Sony is reviving its classic 1979 Walkman headphones for modern listeners – with a surprisingly affordable price
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When Sony released the first Walkman (TPS-L2) in 1979, the wired headphones made to accompany this new portable cassette player were the thin and lightweight Sony MDR-3.
And now, almost five decades later, Sony is bringing them back. Enter the all-new, but very familiar-looking, Sony MDR-3R wired headphones with a USB-C connection.
Capitalizing on the popular trend of wired headphones and all things retro, especially among the younger generation, these over-ears aim to “bring the spirit of this iconic model” with some modern updates.
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The new MDR-3R is virtually identical in design to the original headphones from 1979. Sony says that even though the MDR-3 was developed more than 40 years ago, it was already a “completely designed product.”
The new cans have the same slim, adjustable metal headband, with the signature angular crease before meeting the earphone housings, and are super lightweight at just 38g.
Two sets of colored foam pads – blue and orange – are included in the box. Sony even took care to ensure that the retail box and instruction manual of the new headphones are also identical to the original packaging.
The MDR-3R was “redesigned with the same 23mm drivers” based on the original MDR-3 designs. The goal is to stay “true to the original sound signature,” while providing a wider frequency range and better bass quality.
Sony says the new cans should deliver “rich, clear vocals” that work well with “modern music.”
The headphones also feature “sound holes,” as Sony calls them, meaning the new MDR-3Rs have an open acoustic design, just like their originals. This should be good news for sound quality, but less so for those around you, as open designs tend to leak sound.
It’s an interesting choice for a modern wearable pair. Sony tells us there are “some sound leaks,” but not too many. We’ll be curious to know how it behaves in real life and whether it leaks enough to be a nuisance on the train or in the office.
How else did Sony modernize this retro design? Instead of a 3.5mm connection, you get a USB-C cable to connect to newer smartphones and laptops.
This cable also features a built-in microphone and in-line controls, with a three-button system that lets you control playback, skip tracks, change the volume, take hands-free calls, and even call your phone’s voice assistant.
There’s no official IP rating, and since they’re wired, there are no concerns with Bluetooth, battery life, or noise cancellation.
The new Sony MDR-3R wired headphones are available from November at a surprisingly budget price of £49 / $60 / €59 / AU$89.95.
A limited edition Stranger Things model – with a black headband with engraving Stranger Things logo and black and red earpieces – will also be available for £59 / $80 / €69 / AU$99.95.
Will Sony be able to replicate its incredible success in wireless headphones with this new wired model? We can’t wait to find out. Now if only it could also release an affordable Walkman music player alongside it…
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