SONY MDR-3R: Retro WALKMAN Headphones?
Wired USB-C headphones with a classic look.
3,0 / 5,0 | 
The SONY MDR-3R is a modern reissue of the classic WALKMAN headphones from 1979, and there’s a special Stranger Things limited edition.
The SONY MDR-3 were the original headphones launched alongside the SONY WALKMAN TPS-L2 all those years ago. Now, as wired headphones are suddenly en vogue once more, SONY has decided to reissue these classic over-ear open headphones with USB-C connectivity for modern tech devices.
SONY MDR-3R
The 23 mm drivers on the new MDR-3R headphones have been redesigned and revoiced for modern music reproduction. Naturally, a lot has changed since the days we collected and enjoyed cassettes, so the MDR-3R features an extended frequency response with a low-end range that can keep up with all your favorite tunes from yesterday and today.
In addition, this revival MDR-3R version includes a wired three-button remote that allows you to access basic playback functions like play/pause, track skip, and volume control. For taking calls, there is also a built-in omnidirectional microphone, but there is no automatic noise reduction or similar tech that we find on most headphones.
The MDR-3R has been primarily designed to connect to your smartphone, but it will also connect to your laptop as a basic audio interface and allow you to record with the microphone. There are no accompanying drivers or software apps, and ironically these headphones actually don’t work with the modern SONY WALKMAN digital audio players.
I’m afraid my gimmick radar went off on this one, because by creating what is essentially a low-budget retro-styled headphone with USB-C connectivity exclusively, SONY has isolated a large part of the market. Also, the 80 bucks you’re paying just to match Max’s headphones in Stranger Things could easily buy you a decent pair of studio headphones with far better audio reproduction.
Pricing and Availability:
The SONY MDR-3R is available in the basic silver ($59.99) and the limited Stranger Things edition ($79.99).
More about the SONY MDR-3R:
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One response to “SONY MDR-3R: Retro WALKMAN Headphones?”
These are not even the headphones used on the show – they were Realistic Nova 45s….