Clarion Mobile Electronics CX501 – 2-DIN CD/Bluetooth/USB Receiver Reviews

Clarion’s CX501 is a versatile double-DIN CD receiver with room to grow, offering Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, MP3/WMA playback, USB connectivity with iPod direct control, a 3.5mm auxiliary input, and a 50W x 4 MOSFET amplifier to crank out the tunes. Ready to grow? The CX501 offers six channels of preamp outputs for system expansion, and the ability to add SIRIUS or HD radio.

A versatile double-DIN CD receiver with built-in Bluetooth and room to grow. Click here for a larger image

Built-in Bluetooth Hands-free Calling and Audio Streaming

The CX501′s built-in wireless Bluetooth interface supports HSP/HFP for hands-free operation and PBAP for phonebook download. You can easily communicate with the outside world by listening to phone calls through the car’s audio system and talking through the embedded microphone. And with A2DP/AVRCP support, you can enjoy music streamed from your mobile phone.

CD and WMA/MP3 Playback

Enjoy your favorite CDs or CD-R/RW discs, or burn CD-R/RWs full of MP3/WMA digital audio files for hours of playback on a single disc.

Not feeling like waiting for a disc to burn? Throw a bunch of tunes on a USB thumb drive and play back directly, using the front-panel USB input.

Front-Panel Auxiliary Input

For your other MP3 players, or pretty much anything with a headphone output, a convenient front-panel 3.5mm auxiliary input is provided.

Superior iPod and iPhone Connectivity

Enjoy the familiar operational feel of your iPod and iPhone, with album/artist/song/playlist on-screen display and more. The simple control mode enables system operation using just the iPod/iPhone controls, including ABC search. For audio playback, just use a standard 30-pin to USB cable, like that provided with your iPod / iPhone. As an added bonus, iTunes Tagging via the HD Radio makes it easy to purchase the songs you like.

Oversized rotary volume control for ease of use and comfortable operation.

728-variable color illumination and buttons allow matching to instrument panel or by personal preference.

Form and Function

The old-school, large volume control knob, combined with the ergonomically symmetrical design of the unit, helps to provide equally comfortable operation from the driver side or passenger side.

728-variable color illumination and buttons allow matching to instrument panel or by personal preference.

Beat EQ for User Customizable Sound

In addition to providing three preset equalization patterns–bass boost, impact, and excite–Clarion’s Beat EQ allows you freedom to customize the level and range of the bass, midrange and treble portions of each pattern. Easily adjust the sound to your liking, depending on the genre of music and your preferences.

50W x 4 MOS-FET Power

CX501 has a MOS-FET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) power amplifier capable of delivering 50W x 4 of high quality sound with superior linearity and less distortion than conventional power amps even with the volume cranked up.

Six-Channel 4V Preamp Outputs

If that 50W x 4 isn’t enough for you, worry not–the CZ401 is ready for system expansion in a big way, offering six-channels of 4V preamp outputs. Built-in high- and low-pass filters let you dial in the output for your particular application/vehicle.

Sirius and HD Radio Ready

The CX501 also supports direct connection with an optional Sirius Satellite Radio tuner. The SCC1 Sirius Connect Vehicle Tuner plugs into the back of CX501 with no adapters necessary. Enjoy high quality genre-specific programming from music and talk, to news and traffic, via direct satellite feed to your car. Similarly, you can expand your radio options by adding a Clarion HD Radio receiver.

What’s in the Box

Clarion CX501 Receiver, Remote Control With Battery, Trim Ring, Mounting Bracket, Case for Detachable Front Panel, Wiring Harness, Installation Hardware, Documentation