Sony revives its classic 1979 Walkman headphones for modern listeners - with a surprisingly affordable price
What Hi-Fi? • • technology
Key Points:
- Sony has relaunched its classic MDR-3 wired headphones from 1979 as the new MDR-3R, maintaining the original slim design and lightweight build while adding modern features like a USB-C connection.
- The MDR-3R uses the original 23mm driver units to preserve the vintage sound signature but offers improved frequency range and bass quality, with an open acoustic design that may cause some sound leakage.
- Modern updates include a USB-C cable with an in-line microphone and three-button controls for playback, calls, and voice assistant access, but the headphones lack Bluetooth, noise-cancelling, or an IP rating.
- The MDR-3R will be available from November at an affordable price of around £49/$60/€59, with a limited edition Stranger Things version priced slightly higher.
- Sony aims to capitalize on the retro and wired headphone trends, targeting younger consumers, though it remains to be seen if these new wired cans will match the success of Sony’s wireless headphones.
