Sony’s MDR-3R headphones revive a Walkman-era favorite

The MDR-3R’s design is nearly identical to the original: metal extenders slide into a plastic headband, and 23mm drivers sit beneath removable foam pads in blue and orange. Sony lists the new headphones at 38 grams, two grams lighter than the MDR-3L2. The pads are also more comfortable than the scratchier ones remembered from the older pair, making the lightweight headphones easy to wear for long stretches.

The updates include a USB-C connector instead of a 3.5mm plug, a 1.2-meter cable and an inline remote with a built-in microphone. Sony no longer bundles a Walkman, and its current digital media players start at $1,900, with 3.5mm and 4.4mm analog jacks. The MDR-3R costs $60. A Stranger Things version is listed at Amazon for $80.

Vocals come through clearly, and the treble sounds open. But a peak in the upper midrange gives snare drums extra snap, particularly on sampled beats, while the reduced bass response makes bass lines sound plucky rather than booming. The on-ear design also lets in surrounding noise; street traffic can prompt listeners to turn up the volume. The microphone works well indoors on calls, but outdoor speech can sound muffled or distorted. Holding it closer to the mouth improves clarity, though passing traffic can still cause distortion.

Sony’s $60 pair compares favorably with the $25 Moondrop Old Fashioned, whose all-metal headband is less comfortable. The Moondrop’s larger 40mm drivers do not deliver better bass, and its midrange sounds darker and treble less crisp. The MDR-3R is not ideal for every setting, but its comfort, sound and familiar design make it an appealing dose of nostalgia.