The Skittle Gets Hands Free Bluetooth and Better Tunes

The Clarion CZ509 I installed last night is nothing short of Awesome. At under $200 from Amazon, this packs quite a few features. Here is the list as stated by Amazon.

With Built-in Bluetooth, MP3/WMA/AAC support, direct iPod control, a front USB input, and a wealth of sound-shaping features, Clarion’s CZ509 CD receiver is a powerful system to begin with. But with support for SAT radio, OEM steering wheel remotes, and three sets of preamp outputs, it’s a perfect bed for expansion.

Get the basics and leave room to grow Click to enlarge.

Functionality and style.

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

Connect your iPod directly and enjoy the tunes.

6ch Output for superior system expandability and versatility.

Detachable Control Panel
The CZ509 features an anti-theft, flip-down detachable faceplate featuring a 13 x 10 two-line, high-visibility LCD. Blue key illumination and a massive rotary volume make control in the dark a snap.

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.

Rear USB for Direct iPod Control
Just connect the USB cable that’s included with your iPod to the CZ509’s rear USB input and you get complete control of your iPod including genre/album/song title browsing, complete with iPod ABC Search convenience. The functions of iPod’s control wheel are emulated on the source unit’s control dial, so virtually the same operations are possible from both the iPod or the source unit. The tunes you love to carry can be enjoyed seamlessly in your car.

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 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. (A2DP/ AVRCP compliant).

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.

Front AUX Input
With an AUX input on the front panel, it’s easy to plug-in a portable audio device, portable satellite radio, or other external audio gadgets for instantaneous enjoyment.

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.

Ready to Expand
The CZ509 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. Grow your system at your own pace.

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

What’s in the Box
Clarion CZ509, trim ring, wiring harness, remote control, microphone, installation hardware, owner’s manual, installation guide.

Product Description
2 Line Dot Matrix LCD Display (13 X 10 Digit Display) Front Panel 3.5mm Stereo Mini-Jack Auxiliary Input with Level Control Rear USB Port with iPod Direct Connect Built-in Bluetooth Interface with External Microphone Included – CeNET Sirius Satellite Radio or XM Satellite Radio Ready OEM Steering Wheel Remote Interface Ready BBE MP Technology Z-Enhancer Plus, Magna Bass EX Beat EQ High and Low Pass Filters 200 Watts (50 Watts X 4) 6 Channel / 2 Volt RCA Output Remote Control Included.

The install was not bad at all. I upgraded from an 8 year old Clarion MP3 Player. I simply unplugged the old deck, screwed the new one into the same mounting brackets, and plugged it in. No rewiring was necessary as the plug is the same. The mic was simple to run the wire as pictured. For the USB cable, I kept it behind the deck so it can’t be used to play Thumb drives unless I change it up a bit. I have a regular Iphone cable plugged into it which comes out in the pocket just below the deck.

With my bluetooth on the Iphone on, all I do is hop in the car, start it and it automatically connects. I can then use the “IPOD” function on the Iphone to play music or video, without ever having to plug in the cable.

Sound is dramatically better than the previous deck. The built in crossovers keep the subs supplied with bass and the bass out of the mids. Sound for hands free calling is awesome, people come through my speakers and I just talk… like a crazy person talking to no one.

Also pictured is my Iphone / Touch car integration. I took out a blank plug, moved my emergency flashers over, then used a windshield mount kit to mount everything together.

All said, this was an excellent purchase.