Moondrop, known for its precision-tuned in-ear monitors and recent ventures into full-size headphones, introduces the Moondrop Horizon—a full-size open-back headphone engineered to deliver high-fidelity sound with low distortion, high sensitivity, and ergonomic comfort. The Horizon marks a significant evolution in Moondrop’s headphone design language, bringing advanced driver technology and acoustic engineering to the forefront in a form factor optimized for both stationary and portable use.
Advanced Acoustic Engineering
At the core of the Moondrop Horizon is a newly developed 50mm dynamic driver, which leverages Moondrop’s proprietary ULT (Ultra Linear Technology). This driver is built around a high-strength polymer dome diaphragm, further reinforced with a titanium coating to enhance stiffness while maintaining low mass. This choice of materials allows for extended high-frequency reproduction while minimizing breakup and unwanted resonances.
The open architecture creates a natural sound and more airy space, and low impedance and high sensitivity allow you to connect them to both portable players and laptops, as well as to stationary amplifiers without losing quality.
The diaphragm is supported by a dual-layer suspension system, constructed from liquid silica gel. This unique material provides high elasticity and damping, contributing to excellent transient response and control across the frequency spectrum. The suspension’s geometry and viscoelastic properties are optimized to maintain diaphragm symmetry during movement, reducing harmonic and intermodulation distortion.
FEA-Optimized Magnetic Architecture
A major technical highlight of the Horizon is its dual-composite magnetic circuit, which was developed using finite element analysis (FEA) to achieve an efficient and uniform magnetic field. Utilizing neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets in a dual-array configuration, the system achieves a peak flux density of 1.85 Tesla, ensuring strong electromagnetic coupling and enhanced driver control.
This high-efficiency magnetic field plays a crucial role in maintaining linearity, especially during dynamic passages, and contributes to the headphone’s sensitivity rating of 109 dB, making it highly responsive even when driven by low-power sources such as portable digital audio players (DAPs), smartphones, or laptop outputs.
These headphones feature a custom Moondrop driver with titanium coating and a dual-layer suspension made of liquid silica gel, which provides clear and detailed sound with a wide soundstage.
Acoustic Design & Ergonomics
Moondrop has taken a holistic approach to headphone acoustics by incorporating an angled driver orientation within the earcups. This geometric alignment is designed to improve the sound radiation pattern and match the natural angle of the human ear canal. The result is a more spatially accurate presentation, with improved stereo imaging and a natural, wide soundstage.
The open-back enclosure design enhances spatial perception and provides a more airy and speaker-like listening experience, ideal for critical listening in quiet environments. Ventilation through the open structure helps to eliminate resonant pressure buildup behind the driver, reducing coloration and improving midrange transparency.
Despite its full-size configuration, the Horizon maintains a lightweight chassis with an emphasis on long-term wearing comfort. The headband and ear pads are constructed with breathable and soft materials, minimizing fatigue over extended listening sessions.
At the heart of the design is a carefully calculated magnetic circuit with dual composite magnet arrangement using finite element analysis (FEA), which provides a strong magnetic field with high efficiency.
Versatile Connectivity
Recognizing the needs of modern audiophiles, Moondrop includes dual 3.5mm connectors for left/right channel input, allowing for wide compatibility with aftermarket cables. The headphones support detachable cable systems, enabling users to upgrade or customize their cable setups with ease. Additionally, Moondrop includes the option for a 4.4mm balanced output, allowing for use with balanced amplifiers and portable players for improved channel separation and power handling.
Technical Specifications
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Driver Type: 50mm Dynamic Driver with ULT (Ultra Linear Technology)
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Diaphragm: High-strength polymer dome with titanium coating, dual-layer liquid silica gel suspension
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Magnetic System: Dual composite NdFeB magnets, FEA-optimized, peak magnetic flux: 1.85 Tesla
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Design: Open-back architecture, angled driver mounting
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Sensitivity: 109 dB
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Impedance: 32 Ohms
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Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 34 kHz (free-field measurement)
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Connectivity: Dual 3.5mm jacks, upgradeable to 4.4mm balanced
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Cable: Detachable, universal connector system
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Weight: Lightweight design for enhanced comfort
The Moondrop Horizon presents itself as a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking a headphone that blends cutting-edge driver technology, carefully calculated magnetic efficiency, and a refined acoustic presentation. With its open-back design, advanced suspension system, and high-efficiency magnetic structure, the Horizon offers a balanced and detailed sound signature that caters equally to casual listeners and critical audiophiles. Its compatibility with both desktop and portable audio sources makes it a versatile addition to any audio setup.
