Kenwood KMR-355U Marine CD Receiver Review

We all tend to like to take of music with us. After all, music tends to make any activity more enjoyable. Car stereos started in the car, and then migrated to boats. Marine gear has now migrated to golf carts and ATV’s as well. Up for review today is a marine deck from Kenwood, their KMR-355U Marine CD Receiver.

Marine decks like the Kenwood KMR-355U are not waterproof. But they are designed to be used outdoors in a boat or ATV. They tend to have features that make them more durable against high heat and moisture, and use a conformal-coated circuit board that helps to prevent moisture from seeping in. This makes them perfect for these types of vehicles.

Features and specs…

RMS Power Output Loading...	22 watts
Peak Output Loading...	50 watts
CEA Compliant Loading...	No
RMS Power Bandwidth Loading...	20-20KHz
Preamp Outputs Loading...	4-channel
Sub Preamp Outputs Loading...	No
Preamp Voltage Loading...	2.5 volts
Display Color Loading...	Bluish white
Key Button Color Loading...	Blue
EQ Bands Loading...	3
Wireless Remote Loading...	No
Wired Remote Loading...	Optional
Flip-Down Face Loading...	No
Parts Warranty Loading...	1 Year
Labor Warranty Loading...	1 Year

The Kenwood KMR-355U came shipped in a standard attractive looking printed box, with features and images of the receiver. It was well printed, in molded Styrofoam, and included the detachable face, cloth holder for the face, and owner’s manual. Build quality, materials used, and fit and finish, were as good as and typical for car receivers.

It really is amazing at the features that came even with a lower priced receiver like the KMR-355U. MSRP is only $140. Yet they still managed to include features like dual front inputs, Sirius XM Radio, Pandora control with iPhone or music live for Android, 4 channel pre-outs, EQ, and crossover, to name a few.

The Kenwood KMR-355U Marine CD Receiver also performed very well, as I expected a Kenwood product would. CD playback and navigation was flawless. Radio tuning was also good. The built-in amplifier also performed well.

The Kenwood KMR-355U proved to be quite the performer. And it had a good amount of settings. The display and backlighting for the buttons were bright, and it also had a dimmer. Other settings included tone controls for treble, midrange, and bass. There were preset EQ settings such as rock, jazz, pop, etc. It also had a separate loudness, and even a bass boost. There is even a Volume Offset setting. The volume levels are not always the same for all sources.  Volume Offset allows you to adjust the volume of the different sources so they are the same.

Something should also be said of the detachable face.  I live in a golf course community, and with the increase in gas cost, many individuals will drive their golf carts all over the community, even the grocery store.  And many have fun tricking them out with after-market parts, and stereo systems. Here the Kenwood KMR-355U is a perfect addition, in an open golf cart. And if you drive down the road to a friends, or take it to the store, just take the faceplate with you for added security.

Living in a more rural setting, some radio stations are harder to pull in. The Kenwood KMR-355U tuner did a good job of pulling in the stations. While not perfect, it had some troubles with some stations. But the tuner performance was at least on par with other receivers.

CD Performance was flawless. Play, pause, searching tracks, random play, repeat, etc…no problem. Sound quality was also very good. The CD transport and built-in amplifier was also sufficiently transparent for what it is. I was very pleased with it’s audio performance. The built-in amplifier did very well pushing some of my Pioneer Tri-axels. And when pushing the bass settings all the way up, and cranking the volume, the built-in amp got them bumping pretty good. Bass is more taxing on an amp, and it did a good job.

All in all, the Kenwood KMR-355U Marine CD Receiver performed very well.  It has an MSRP of only $140 and can be found for less online.  Kenwood has a reputation of providing a good product, and the reputation continues.  If you are in the market for an entry level marine receiver, the Kenwood KMR-355U should be on your short list.  Based on it's design, features, quality, and performance, the Kenwood KMR-355U Marine CD Receiver has earned our Recommended Award.  For more info and complete specs, check out their website at www.kenwoodusa.com.