Sony rewinds to the Walkman era with US$60 wired headphones
The MDR-3R pairs retro styling with USB-C connectivity, a microphone for calls and an inline remote.
Sony Group has reintroduced a pair of wired headphones priced at US$60 (S$77), harkening back to the iconic Walkman era of the 1980s and the current trend towards retro tech. The MDR-3R headphones, priced at a fraction of Apple's US$19 EarPods, offer a USB-C connector, a built-in microphone for voice calls, and an in-line remote, while maintaining the same 23mm driver units as their 1979 counterparts for comparable sound quality.
Sony has made subtle refinements to better suit modern listening habits. The headphones come in blue or orange earpads, while a limited-edition US$80 model with custom packaging and the name of Netflix’s Stranger Things engraved on the hardware will be sold alongside Sony, Amazon, and Netflix. Wired earbuds are regaining popularity among consumers who prefer a simple, hassle-free audio experience and clear sound quality during voice calls or video recording.
Bose has also entered the wired earbuds market with its US$99 pair featuring active noise cancellation, but Sony’s MDR-3R focus on nostalgia and lightweight design, foregoing active noise cancellation.
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