Technology and Scienceupdated 35m ago1 min read
Sony Launches MDR-3R Walkman Headphones With USB-C, $60 Price, Stranger Things Edition
“the MDR-3R comes in plastic-free packaging.”
“That packaging is part of the charm, but it also adds cost that could have gone toward better materials.”
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
Sony reissues MDR-3R wired headphones with USB-C at $60. The design copies original MDR-3 from 1979 Walkman, including metal headband and orange cushions.
Save coverage image
Walkman MDR-3R Returns
Sony launched the MDR-3R, a modern revival of its Walkman-era MDR-3 headphones, with a USB-C connection and a price tag of $60. Sony said the MDR-3R is a “faithful recreation” of the original and that it includes blue or orange ear pads.
Sony also said it “re-engineered” the same 23mm driver with sound “close to the original,” while adding a microphone and an in-line remote. Sony’s announcement tied the release to Stranger Things, and Sony released a red/black variant to match the ones worn by Max in the show, priced at $79.99.
USB-C, No Battery
Sony kept the wired tradition of the MDR-3 with a USB-C connector, and Ars Technica said the MDR-3R continues the wired tradition of the MDR-3 with an essential twist. Sony’s MDR-3R includes an integrated microphone and an in-line remote, and 9to5Google said the headphones also feature a microphone and in-line remote.
The wired connection means there is no need for a battery or Bluetooth because the connected device supplies the power. The MDR-3R is compatible with devices that support USB Audio Class 1.0, including iPhones and Android devices.
Stranger Things Edition
Sony released a Stranger Things edition of the MDR-3R, and 9to5Google said those will cost $79.99. The “Stranger Things” edition comes with black and “Stranger Things”-red pads and the show’s logo engraved on it.
The standard version costs €59 and Sony charges €10 more for the “Stranger Things” branding. Some of the plastic used in the headphones is recycled, accounting for “about 25%,” and the MDR-3R comes in plastic-free packaging.