Review

I’ve had mine for two weeks and have really learned to like it. Unfortunately, it does not have a way to initiate voice dialing from the head unit. As a consolation prize, it is pretty straightforward to transfer my phonebook from my phone (Note – I use the ’selected categories only’ option from my Blackberry so I only transfer over about a dozen. Any more than that and it gets tedious scrolling through the entries – and dangerous.)

Pros:
Nice double din size to fill the dashboard
Can change display color – more fun than I expected
Bluetooth telephone and Bluetooth audio work great
USB connector from rear of unit allows iPod to be stored in glove compartment.
ISR Button allows 1 button to select favorite radio station
Can enter radion station names into headunit.
Navigation through the Bluetooth Phonebook and iPod Playlist is easy.
Incoming Bluetooth phone calls will activate the unit even when it is in ‘off’ mode (note – car has to be running or in ACC mode).

Cons:
Can’t initiate voice dial from head unit
Also another quirk is that if I initiate voice dial from phone, subsequent voice dial attempts are muted. Voice dial still works, but you can’t hear the prompts (Resets itself next time you get in the car.) Odd, but consistent.
If Bluetooth Audio is set to autoconnect, then the unit will automatically switch to it as the source when you start your car. If you were listening to the radio and stop your car and get out, when you get back in a start the car, you will hear the radio for about 5 seconds, then the Bluetooth audio will connect and automatically switch over. Again, odd but consistent.
Display screen is execellent when viewed straight on and loses contrast when viewed from angle. Driver and front seat passenger generally have an angled view that can make the display difficult to read depending on your car/seating/dash configuration.

I would definitely buy this unit again. Sound is great. Bluetooth is easy and reliable. If voice dialing could be initiated from the headunit, this would be a 5 star system.

Feature

• Double-DIN CD receiver with built-in amplifier (50 Watts peak x 4 channels)
• Plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs (including discs or USB devices loaded with MP3, WMA, and AAC files)
• Built-in iPod control with no adapter necessary; USB input on rear cable, front auxiliary input
• Built-in Bluetooth for wireless connection with mobile phones, PDAs, and MP3 players
• Two RCA pre-amp outputs for system expansion

Overview

¿OEM Cosmetic¿ Design 2 Line Dot Matrix LCD Display (13 X 10 Digit Display) 728 Color Variable Lighting Front Panel 3.5mm Stereo Mini-Jack Auxliary Input with Level Control Rear USB Port with iPod Direct Connect Built-in Bluetooth Interface with External Microphone Included CeNET Sirius Satellite Radio Ready XM Mini-Tuner Direct Ready OEM Steering Wheel Remote Interface Ready BBE MP Technology Z-Enhancer Plus, Magna Bass EX High and Low Pass Filters – 200 Watts (50 Watts X 4) 4 Channel / 2 Volt RCA Output Remote Control Included.

Specifications

Amazon.com Product Description From its symmetric design with large rotary volume control, to the illumination accented dark color scheme, the 2-DIN CX609 offers dynamic looks that blend into your car interior. And with features like built-in Bluetooth, Direct iPod Control, streaming audio from USB devices, and more, this receiver’s a pleasure to use, see and hear.

A pleasure to use, see and hear. Click to enlarge.

Built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and music streaming.

iPod USB Direct for playback through USB cable included in your iPod.

USB Connector even supports playback of WMA/MP3/AAC files.

728 Variable-Color Illumination
You’re free to select the exact color you want, to match your car’s instrument panel or match your mood today.

Built-in Bluetooth
For wireless connection with mobile phones, PDAs and MP3 Players. Supports Bluetooth profiles A2DP/AVRCP for audio streaming and HFP/OPP for hands-free operation, so you can easily communicate and transfer digital music to your vehicle’s audio system. A wired microphone is also supplied.

CDs and Beyond
This receiver will play your CDs and CD-R/RWs, but burn a data CD with your favorite MP3/WMA or iTunes AAC files and the fun begins, with hours of music on a single disc. You can also play the files back from an inserted USB thumb drive. The device will display ID3-TAG info like artist or song name for your added convenience.

AM/FM Radio
Sometimes you just want to listen to the radio. Store your favorite radio stations on the 18 FM and six AM presets.

BBE MP (Minimized Polynomial Non-Linear Saturation)
By restoring the harmonics that are lost during digital compression of MP3 and WMA audio files, BBE MP reproduces the warmth, details and nuances of sound that you would otherwise miss. Effective for digital audio files and CDs.

Beat EQ with Parametric Equalization
In addition to providing 3 preset equalization patterns, BeatEQ even lets you freely customize the level and range of the bass, midrange and treble portions of each pattern with a 3-band parametric equalizer

Direct USB iPod control
The USB input on the rear of the CX609 lets you connect your iPod directly without an expensive adapter. Just use your stock iPod cable, and you’ll enjoy your favorite iPod tunes, along with complete control and battery charging of your iPod. The unit also supports title display for the tracks playing on your iPod.

SAT Radio Ready
Clarion gives you the choice of XM Satellite Radio or Sirius Satellite Radio. Choose either system and you can connect a Satellite Radio receiver with Translator connected via Ce-NET. Enjoy over 150 channels of music, news, talk shows, sports and traffic information with CD quality sound.

Front Panel Auxiliary Input
Connect MP3 players or other external audio devices in a snap with the 3.5mm front auxiliary input.

Room to Grow
The CX609 gives you a 50W x 4 built-in amplifier to begin with, along with two RCA preamp outputs (F, R/SW) for system expansion.

Remote Control Included
Control the action with the included wireless remote.

What’s in the Box
Clarion CX609, trim ring, wiring harness, remote control, microphone, installation hardware, owner’s manual, installation guide.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 12, 2010 02:22:41

Motor Oil Reviews Car Donation

Review

This unit does everything from play dvd’s with a clear picture to ipod to playing my PS3 with the a/v input. Navigation works wonderful too! Very nice unit for not too high of a price!

Feature

• AM/FM radio, DVD, DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW, CD, CD-DA, HDCD, or CD-R/RW, MP3/WMA, USB, iPod receiver with on-board GPS navigation
• 4 x 40 Watts maximum power with three RCA pre-amp outputs
• 6.5-inch QVGA color LCD touchscreen
• Includes auxiliary input, USB port, direct iPod control, navigation, rearview camera input; add Clarion interface for SAT radio, Bluetooth
• One-year limited warranty

Overview

Amazon.com Product Description Get there fast, and get there entertained with Clarion’s NX409. Featuring built-in GPS navigation, a 6.5-inch touchscreen control, iPod direct control, and plenty more, it’s the perfect hub for your mobile entertainment needs.

Get there fast, and get there entertained. Click to enlarge.

Intuitive touchscreen interface.

2D/3D split-screen navigation.

Easily input addresses.

Enjoy your favorite DVDs.

QVGA Color LCD Monitor
The 6.5-inch touchscreen QVGA monitor is fully motorized, and offers a great picture whether you’re using the GPS navigation or stopping to enjoy some video.

Enjoy Your Favorite Media
Take in your favorite music and movies from DVD, DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW, CD, CD-DA, HDCD, or CD-R/RW. You can also enjoy MP3 and WMA digital audio files from a data disc or USB thumb drive, for hours of music and ID3-TAG display of track information.

iPod Direct Control via USB
Just connect the USB cable that’s included with your iPod to the source unit’s USB input to control your iPod. Using an optional CCA723 cable will even let you watch iPod Video on the screen. The same USB terminal can also be used to connect a USB memory device with digital music files stored on it.

AM/FM Radio
Sometimes you just want to listen to the radio. Store your favorite radio stations on the 18 FM and six AM presets.

Front and Rear AV Input
NX409 is equipped with AV inputs on the front as well as the rear, making it twice as easy to plug-in a portable audio device or portable satellite radio for instantaneous enjoyment.

24-bit D/A Converter for Superb Sound Reproduction
Fully enjoy the sonic impact of DVD movie soundtracks or music videos. 24-bit technology actually oversamples the digital signal, providing excellent results that just weren’t possible with older 16-bit systems.

Built-in Navigation System
Nothing to add–it’s all there from the get go. Count on GPS accuracy, an efficient navigation engine, and intuitive 2D/3D map screens to guide you to your destination. Navigation data is pre-stored on the internal flash memory for quick access and response.

• 2 GB flash memory map storage
• Map Coverage: US 50 States and Canada
• 12 Million built-in POIs
• TTS (Text to Speach) for Street Announcements

Sirius SSP Direct Connection Ready
Connect to a Sirius Satellite Radio receiver without any need for a interface box–and enjoy over 130 channels of music, news, talk shows, sports and traffic information with digital quality sound throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Rear Vision Camera RCA Input
This RCA input enables you to smoothly connect a rear camera to display the area behind your vehicle. The increased view encourages and facilitates safer driving.

Room to Grow
The NX409 starts you out with a 40W x 4 built-in amplifier, but with 3 sets of RCA outputs, you are free to add external power amplifiers to create a more powerful, sophisticated audio system.

You can also connect an OEM steering wheel remote, or add Sirius satellite radio.

Bluetooth Ready
Used with the optional BLT370 Bluetooth transceiver, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of hands-free calling as well as audio streaming of music you have stored on your mobile phone.

Remote Control Included
Control the action with the included wireless remote.

What’s in the Box
Clarion NX409, trim ring, wiring harness, remote control, installation hardware, owner’s manual, installation guide.

Specifications

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jan 14, 2010 08:20:10

Car Donation

Review

Feature

• AM/FM radio, MP3/WMA/AAC, USB, iPod receiver with Bluetooth
• 4 x 50 Watts maximum power with three RCA pre-amp outputs
• Multi-line, touch-sensitive OEL display shows buttons relevent to current task
• Includes rear auxiliary input, USB port, direct iPod control; add Clarion interface for SAT radio, Bluetooth, OEM steering wheel remote
• One-year limited warranty

Overview

digital media receiver (no built-in CD player) * built-in amplifier (18 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels) * plays MP3, WMA, and AAC music files from external sources * Bluetooth with external wired microphone * iPod control: direct connection to USB input for newer iPods *

Specifications

If you’ve given up CDs for the convenience and economy of MP3, WMA or AAC files, then Clarion’s future-forward FZ709 is for you. Why bother carrying around CDs if you’ve already ripped them to your PC anyway? The FZ709 does away with the standard CD player and instead offers a USB port for direct control of your iPod or streaming of your digital audio files from a USB device. Connect your iPod or thumb drive and enjoy hours of music and a clean touch-sensitive interface. What’s more, the FZ709 features built-in Bluetooth, for hands-free calling or streaming of audio from compatible devices. Expand your options even further by adding SAT radio, connecting your steering wheel remote, or adding more power via the three preamp outputs. And if you really want to spin a scratched-up old CD, connect a portable player to the unit’s auxiliary input.

Cutting edge features and looks to match. Click to enlarge.

Touch sensor operation with only the buttons you need displayed.

Connect your iPod directly and enjoy the tunes.

Stream music from USB devices.

Includes wireless remote.

Sleek Touch-Sensitive Front Panel
The FZ709 features a clean, multi-line OEL (Organic Electro-Luminescence) display that responds to your touch. Only the buttons you need for your current task are displayed, so there’s less fumbling for the right button.

Digital–Not Physical–Media
The FZ709 plays MP3, WMA and iTunes AAC Compatible files directly from USB devices, complete with ID3-TAG display for track information like artist and song title.

AM/FM Radio
No matter how futuristic everything else gets, sometimes you just want to listen to the radio. Store your favorite radio stations on the 18 FM and six AM presets.

Built-in Bluetooth
Connect with various devices such as mobile phones, PDAs and MP3 Players via the unit’s built-in wireless Bluetooth interface. Supports popular Bluetooth profiles including A2DP/AVRCP for audio streaming and HFP/OPP for hands-free operation, so you can easily communicate and listen to your favorite music to your vehicle�s audio system. Wired microphone is supplied for crystal clear telephony.

Direct USB iPod Control and USB Audio Streaming
No adapter box required. Just connect the USB cable that’s included with your iPod to the Clarion source unit’s rear USB input and you get complete control of your iPod including genre/album/song title search using iPod’s control wheel, with high quality sound reproduction through the car speakers. The same connection can also be used to play back audio files stored on USB memory.

What’s more, using the optional CCA723 iPod video cable and additional monitor, your passengers can enjoy iPod video.

BBE MP for Better Sounding MP3/WMA/AAC Files
BBE MP (Minimized Polynomial Non-Linear Saturation) Process improves digitally compressed sound such as MP3/WMA/ AAC by restoring the harmonics that are lost through compression, thereby reproducing the warmth, details and nuances that you would otherwise miss. BBE MP enhanced harmonics even serve to make regular CDs sound better.

Beat EQ for User Customizable Sound
In addition to providing 3 preset equalization patterns–BASS BOOST, IMPACT, and EXCITE–Clarion’s BeatEQ even lets you freely customize the level and range of the bass, midrange and treble portions of each pattern. You can tune the sound to your liking, depending on the category of music, for a more fulfilling listening experience.

Auxiliary Input
With a rear auxiliary input, it’s easy to plug-in a portable audio device, portable satellite radio, or other external audio gadgets (yes, including CD players) for instantaneous enjoyment.

Built-in High Pass/Low Pass Crossovers
Crossover settings of 50Hz, 80Hz and 120Hz are available, letting you optimize the signal for high or low frequency reproduction when a subwoofer or tweeters are part of the system.

Ready to Expand
The FZ709 gives you a 50W x 4 built-in amplifier to begin with, but if you’d like to add additional power to your system, three RCA preamp outs are provided.

It’s also ready for an OEM steering wheel remote or XM/SIRIUS satellite radio, or Bluetooth to enjoy crystal clear sound and hands-free calling with supported devices.

Remote Control Included
Control the action with the included wireless remote.

What’s in the Box
Clarion FZ709, trim ring, wiring harness, remote control, wired microphone for Bluetooth, installation hardware, owner’s manual, installation guide.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Nov 16, 2009 10:20:08

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