Sony MDR-3R: wired retro headphones with USB-C and a mic

Sony has announced a refresh of its MDR-3 wired headphones, a model that dates back to 1979 and shipped with the first Walkman portable tape player. The new pair is called the MDR-3R, and its earpads come in two colourways.

This is a wired set with no wireless option. The modern additions are a USB-C connection in place of a 3.5mm jack, a built-in microphone for phone calls and a volume knob. Otherwise Sony keeps the headphones light and simple.

The standard MDR-3R ships with blue and orange earpads and costs $60. There is also a version based on the Netflix show Stranger Things, which ended its run last year.

That one is essentially the same headphone, with a Stranger Things logo on the headband and black and red earpads. It costs $80. Both models are available right now.

Engadget describes them as very light, simple wired headphones that should get the job done, though it expects them to pale next to a high-end pair of studio cans. The same piece notes that they look pretty cool.

The headphones have not been tested here, so their sound and microphone performance on calls are unknown. What the source documents is the retro design, the USB-C connection and the two price points.