Sony's MDR-3R Wired Headphones Are Steeped In Retro Aesthetics

Engadget · Lawrence Bonk · 2026-11-05 16:00 UTC

Sony has refreshed a headphone design that dates back to 1979.

This is actually a refresh of a model that dates back to 1979.

Everything old is new again. Sony just announced a refresh of its iconic MDR-3 wired headphones, which go all the way back to 1979 and accompanied the very first Walkman portable tape player.

The MDR-3R headphones look extremely similar to the source material, though the earpads are available in two unique colorways. This is a retro experience through and through — the headphones are wired, with no option for wireless connectivity.

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