dynamic headphone driver disrupts this coherence with its phase irregularity, resulting in less than perfect signal peak reconstructions. Quad's planar magnetic driver has much better phase coherency since all parts of the diaphragm vibrate in harmony without break up or delayed resonance. The driver's flat conductor pattern, without inductive components, eliminates inductance-related intermodulation distortion, this is especially common in dynamic drivers with high impedance and a high number of voice coil turns.

Superbly Compatible

Many planar magnetic headphones require high power amplifiers to drive them. Quad Era-1 combines high sensitivity with low impedance enabling them to perform well with a range of partnering devices, from high res portable players to high-quality headphone amps. Quad's valve-based PA-One headphone amp/DAC is a superb match for the Era-1 combining sonic clarity and fluidity to stunning effect.

Luxurious Build

Era-1 fuses the assurance of tradition with the thrill of innovation. A robust construction and a premium finish deliver a suitably luxurious feel yet the headphones are comfortably lightweight compared to similar models. Quad have also included a choice of two earpads; a soft leather type or latex with a fleecy layer. A high-quality, detachable 215cm cable is also supplied along with a sturdy carry case.

Closest Approach

High-resolution sound, teeming with musical expression - the Era-1 headphones submerge you in the performance of your favourite musicians with direct and engaging intimacy. Once again, Quad delivers 'the closest approach to the original sound', bringing you up close and personal to the music you love with enticing clarity and definition.