Throwback Thursday: Sony DR-11 (1973) — Space Age Audio in Your Ears

Step back to 1973, and you’d find yourself in the golden age of high-fidelity listening—all thanks to Sony’s DR‑11 stereo headphones. With sweeping curves, futuristic aesthetics, and independent audio controls, these headphones weren’t just gear—they were design statements.

A Design That Time Forgot

The DR‑11’s bold shape captures the essence of 1970s “space‑age” design: sleek, curvy, and seemingly pulled from a sci-fi film. One of their most unique features? Each ear cup featured its own volume, treble, and bass sliders—something still rare even today.

Built for Sound and Style

Crafted in Japan with Sony’s hallmark durability, the DR‑11 wasn’t just flashy—it delivered quality sound.

Owners report the headphones “functioning and sounding nice” decades later, retaining a timeless blend of form and utility.

A Collector’s Dream

In rare occasions, a “candy blue” colorway of the DR‑11 surfaces—sometimes fetching prices close to $1,000 for a single pair, a testament to their design legacy.


Why It Still Matters

The DR-11 wasn’t made for the mainstream—but that’s what makes it legendary. It looked like the future and sounded like quality, embodying Sony’s experimental spirit in the early days of personal audio. In the DR-11, we hear a piece of design history that still resonates.

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