Sony has reissued its original Walkman MDR-3 headphones as the MDR-3R, preserving the lightweight open-ear design and signature blue-and-orange ear pads while adding a USB-C connection for use with modern devices.
Design and Walkman heritage
The MDR-3R faithfully recreates the look of the original MDR-3 that accompanied Sony's 1979 TPS-L2 Walkman cassette player. The reissue retains the open-ear build and the iconic blue and orange ear pads, which are interchangeable, and Sony says the packaging and the instruction manual are inspired by the original MDR-3's presentation.
Drivers, tuning and connectivity
Under the hood the MDR-3R uses the same 23 mm driver units as the original. Sony says the tuning stays close to the MDR-3's sound signature with some subtle refinements for contemporary listening preferences. The reissue adds a built-in microphone for calls and an in-line remote. No charging, pairing, or firmware updates are required; you plug the headphones into a compatible device via USB-C and they are ready to use.
Stranger Things edition and availability
Sony is also launching an MDR-3R Stranger Things Edition modeled on the headphones worn by the character Max in the Netflix series. That edition includes:
- An engraved Stranger Things logo
- Red and black ear pads
- Custom packaging
The MDR-3R is available now for $59.99 from Sony, Amazon, and other retailers in the US. The Stranger Things Edition is priced at $79.99.
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