For it’s next hearable product, Sony is bringing back something from the 70s. The company has just unveiled the MDR-3R, which is a modern-day revival of the iconic headphhones that accompained the original Walkman. It arrives complete with the distinctive metal headband and colorful foam earpads, which plays heavy on nostalgia.
Sony is selling the classic pair of headphones for just $59.99, and has even cooked up a special Stranger Things edition for $79.99.
Straight out of 1979, with a USB-C for convenience
The MDR-3R draws inspiration from the original MDR-3 headphone family, which debuted alongside Sony’s first Walkman, the TPS-L2, in 1979. The specific model bundled with that iconic cassette player was the MDR-3L2, which was a lightweight headset that helped popularize portable music listening.
A lot of what made the original special is still here. So you can find that slim headback, lightweight open design, and the interchangeable blue and orange earbuds. Sony has even borrowed the packaging and instruction manual’s appearane for that extra touch of nostalgia.
Underneath all of the retro styling, however, is some modern technology. The MDR-3R features redesigned 23mm drivers, matching the original driver’s size, with Sony promising a similar sound signature refined for contemporary listening preferences.
Buyers also get a USB-C connector for modern smartphones, tablets, and laptops, along with a built-in microphone and an in-line remote for calls and music controls. As you’d expect from wired headphones, there’s no battery to charge or Bluetooth pairing process to worry about either. So none of that modern annoyances.
Funnily enough, Sony didn’t really build them to woork with their modern Walkman. Sony specifically notes that using these headphones with a Walkman isn’t recommended. The modern USB-C connection also means you can’t plug them directly into the original cassette player.
A little something for Stranger Things fans
Sony is taking the retro appeal a step further with the MDR-3R Stranger Things Edition, inspired by Max’s recognizable headphone style and the show’s mysterious Upside Down. This version swaps the colorful blue and orange earpads for a red-and-black combination. It also gets an engraved Stranger Things logo and exclusive packaging, making it perfect for collectors or fans of the Netflix series.
The standard MDR-3R is available now for $59.99 in the US or $99.99 CAD, through Sony, Amazon, Best Buy, and other authorized retailers. The Stranger Things Edition costs $79.99 in the US or $129.99 CAD, with preorders available through Sony, Netflix, and Amazon US.