Sony has brought back the MDR-3-series headphones that debuted in 1979 alongside the Walkman TPS-L2 cassette player.
Originally called the “MDR-3L2,” the first Walkman headphones were known for their sleek, adjustable gray plastic headband, which extended via metal sliders and ended in signature orange, circular ear cushions. The lightweight, on-ear headphones are a contrast to the bulky headsets that are popular these days, which use wide, cushioned headbands for long-term comfort and large earcups that can support big drivers and are often heavily padded for noise isolation.
The new MDR-3R (note the slightly different name) headphones look just like the originals and come with orange and blue ear cushions.
New headphones are often wireless these days, but the MDR-3R continues the wired tradition of the MDR-3, with an essential twist: a USB-C connector.
“The MDR-3R has been redesigned for modern use while preserving the experience value of freely taking music out into the world, which the original MDR-3 helped popularize,” Sony’s announcement says.
