Quad Era-1 Planar Magnetic Headphones

These headphones are supplied with two sets of earpads. They come fitted with velour-faced ones, and I found the sound with them a little veiled, and deep bass was too heavy. After a few days, I fitted the alternative tapered and perforated leather ones, and was surprised by how much difference they made. The sound became open and natural, with a well-extended and effortless bass, clean midrange and sweet treble. I am used to listening on Quad ESL-63 electrostatic loudspeakers, and the Era-1 headphones seem to mimic them remarkably well. Indeed, I have never heard my music more clearly. I usually listen to so-called 'classical' music, and find the headphones well suited to the whole range, from chamber works, though full orchestral and organ. Whilst I strongly prefer the alternative earpads, I can quite see that someone more interested in pop music or rock may prefer the velour earpads. Either way, I would strongly recommend these headphones to any serious listener.

Beautifully engineered headphones.Great sound but had to return them as they we just too big for my average size head.

I've had two pairs of these this year and both of them broke at the yoke. The first one broke when I dropped it from 3 inches onto the carpet and the other broke when I picked it up via the headband. Unfortunately, I got rid of the packaging from the first one. The second one I could send back to Quad for repair/replacement only to have that thin bit of plastic break in a couple of month's time. The plastic in the yoke isn't as thick as it looks. It's about 6 mm thick. It's annoying because they're the first headphones I've heard that make instruments sound like instruments i.e solid bodied as well as reproducing rhythms and micro dynamics within a song/tune. They've got real slam, and speed as well. It says something about them when I say I suppose I'll have to go back to my Sennheiser HD 800s

The sound is superb...crisp with a full bass, instruments nicely spaced across the stage. Hearing details previously hidden, making the whole experience musically very enjoyable. Comfortable to wear...but definitely not travel size, so keep them at home.

They sound beautiful, better than Denon AH-D9200 (to my ears) and the HiFiMan Ananda I tried. Sadly the design only works if you have a large head. I got so frustrated with the fit I had to return them. Even at the smallest setting they fall off. Such a shame.

Listening to a well recorded track now through a lightning/3.5mm adapter to my iPhone11 via the Tidal app. Stunning, stunning sound - great soundscape, stereo separation. Well made and not at all heavy on the head...no buyer's remorse here! Now to get the Quad valve headphone amp and upgrade the cables to solid silver. Very happy.

As a long time owner of various Quad equipment over decades, including the original ESL electrostatics, I was very pleased to see their first foray in headphones. Now listening to most music via hi-res streaming, I use the Meridian Prime Headphone Amplifier with MQA and the matching external power supply. Headphones I've used include higher end AKG, Sennheiser, Oppo, B&W, Hi-FiMan, Audio Technica. To my ears , none is overall as impressive - tonally balanced, clear, precise imaging etc. - as the Quad ERA-1 . Great value for a high-end set.

These headphones are well made and have a balanced sound comparable with the electrostatic speakers for which Quad are famous. They represent good value for a plano magnetic design