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

Products by : Clarion Mobile Electronics Feature Double-DIN AM/FM Radio, CD, CD-R/RW, WMA/MP3, USB, iPod, Bluetooth Receiver 50W x 4 MOSFET internal amplifier with three 4V preamp outputs (front, rear, subwoofer) Built-in Bluetooth for hands-free phone operation and audio streaming Front-panel USB port with direct iPod control, WMA/MP3 playback; 3.5mm auxiliary input Display features oversized rotary knob, 728-variable color illumination Product Descriptions Double-din bluetooth cd/usb/mp3/wma receiver; cd/usb/mp3/wma playback; built-in bluetooth interface (hfp, hsp, opp, pbap, a2dp, avrcp); built-in microphone; 728 color variable lighting display & buttons; sirius direct connect ready; hd radio ready with optional thd301; 50w x 4 built-in amp; subwoofer volume control; built-in high & low-pass filters; magna bass ex dynamic bass enhancement; parametric equalizer; beat eq for sound adjustment; oem steering wheel remote ready; 3.5mm front audio aux input; front usb port with ipod direct connect capabilities; 6-channel/4-volt rca output; includes wireless remoteAlways pay through Amazon.com Shopping Cart or 1-Click.Your purchase will be protected by the A-to-Z Safe Buying Guarantee. Never respond to requests to send funds via wire transfer. Learn more about Safe Online Shopping. Amazon.com Details 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 [Read more Clarion Mobile Electronics CX501 - 2-DIN CD/Bluetooth/USB Receiver]

Product Description

Double-din bluetooth cd/usb/mp3/wma receiver; cd/usb/mp3/wma playback; built-in bluetooth interface (hfp, hsp, opp, pbap, a2dp, avrcp); built-in microphone; 728 color variable lighting display & buttons; sirius direct connect ready; hd radio ready with optional thd301; 50w x 4 built-in amp; subwoofer volume control; built-in high & low-pass filters; magna bass ex dynamic bass enhancement; parametric equalizer; beat eq for sound adjustment; oem steering wheel remote ready; 3.5mm front audio aux input; front usb port with ipod direct connect capabilities; 6-channel/4-volt rca output; includes wireless remote

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1068 in Car Audio or Theater
• Color: Black
• Brand: Clarion
• Model: CX501
• Dimensions: 9.63" h x 7.50" w x 11.75" l, 4.90 pounds

Features

• Double-DIN AM/FM Radio, CD, CD-R/RW, WMA/MP3, USB, iPod, Bluetooth Receiver
• 50W x 4 MOSFET internal amplifier with three 4V preamp outputs (front, rear, subwoofer)
• Built-in Bluetooth for hands-free phone operation and audio streaming
• Front-panel USB port with direct iPod control, WMA/MP3 playback; 3.5mm auxiliary input
• Display features oversized rotary knob, 728-variable color illumination
• Built-in Bluetooth Interface (HFP, HSP, OPP, PBAP, A2DP, AVRCP).
• Built-in Bluetooth Interface (HFP, HSP, OPP, PBAP, A2DP, AVRCP).Built-in Microphone.728 Color Variable Lighting Display and Buttons.3.5mm Audio Auxiliary Input (Front).Front USB Port with iPod Direct Connect Capabilities.Sirius Direct Connect Ready.
• HD Radio Ready with Optional THD301.50 Watts x 4 Built-in Amplifier.6-Channel/4 Volt RCA Output.Subwoofer Volume Control.
• HD Radio Ready with Optional THD301.50 Watts x 4 Built-in Amplifier.6-Channel/4 Volt RCA Output.Subwoofer Volume Control.Built-in High and Low-Pass Filters.Magna Bass EX Dynamic Bass Enhancement.Parametric EqualizerBeat EQ for Sound Adjustment.
• OEM Steering Wheel Remote Ready. Wireless Remote Control Included

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description

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

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Customer Reviews

Most helpful customer reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful.
Great looks, great sound, great value!
By S. Jeff
Bought this for my 2001 Pontiac Grand Am GT as a replacement for the factory headunit. My car originally had the premium Monsoon stereo, but I was told while it had an external amplifier, it was held back by the not so great Delco head unit. I popped this radio in via a Scosche GM wiring harness from Walmart for $30 and it worked nearly perfectly. Sound is crisp and clear and a vast improvement over the old headunit.

I chose a double din radio because I want to preserve the "stock" look to act as a deterrent against stereo thieves (my 95 Suburban recently had its single din radio stolen). With this radio it's kind of a "have to look twice" to realize it's not the factory radio. And most radio thieves don't give a rip about factory radios. The only problem is that Clarion is on the front of the radio in large enough print. Perhaps I'll have to get a sticker that says Dual or Jensen.lol

Overall sound quality over all the inputs I've used has been very good. The bass is very good, almost too good in fact as my rear deck speakers are probably being pushed to their limits now. Radio reception is pretty good, not quite as good as factory, but good. And that may be due to the fact that I have to use an antenna wire adapter.

I love the customizable face colors. I have a Pontiac and they have red interior, at night the radio totally looks like it's the factory unit.

I picked this unit over it's older sibling the Clarion CX609 because of the way the Bluetooth is implemented. In the CX609 you have to run a microphone and a wire up your A-pillar or wherever you want it (I don't have the patience to do that) with the CX501 it's integrated into the unit itself and with adjustable gain/sensitivity it works very well. It's so convenient.

A weakness is the interface, it's not the most complicated radio I've used but the ease of use from a factory radio is definitely missed. Sometimes when in iPod mode if I'm in a playlist and want to select another song in the playlist, I have to go back out to the top iPod menu then >music>playlists>playlist I want>song I want. Other time it allows me to browse within the playlist without going through the menus again. And I can't figure out why it does that sometimes.

Also installation was kind of a pain. Both do to engineering choices by Clarion and by GM/Pontiac. The space behind the radio is very tight. I originally learned about this unit at crutchfield.com and they said I might have to modify the space to fit the radio. I didn't have to do that, but it's very close fit, and probably would benefit from cutting the rear support bracket. That said, the clearance issue wasn't due to the radio itself, but the RCA jacks coming out of the rear of the unit. Most radios I've seen have female RCA jack ports in the back for adding on an amplifier. This radio has female RCA jack wires in the back meaning that even if you don't use an amplifier, you still have the RCA jacks coming out of the back of the radio. And they go right up against the rear mounting bracket in my car. Had these just been empty ports, my installation would have been relatively easy. But it does work and it does fit in a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. It's not the prettiest install, but it is doable.

Also, the illumination/dimming feature doesn't seem to be working on my unit. I have the setting on, but when my headlights come on everything dims to the night setting except the radio. Now this could be a defect in my unit or a defect in my data harness (the one from Walmart). It's not a big issue though, at least not for me. I'm going to give Clarion the benefit of the doubt and say it's a problem with the data harness by Scosche, since I bought it from Walmart.

Overall, I'm loving this radio and am glad I decided to go with it. I recommend it, but if you have a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am, I'd keep a radio shop on speed dial, I came really close to giving up and having my local shop install it.lol


Oh, and the price here on Amazon is a really really good price. It's $50 less than Crutchfield and the few radio shops that carry it.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful.
Clarion CX501
By James Michael Curl
I purchased this product to replace the OEM stereo in a 1997 4Runner. The fit was perfect - did not have to modify anything (however, I did leave off the bezel that was supplied with the stereo - it must be for another application). I also purchased the recommended adapters/connectors, and found them to be perfect (color coding was exact).
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful.
Great Bluetooth
By catamount
I bought this for a 2005 Chevy Colorado. I used a Metra 95-2009 Double DIN Installation Multi-Kit for Select 1995-2008 GM/Honda/Isuzu/Suzuki Vehicles installation kit and an Axxess GMRC-01 Class II GM Chime Retention Interface to keep my chimes - my truck doesn't have On-Star or a separate factory amp. I also got the Scosche Mda-1B 1988 - Up Gm Micro/Delco Antenna Adapter because GM uses a small antenna plug. All parts were exactly what I needed. The radio fit perfectly WITHOUT cutting the truck's metal rear support bracket inside the dash. The truck has Boston Acoustic speakers in the front doors and factory speakers in the rear. As a result I keep the fader set to the front speakers only. This truck has no dimmer wire or illumination wire so the dimming feature will not work. I did not need navigation because I use my Droid and I don't need DVD or movies in the truck. I had that feature in my last head unit for three years and never did watch a movie in the truck.

I like that it's compatible with my existing Sirius SCC1 receiver - I didn't want to have to buy a proprietary Sirius receiver. That kind of thing just rankles me and it's a BIG reason I chose this unit. I just plugged it in and it simply worked. The unit will hold 18 Sirius presets and I can choose to display Artist and Track at the same time.

Also, the ability to read USB MP3 files is great - I like to throw audio books on a USB stick for long drives. The Clarion will remember the track position even after the truck is turned off and the USB stick removed so when I put the USB stick in again the unit will shift to the USB source and start playing where it left off. This is a great feature for audio books. Fastforward/rewind is accomplished by holding the Next Track/Previous Track buttons.

Good bluetooth connection with my Droid X - The unit connects automatically with both BT phone and BT audio at the same time. (My wife's much-more-expensive Pioneer AVIC will not connect both phone and audio to her Incredible at the same time; she has to choose one or the other and go through the cumbersome process to do it.) I can play music on my phone and sound comes out of the Clarion instead of the phone and I can pause, skip tracks, control volume, etc with the Clarion. The BT Telephone part also works great and the sound is fine. The microphone is built into the unit. The Clarion easily accepted my Droid X phone book although it wouldn't transfer the contacts in my favorites but I think that is a problem with the phone and not the Clarion - I'm still working on it. It is not possible to add single numbers to the phone book. The Clarion phone book stores all the names in Last Name | First Name order which I don't like. Calls are not that easy to start from the Clarion unless it is redialing a recent call. Trying to direct dial from the radio while driving would be crazy because its way too complicated. However, incoming calls work perfectly (and mute the radio during the call) and I can make outgoing calls from the phone while it sits in the dock and then it's hands free speaker-phone over the Clarion. Overall I'm extremely happy with the bluetooth and this is another BIG reason I am happy with this unit.

Aux-In jack on the front - haven't used this yet but its good to have.

Double Din - Big two-line text thats easy to read while driving. The buttons are not all mashed together and the volume knob is big. It's easy to control the unit quickly and safely. I appreciate this after driving another vehicle with a single-din unit that had dozens of tiny buttons and practically unreadable text and button labels. However, I can't see the clock at the same time as anything else which is a negative - in other words I can see Artist and Track, or Station or whatever but if I want to see the clock it will be all I see. They should have left a spot where the clock can always be visible.

The FM sounds pretty good - better than the Sirius music stations I think. I can't compare the FM sensitivity to the factory radio because I took out the factory radio long ago...

Music sounds good enough with my BA speakers. Not outstanding, but good enough for me. In my younger days when I was more into music I would have demanded more and probably used an external amp and sub-woofer, etc (and also bought a more expensive brand just because of the name!) but nowadays I mostly listen to talk radio on Sirius. However, like I said, music sounds very acceptable if I don't crank it up way too loud. I actually removed my external Alpine amp at the same time I installed the Clarion. I don't feel like I need it.

The ability to change colors is very cool. Right now I have it on a custom yellow which looks real good.

The remote, which I don't use, has a mute button but the head unit does not. However it's easy to turn down quickly due to the huge volume knob.

I did test the CD part which was fine, but I probably won't be using that either.

There are three ipods in my house so I could test that feature but I just don't care enough to do it. I can use my Droid over bluetooth if I want to play portable music.

Bottom line is that I am very happy with the Clarion considering it's price and would certainly buy again if I needed another head unit.
[Read more Clarion Mobile Electronics CX501 - 2-DIN CD/Bluetooth/USB Receiver]