Sony’s $60 MDR-3R headphones bring back the original Walkman look

Sony launched the $60 MDR-3R, wired headphones modelled on the pair that shipped with the first Walkman in 1979. They add USB-C, a microphone and a remote. An $80 Stranger Things edition is sold with Netflix, as wired audio makes a comeback.

Sony has launched the MDR-3R, a $60 pair of wired headphones modelled on the ones that came with the first Walkman in 1979, the company said on Thursday . They are on sale now from Sony, Amazon, Best Buy and other retailers.

The headphones keep the original’s 23mm drivers and blue and orange ear pads, with “ subtle refinements ” to the sound for modern listening. Unlike the 1979 pair, they plug in over USB-C and have a built-in microphone and an in-line remote.

Sony is also selling an $80 Stranger Things edition, with the Netflix show’s logo engraved on the headband, red and black ear pads and custom packaging. It is available to pre-order from Sony, Netflix and Amazon in the US.

Wired headphones are making a comeback with people who do not want to charge batteries, Bloomberg reported . A cable can also make voices sound clearer on calls.

In September, Bose launched $99 wired earbuds with noise cancelling, which have often sold out, according to Bloomberg. Bose has also moved into cheaper audio, buying Skullcandy in October.

The MDR-3R has no noise cancelling. Sony is selling it on nostalgia and light weight instead. Last month, it revived the Walkman name for three high-end music players, topped by a $5,899 gold-plated model .