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(More customer reviews)The Clarion CS309 has a ton of features: USB, Aux jack, bluetooth ready, DVD ready, satellite ready, etc. Unfortunately the interface and ergonomics are among the worst i have ever used on any electronic product.
Simply adjusting the settings requires careful reading of the manual. Would you like to adjust the bass or treble? That only requires 4 to 6 different buttons pushed in sequence. That would be mostly different buttons, scatterred all over the unit. By the time you remember the sequence the song is over. Where other units use a modal volume control (i.e. pressing a tone button will allow the volume control to adjust bass, treble, etc) on the Clarion the volume knob is for volume and volume only, sir. And a crappy, overly small volume knob it is.
On the subject of audio quality, I replaced my stock 2005 Subaru WRX unit, no superstar in sound quality. The Clarion takes a step backward in that dept as well. Clarity is not the hallmark of this Clarion.
As far as the USB port goes, due to the complete absence of any navigation of a drive, it is rendered almost useless for playing a drive loaded w/ various ODs. Although Clarion boasts that the unit will read up to 8 directories deep it will not NAVIGATE the directories - it simply will find the lowest level folder and cycle through each one, in the order it was written to the drive. Thus having more than 1o or so CDs on the drive becomes very unwieldy and adds yet another way for this thing to become a serious traffic hazard.
Ironically I picked this unit due to its relative lack of video game like displays. You can turn off the rather muted (but still irritating) "screen saver" and I'm certainly happy about that. It's probably the only reason this thing gets 2 stars and not one. Avoid this train wreck.
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With MP3/WMA/AAC support, direct iPod control, a front USB input, and a wealth of sound-shaping features, Clarion's CZ309 CD receiver is a powerful system to begin with. But with support for SAT radio, Bluetooth, OEM steering wheel remotes, and three sets of preamp outputs, it's a perfect bed for expansion.
Detachable Control Panel The CZ309 features an anti-theft detachable faceplate featuring a white-on-black single-line display with screensavers. Blue key illumination makes control in the dark a snap.
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.
Front USB for Direct iPod Control The CZ309's USB input 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.
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 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.
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.
Sound Adjustment (Z-Enhancer Plus + Magna Bass EX) Clarion's Z-Enhancer Plus lets you select from three performance patterns--Type1, Type2, and Type3. With a touch of the control keys, you can arrange the high-quality sound to better fit the genre of music you are listening to. While most loudness controls boost bass at 60 / 80 / 100 / 200Hz, the Magna Bass EX circuit boosts bass at 50Hz. This creates a rich, deep, defined bass rather than the muddy, booming bass of a standard loudness control. The Magna Bass EX boost levels are dependent on the system volume, which results in balanced system response and dynamic bass reproduction.
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 CZ309 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 Clarion's BLT370 Bluetooth interface or 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 CZ309, trim ring, wiring harness, remote control, installation hardware, owner's manual, installation guide.
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