Sony has put the headphones from the very first Walkman back on sale, and this time they plug in over USB-C. The MDR-3R is a wired on-ear pair based on the 1979 MDR-3. It costs $59.99 in the US at Sony, Amazon, Best Buy and other authorised dealers, with a Stranger Things edition at $79.99.
The reissue is a careful copy of the original rather than a redesign. In a release dated 5 November, Sony Electronics said the MDR-3R takes its design from the model that debuted alongside the original Walkman TPS-L2 player. It ships with blue and orange ear pads, and the packaging and instruction manual also follow the original’s design. That level of detail suggests Sony is selling the nostalgia as much as the sound.
What’s changed since 1979
Most of the hardware is deliberately basic. As PCMag Middle East describes it, a plastic headband carries two metal arms that extend and retract to fit your head. The ear pads are on-ear and rest on the earlobe rather than enclosing it. Sony says it re-engineered the 23mm drivers to stay close to the originals’ tuning. Gear Patrol reports subtle refinements “to suit modern listening preferences”.
The changes are in the cable and the controls. Sony adds USB-C connectivity, a built-in microphone for calls, and an in-line remote. There’s no 3.5mm option. Engadget notes they connect via USB-C and not a 3.5mm headphone jack. Mediasat reports they work with smartphones and other devices that support USB Audio Class 1.0. Mediasat adds that, oddly enough, Sony doesn’t recommend plugging them into a Walkman.
How they sound
PCMag’s Eric Zeman, who received a pair from Sony, calls the sound light and natural, neither retro nor fully modern. He says bass-heavy listeners may want more low end, but he likes the warmth. The open design lets you hear your surroundings at low volume, and the headphones don’t block noise either passively or actively. His one complaint is the cable, which he’d like longer and sturdier. He adds that the headphones weigh next to nothing and work as a backup pair in a bag.
The Stranger Things edition
Sony is also selling a themed version with red and black ear pads, custom packaging and a Stranger Things logo, at $79.99. 9to5Google reports the colours match the pair worn by Max in the Netflix show. Sony’s release lists the edition as available for pre-order, while PCMag describes it as on sale, so check the stock status before you order.
The MDR-3R also fits a pattern at Sony. Last month, Sony’s Walkman revival arrived in the form of a $5,899 gold-plated player. At $59.99, the headphones are the cheap end of that nostalgia push.
Price and availability in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt
The $59.99 price and the “available now” status apply to US retailers. PCMag Middle East says Sony hasn’t confirmed regional pricing or local launch dates, so there’s no AED, SAR or EGP price yet. Regional pricing is normally set locally, so expect it to differ from the US figure, and stock may arrive later. If you want a wired pair you can buy in the region today, our guide to the best headphones in the UAE is the place to start. For a wireless alternative from Sony, there’s the WH-1000XM6 in Olive Gray.
Do the Sony MDR-3R work with a phone?
Mediasat reports they need a USB-C port and a device that supports USB Audio Class 1.0. Sony’s release lists smartphones as compatible devices. Check your phone’s specifications first, because there’s no 3.5mm plug to fall back on.
Can I buy the MDR-3R in the UAE, Saudi Arabia or Egypt yet?
Sony hasn’t confirmed regional pricing or dates, and the confirmed retail partners are US-based. We recommend checking Sony’s regional stores and local retailers before relying on grey imports.
Do these headphones cancel noise?
No. PCMag’s testing found the open design lets outside sound through, and the pair has no active noise cancellation. For quieter commutes, see our picks of the best earbuds in the UAE.
