Halloween may be over, but that isn't stopping Sony from performing their second resurrection in less than a month.
Following the rebirth of the Walkman (starting at an eye-watering $1,899.99), Sony is launching the Sony MDR-3R wired headphones. It's a modern take on the headphones that launched with the original Walkman. (You may also recognize them as the headphones Max wears in Stranger Things.) I got to try these new headphones ahead of their release, and they sound surprisingly good.
The new USB-C version of the retro headphones brings modern tech to the original Sony MDR-3 Walkman headphones, but the classic '80s design is the same. And unlike the Walkman 2.0, you won't have to shell out thousands if you want to live out your analog dreams: the headphones are available at Amazon and Sony for $59.99.
For this release, Sony's also rolling out an appropriate collaboration: a Stranger Things edition of the headphones will launch in honor of Stranger Things Day on Nov. 6. They feature an exclusive design with red and black ear cushions, plus a Stranger Things engraving on the headband. The price point is also slightly higher, at $79.99.
Where to buy the Sony MDR-3R headphones
The retro Sony MDR-3R headphones are available at major retailers, including Amazon and Sony, for $59.99. Included with the headphones is two pairs of swappable ear cushions in blue and orange. Unlike the original version, they come with a USB-C connection and an in-line remote on the cable for playback controls, as well as a built-in mic for phone calls.
The Stranger Things edition comes with red and black ear cushions, while the standard version comes with blue and orange.
How the Sony MDR-3R headphones sound
First things first — I can confirm that listening to "Running Up That Hill" does hit different on these headphones.
Before I get into the sound, I also want to note that I was complimented on the look of these headphones three different times while testing them out. In the dozens of headphones I've tested, that's never happened before — and I've tried the Nothing headphones.
As for how they actually sound, Sony went for a similar profile to the OG version, using the same 23mm driver units found on the original headphones. Naturally, some re-engineering took place to give these headphones the benefits of modern audio tech. I will say — I was surprised by how clear the sound came through. Sure, it doesn't have the greatest depth, but I don't need that from these retro on-ear headphones.
The other huge benefit? While they can handle a range of genres, listening to music from the 70s and 80s on these just feels right. Never has Queen's "Cool Cat" felt so funky or has Billy Joel seemed so in a "New York State of Mind." Don't even get me started on the Talking Heads. I also discovered, while listening to Pat Benatar's "Hit Me With Your Best Shot," that these headphones can get really loud, so proceed with caution.
As expected, they did experience some sound leakage — my roommate sitting a few feet away from me could hear Pat wailing "fire away" clearly as I tested the limit of the headphones, but even at normal volumes, she could tell I was listening to something, even if she couldn't quite identify what. There were also some issues with sound leakage on calls. When FaceTiming my girlfriend, she said she heard herself speaking (even as I had the volume low), but she stipulated that it was an issue she experiences with AirPods-wearing friends, too.
All told, these aren't your premium headphones — but they're not trying to be. They're a fun way to lean into a very particular (very cool!) aesthetic, while getting a decent listening experience. They're certainly meant to be an eye-catching accessory. With no ability to fold or a carrying case, you better be ready to show them off wherever you go.
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