Sony is reviving the lightweight headphones that accompanied its 1979-era Walkman design. The new MDR-3R keeps the distinctive look of the original MDR-3 series, including its adjustable gray headband and colorful circular ear cushions, while adding a USB-C connector for modern use.
The original Walkman headphones, known as the MDR-3L2, were released in 1979 and became associated with the Walkman TPS-L2 cassette player. They featured a sleek, adjustable gray plastic headband that extended using metal sliders and ended in the signature orange circular ear cushions.
The lightweight, on-ear design stands apart from the bulky headsets that are common today. Modern headsets typically use wide, cushioned headbands for extended comfort, large ear cups that can accommodate bigger drivers, and substantial padding for noise isolation.
A familiar design with a modern connection
The new MDR-3R has a look nearly identical to the original headphones, but it comes with both orange and blue ear cushions.
While many new headphones are wireless, the MDR-3R continues the MDR-3’s wired tradition and adds a USB-C connector.
“The MDR-3R has been redesigned for modern use, while retaining the experiential value that the original MDR-3 helped popularize: bringing music freely into the world,” Sony said in a statement.
Source: arstechnica.com
