Design wise I do find ERA-1 quite un-original and plain looking, nothing too fancy in my opinion. Put them close to 100 USD headphones and they will most likely look the same. 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. 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 Subtly, sneakily, instruments are added, and this occupies the head with a fullness one would be more likely to equate with a massive orchestra. Via the Quad ERA-1, levels build with the performance, but, should you not be swept away in the moment, the transparency allows you to wrest yourself from the wash of sound to focus on specific elements within it, and with great precision. That, put simply, is a sign of headphones that I feel would qualify as ‘of monitoring standards." (Hi-Fi New Magazine Aug 2018)

Midrange is what I am calling the typical planar-midrange, or among the best midrange you can have in a headphone kingdom for short. 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. 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. I prefer the leather earpads by a large margin. With them I am getting much better driver control, especially in the bass area, sub-bass also is improving considerable and the treble hotness goes away. Also, the pin point imaging is improving resulting in a better depth.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. 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. A lot of time has passed since I heard a close to perfect headphone. The linearity and true to the recording nature of Arya of mind-boggling. Not only because it will please a vast majority of listeners, but because searching for a perfect mate in terms of amplification becomes much easier. Choose a super linear amp that offers gobs of power like the newest Headamp GSX Mini or Aune S7 Pro and you are good to go. I have received my Brainwavz hamburger pads for the Quad! Well they're more like a happy meal compared to your Big Mac @Anatman 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

Here the Era-1 offers stunning vocals and instrumentation, thanks to a low-distortion and low-compression sound. The overall clarity and accuracy of these mids can’t be discounted, and the overall impression is one of tempered balance. Despite the ample lows and highs that still shine through, the mids remain unsullied or overshadowed by the low- and high-end extension. High End 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. 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.Quad states that ERA-1 have a sensitivity of 94 dB per one mW of power, it also has a nominal impedance of just 20 Ω, for a planar-magnetic headphone this is very unusual. Turning a new leaf now however awaiting a Quad Vena II Play, an integrated amp, headphone amp end wireless streamer all-in-one.. Also awaiting a pair of Elac Debut 5.2 speakers to use with the Quad amp. Open, spacious, enveloping, holographic and very dynamic were my first thoughts. That was the moment I realized my favorite Quad ERA-1 are much more closed-in sounding and will be dethroned really soon. I’m a big believer in planar-magnetic design and no matter what happens I should always have a pair with me, be it Quad, Audeze or Hifiman. I can count all the minuses Audeze and Quads are having, I can identify them with me eyes closed but I can’t say the same about the Arya, because nothing really stands out too much but in the same time everything is at its place, I felt it sounded just right from the moment I pressed play.

Quoting Quad: “To create the ERA-1 – the company’s first-ever headphones – Quad developed a planar magnetic driver delivering a fast, open and transparent performance. The resulting sonic realism and fidelity to the source is fully in keeping with the brand’s heritage, displaying qualities akin to the famous ESLs.” Disclaimer: Hifiman Arya were sent to us as a sample in exchange for our honest review. We thank team Hifiman for this opportunity. Cable: Detachable cable 2 m, 3.5mm TRS connectors on headphones, 3.5mm to amp with 6.35 mm TRS adapter 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.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.