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MOONDROP released the retro-styled on-ear open-back headphone “Old Fashioned” in Japan, priced affordably at 5,200 yen, targeting compact yet high-quality audio enthusiasts.
Features a proprietary open acoustic structure paired with a specially designed 40mm dynamic driver, enabled by a compact internal layout uncommon for small open headphones.
Optimized diaphragm damping and driver resonance (f0) deliver deeper, more immersive bass response than typical compact open-back headphone designs.
What makes Old Fashioned technically interesting is how MOONDROP approaches scale management in an open on‑ear format. The compact housing forces strict control over rear-wave interaction, and the company’s focus on diaphragm damping and resonance tuning suggests a deliberate attempt to keep the driver’s mechanical behavior linear in the mid‑bass rather than chasing sheer extension. The published total harmonic distortion figure of ≤0.2% at 94dB hints at a conservative excursion strategy, prioritizing cleanliness and tonal stability over exaggerated slam. In practice, this kind of tuning philosophy usually yields bass that feels integrated and textured rather than boosted, aligning more with classic open headphones than modern consumer voicing.
Electrical behavior also points toward broad device compatibility. A nominal 32Ω load combined with high voltage sensitivity means the driver reaches usable levels from low‑power sources without stressing their output stages, yet the relatively tight distortion spec implies it still benefits from controlled amplification. The distinction between extended and effective frequency response is notable: while the driver is capable of ultrasonic output, the emphasis appears to be on maintaining a flat, usable band through the audible range rather than marketing extreme numbers. This approach often translates into a smoother upper treble roll‑off, avoiding the brittle edge that small open designs can suffer when pushed too hard above 10kHz.
Mechanically, the revised headband damping is more than a comfort tweak. Adding resistance to the sliding and joint mechanisms helps stabilize clamping force during movement, which indirectly improves acoustic consistency by keeping the driver-to-ear geometry stable. The recessed 2‑pin sockets further reinforce this practical mindset, reducing leverage stress on the connectors and making cable swaps less risky over time. Taken together, Old Fashioned feels less like a novelty retro piece and more like a compact open headphone engineered with restraint, borrowing old mechanics while quietly applying modern control over resonance, distortion, and wear behavior.
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