# Sony revives its 1979 headphones with USB-C and a volume knob

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/sonys-mdr-3r-wired-headphones-are-steeped-in-retro-aesthetics/
- Published: 2026-11-05T16:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T16:28:21+00:00
- Original publisher: Engadget
- Original article: https://www.engadget.com/2304149/sony-mdr-3r-wired-headphones-are-steeped-in-retro-aesthetics/
- Topics: Gadgets

## Key points

- Sony has revived its 1979 MDR-3 headphone design.
- The wired MDR-3R adds USB-C, a microphone and volume control.
- Standard and Stranger Things editions cost $60 and $80.

## Summary

Sony has refreshed its MDR-3 headphones, a model first released in 1979 alongside the original Walkman. The new MDR-3R keeps the retro design and wired simplicity, while adding USB-C connectivity, a built-in microphone and a volume knob.

The standard version costs $60 and comes with blue and orange earpads. A Stranger Things edition, with branded headband and black and red earpads, costs $80; both are available now. The release joins a wider return of retro-inspired gadgets, including cassette players, instant cameras and flip phones.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.