Rating: 
Hot: Modular design which can be configured solely as a CD player (as here) or CD/DVD player (the 350av). The base unit can also be upgraded for home theatre duties. Information retrieval from discs is superb and it delves deeper into the nether regions. Yeah, so like all Krells, it has excellent bass, which is authoritative without being heavy-handed. Well crafted midrange and highs, too, with great presence. Expansive stage and precise timing, always a great combination to have. The “fast” filter is the preferred choice for more typical Krell attributes.
Cold: For many, the “slow” filter’s less focused (bass) presentation and more congested stage won’t be an option, although it does sound fuller … perhaps acoustic recordings will fare better with this filter. Made-in-China tag won’t please the Krell purist.
Encore: Here’s a CD player that strives to keep the format flying high and proud, although Krell is clearly eschewing putting all its eggs in one basket. The 350a is a very fine CD player and done for the times, given its marriage of the more aggressive tendencies of yore to the more refined approach the company takes these days.
Specs: TEAC drive mechanism / Twin Burr-Brown DSD1793 24-bit/192kHz DAC / Digital audio inputs: 1 coaxial and Toslink each (up to 96kHz) / Fully balanced operation / 1 pair each of analogue outputs (RCA and XLR) / 2 filter settings / Remote control / Dimensions: 438 x 104 x 450mm (w/h/d), 11.4kg / Finish: Silver
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