Sony has relaunched the headphones that shipped with the first Walkman in 1979, this time with a USB-C plug instead of a 3.5mm jack. The MDR-3R, announced on November 5, costs $59.99 in the United States. It has a built-in microphone and an in-line remote, but no wireless connection or noise cancelling.
Sony Electronics said in a press release that the MDR-3R is based on the original MDR-3, which launched alongside the Walkman TPS-L2 player. The company says the headphones keep the original open-ear design, with the same 23mm driver units. Sony said it made “subtle refinements” to suit modern listening preferences while keeping the sound close to the original. The packaging and manual are also styled after the 1979 versions.
What has changed
The main update is the connection. The MDR-3R plugs into phones, tablets and computers by USB-C, and Sony says no charging, pairing or software updates are needed. The cable has an in-line remote and a microphone for calls. Sony’s release says the headphones work with USB Audio Class 1.0 devices, and that, depending on the connected device, some settings may be required or some functions may not work. It also says use with a Walkman is not recommended.
The headphones come with blue and orange earpads. Sony says a portion of the headphone body uses recycled plastic and that the packaging is plastic-free.
Prices and the Stranger Things edition
Sony lists the standard MDR-3R at $59.99 in the US and $99.99 in Canada, sold through Sony, Amazon, Best Buy and other authorised dealers. A limited-edition Stranger Things version adds an engraved logo on the headband, red and black earpads and custom packaging. It is priced at $79.99 in the US and $129.99 in Canada, and Sony’s release lists it as available for pre-order at Sony, Netflix and Amazon US.
Engadget described the launch as part of a wider retro-tech revival that includes digital typewriters, boomboxes, instant cameras and flip phones. It said the headphones will likely pale in comparison to high-end studio headphones. Engadget reported that both models are available now, while Sony’s release describes the Stranger Things edition as a pre-order, so availability of that version may vary by retailer.
Eastern Herald has not tested the headphones, and the sound claims come from Sony.
