For 2012, Clarion introduced five in-dash 1-DIN car audio source units that focus on wireless connectivity and digital media playback, while keeping pricing affordable. New features include SiriusXM satellite radio compatibility, Pandora internet radio compatibility and built-in Parrot Bluetooth for hands-free calling and stereo audio streaming
Clarion’s flagship model, the CZ702 is the most advanced single DIN CD head unit in the group offering a whole host of premium audio features such as Digital Time Alignment, 5 band parametric equalizer, 24 bit Digital to Analog Converter, MOSFET 50W x 4 amplifiers, Digital 2 or 3 Way Crossovers, and 5 volt 6 channel RCA outputs. Users can choose any of 728 lustrous colors for the LCD and keys, while the 2-line display is eye catching and easy-to-use.
The 1DIN CD CZ702, like its sister model the CZ302 and Clarion’s newest digital media player FZ502, all offer built-in Parrot Bluetooth for hands-free calling and stereo audio streaming. Also on tap are SiriusXM with iTunes Song Tagging as well as Pandora internet radio compatibility via an iPhone USB connection. The CZ702 and FZ502 are also HD Radio Ready with iTunes Tagging.
In addition to the above, the CZ302 includes front panel USB with slide cover, iPod/ iPhone direct control via USB, Aux input and sound enhancements such as Beat EQ and Magna Bass EX.
The newest digital media player is the FZ502, offering an eye catching 7-way rotary key with blue illumination and 2-line display along with Clarion’s anti-theft security flashing LED. Everything you would expect from a high-end mechless source unit with advanced sound quality including SiriusXM satellite radio compatibility, Pandora internet radio compatibility, built-in Parrot Bluetooth and HD Radio Ready with a not so high-end price of $199.99.
Other Clarion 2012 models, previously introduced in November 2011 – the CZ202 and CZ102, are anything but basic CD head units and offer great value for the money. Clarion’s CZ202 single DIN CD head unit is Clarion’s first that works with Pandora internet radio via an iPhone USB connection. It also has a front panel USB with a slide cover and has excellent sound quality.
The new SiriusXM-Ready models are compatible with the new SXV200 SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner (sold separately, SiriusXM subscription required) as well as the SXV100 model which launched in 2011. The compact SiriusXM vehicle tuners have one simple connection, providing integration of SiriusXM in an inexpensive and easy to install package. Some also have built-in Parrot Bluetooth and are HD Radio compatible. The units boast premium cosmetics with vibrant blue and red illumination and a unique button configuration.
CZ702 Features (MSRP: $249.99)
- CD/MP3/WMA and iTunes AAC Compatible with ID3-TAG Display
- Pandora internet radio Compatibility via iPhone USB connection
- Built-in Parrot Bluetooth Hands-Free (HSP, HFP, OPP) and Audio Streaming (A2DP)
- HD Radio Ready (Optional THD301) with iTunes Tagging
- SiriusXM-Ready with iTunes Tagging (Optional SXV100/SXV200 SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner required)
- Built-in Microphone and Optional External Microphone (RCB199)
- iPod/ iPhone Direct Control via USB
- Rear USB Connector
- 728 Variable Color for LCD and Key
- 13-Seg 10-Digits x 2 Line Display
- Front 3.5mm AUX Input
- Digital Time Alignment
- 24 bit Digital to Analog Converter
- 5 Band Parametric EQ
- 6CH 5V Output (Front+Rear+SW)
- MOSFET 50w x 4 Built-in Amplifier
- Digital 2 or 3 Way Crossover
- OEM Steering Wheel Remote Interface Ready
- Wireless IR Remote Control Included
FZ502 Features (MSRP: $199.99)
- USB/ MP3/ WMA Digital Media Receiver
- 7-Way Rotary Control with Blue Illumination
- Pandora internet radio compatibility via iPhone USB Connection
- Built-in Parrot Bluetooth for HFP and A2DP Stereo Audio Streaming
- HD Radio Ready with iTunes Tagging
- SiriusXM-Ready with iTunes Tagging (Optional SXV100/SXV200 SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner required)
- iPod/ iPhone Direct Control via USB
- Front USB and AUX input (Mini Jack) with Sliding Cover
- 13-Seg 10-Digits x 2-Line Display
- CATS(Clarion Anti-Theft Security)/ Flashing LED
- 4CH 2V Output (Front+Rear/SW)
- MOSTFET 45w x 4 Built-in Amplifier
- OEM Steering Wheel Remote Interface Ready
- Wireless IR Remote Control Included
CZ302 Features (MSRP: $199.99)
- CD/MP3/WMA and iTunes AAC Compatible with ID3-TAG Display
- Built-in Parrot Bluetooth for HFP and A2DP Stereo Audio Streaming
- Pandora internet radio Compatibility via iPhone USB Connection
- SiriusXM-Ready with iTunes Tagging (Optional SXV100/SXV200 SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner required)
- Built-in Microphone and Optional External Microphone (RCB199)
- Front USB with Slide Cover
- iPod/ iPhone Direct Control via USB
- AUX input (Front Mini Jack)
- BEAT EQ (3-Band EQ)
- Parametric EQ
- Magna Bass EX Dynamic Bass Enhancement
- 4CH 2V Output (Front+Rear/SW)
- MOSFET 45w x 4 Built-in Amplifier
- OEM Steering Wheel Remote Interface Ready
- Wireless IR Remote Control Included
CZ202 & CZ102 Both Feature:
- AM/FM/ CD-R/ CDRW/ MP3/ WMA
- AUX input (Front Mini Jack)
- 13-Seg 10-Digits x 1-Line Display
- Beat EQ and Magna Bass EX
- MOSFET 45W x 4
- LPF for Subwoofer, 3-Band Parametric EQ
- OEM Steering Wheel Remote Interface Ready
- Wireless IR Remote Control Included
- Detachable Control Panel
CZ202 CD/ MP3/ WMA Receiver Features (MSRP: $129.99)
- Pandora Control via iPhone USB
- Front USB with Slide Cover
- iPod/iPhone Direct Control via USB
- Blue Key Illumination
- 2V/4ch RCA Output (Front+Rear/SW)
CZ102 Features (MSRP: $99.99)
- Red Key Illumination
- 2V/2ch RCA Output (Rear/SW)
Head Units
Availability
Most of Clarion’s 2012 CD head units will be available Q1 2012.