Astell & Kern A&norma SR35 Review: Portable Music Player Gets Better and Better

Discover how the Astell & Kern A&norma SR35 elevates portable audio, blending high-end sound with user-friendly features in this mid-tier music player.

When you unwrap the Astell & Kern A&norma SR35, there's a curious sense of déjà vu—a feeling like you've already been down this road before. That's not surprising because this is the fourth installment in a line of portable music players that loyal fans (including myself) have been using for years. Like Mickey Mouse’s ever-changing outfit, the SR35's exterior may have changed, but its core mission remains steadfast: to deliver stellar sound quality in a compact package.

Is Astell & Kern simply following the smartphone industry's annual model refresh trend? Or are they genuinely committed to upgrading their entry-level player and eagerly sharing these improvements with the world? I’m rooting for the latter.

Astell & Kern A&norma SR35 Price and Positioning

The sleek and compact design of the A&norma SR35 signals Astell & Kern’s dedication to quality on the go.

Compared to its predecessor, the A&norma SR25 MKII, the SR35 commands a higher starting price—around $1,000—but packs in more features and performance. Positioned as an entry-level device, it stands a notch above budget-friendly rivals like Sony Walkman’s base models and the more affordable Cowon or FiiO high-resolution players. Yet, it remains considerably cheaper than the premium Astell & Kern Kann Max, making it an intriguing middle ground for audiophiles seeking quality without the ultra-premium price tag.

Key Features and Specs of the A&norma SR35

The SR35 represents a leap forward in the A&norma line, introducing the company’s proprietary New Generation AMP technology coupled with a four-channel DAC. This setup fully activates all four Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chips, crafting a richer, more vibrant soundscape. For those who prioritize battery life, there’s a dual-mode option that favors efficiency over ultimate sound fidelity.

These advanced components are part of Astell & Kern’s Teraton Alpha platform, renowned for delivering “perfect sound” while reducing noise to a whisper—an impressive feat in a portable device.

• Supported audio files: Up to 32-bit/384 kHz, DSD256, MQA
• Internal memory: 64 GB
• Expandable storage: Yes, via microSD slot
• Charging port: USB-C
• Battery life: Up to 20 hours
• Dimensions: 10.8 x 6.4 x 1.6 cm
• Weight: 184 g

Additionally, the SR35 supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz), boosting network stability for streaming via Roon Ready and popular services like Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music, and Apple Music. Bluetooth 5.0 rounds out the wireless options, with support for aptX HD and LDAC codecs. The player also sports a refreshed user interface designed to be intuitive and user-friendly.

Its predecessor was already a five-star darling, thanks to triple headphone outputs (3.5mm, 4.4mm balanced, and 2.5mm balanced), support for MQA, DSD256, and ultra-high PCM files, plus expandable storage up to 1TB via microSD. The SR35 inherits all these strengths, even adding some polish and performance boosts.

Battery life claims hover around 20 hours when playing CD-quality music at moderate volume in Dual DAC mode, but crank that volume or switch to Quad DAC, and expect those numbers to dip. Still, it’s a solid endurance for most daily listening scenarios.

In a sea of Android-based portable players brimming with apps and features, the SR35’s streamlined approach is refreshing. It focuses on what truly matters: excellent sound paired with essential streaming support. The built-in streaming services’ interfaces might not match the slickness of their phone counterparts, but they hit the sweet spot between simplicity and ease.

Design: Familiar Yet Refined

If you’ve followed Astell & Kern’s entry-level players over the past decade, the SR35's design will feel like revisiting an old friend—much like binge-watching Wes Anderson films, where you know exactly what visual quirks to expect and loving them regardless.

The aluminum body, with its geometric charm, feels robust and luxurious despite the SR35’s price point. The volume wheel remains a tactile joy, a feature cherished across all generations of A&K players. Their philosophy seems clear: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Compact at 108 x 64 x 16 mm, the SR35 slips easily into a pocket and fits comfortably in one hand—much more so than bulkier rivals like the FiiO M11S. Yet, that comfort doesn’t necessarily translate to perceived value at its price. Does it look like a $1,000 device? I’d say it looks more modest than that.

The small 3.6-inch screen has its trade-offs. Navigating menus and tapping tiny touchscreen buttons demands precision, especially when entering Tidal login info. But overall, it’s functional and responsive.

Compared to the SR25 MKII, the new model sports a visually striking interface in crimson and black tones, a deliberate choice by Astell & Kern to “reduce visual fatigue.” I have to admit, it looks sharper than the previous gray-themed UI.

Sound Quality: Where It Truly Shines

If you’re worried about audio fatigue, don’t sweat it—unless you blast The Cure’s Disintegration at concert-level volumes. The SR35 provides enough muscle and rhythm to get you singing along to high-energy tracks while offering the subtlety needed to appreciate quieter, intricate arrangements.

This is classic Astell & Kern territory: a rich, engaging tonal balance that leans slightly toward warmth and saturation without sacrificing clarity or detail. It pairs beautifully with a wide range of headphones.

Take my favorite Grado RS1x headphones: when the SR35 acts as a budget DAC between them and my MacBook Pro, it’s like a sweet spot between AudioQuest’s DragonFly Red and Cobalt DAC. That’s not bad company at all!

The player handles dynamic shifts and fine details with aplomb. Listen to Peter Broderick’s Eyes Closed And Travelling and you’ll catch the delicate waves of his piano playing like never before in this price bracket. Or dive into The Tallest Man On Earth’s I Love You—here, the SR35 delivers a “fever dream” experience, revealing the raw acoustic textures and the sense of space in the recording.

Songs like Elvis Costello’s Lipstick Vogue and Drake’s What Next are punchy and lively yet tight and well-organized—no chaos here. Soundstage isn’t as gigantic as on, say, the cheaper FiiO M11S, but it’s balanced, not cramped or overwhelming.

The SR35 justifies its higher price by offering more clarity, finesse, and rhythmic coherence than budget competitors. It’s a sophisticated device that clearly belongs to the next level of portable players.

Switching to Dual DAC mode does cause some compromises—losses in purity, dynamics, and detail—so I’d reserve it for when you absolutely need to stretch battery life. Personally, I prefer Quad DAC with the “Low Latency Fast” DAC filter activated for PCM files under 24-bit/192 kHz. And if you have decent balanced headphones, go balanced: plugging Sony MDR-Z1R headphones into the 4.4mm jack yields cleaner, richer, and more precise sound than the 3.5mm output.

Final Verdict on the A&norma SR35

It’s a bit of a shame that Astell & Kern seems to be stepping away from the budget portable player market. Maybe there just isn’t enough demand, or perhaps their ambitions push them elsewhere. However, for those who want a solid four-figure personal listening rig that could even complement a hi-fi setup, the SR35 is a worthy companion.

While it may not feel entirely worth its price tag, it unquestionably fulfills its mission with excellence.

• Sound: 5/5
• Features: 4/5
• Build: 5/5

The SR35 provides a rich, engaging tonal balance with a combination of power and finesse that feels mature for its class.

– Reviewer

FAQ

• How does the SR35 compare to its predecessor, the SR25 MKII?
  The SR35 offers improved sound quality with a four-channel DAC and New Generation AMP technology, as well as enhanced wireless connectivity and a refreshed user interface.
• Can I expand the storage on the SR35?
  Yes, it has a microSD slot supporting expansion up to 1TB.
• What streaming services does the SR35 support?
  It supports Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music, Apple Music, and is Roon Ready, accessible via its built-in Wi-Fi.
• How long is the battery life?
  Up to 20 hours of continuous playback at moderate volume in Dual DAC mode, with less when using Quad DAC or higher volumes.
• Does the SR35 support balanced headphone output?
  Yes, it offers 3.5mm, 2.5mm, and 4.4mm balanced outputs, with the 4.4mm jack providing the best sound quality.

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