I recommend this replacement radio for xmas: Clarion CZ501 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

winmutt · #1 12-10-2011, 10:29 AM

I paid $118 including shipping. Best head unit I have owned in years. For the price. BT + Ipod + USB + cdmp3 +hipass (60/90/120 + sloper) crossover for builtin 19x4 rms amp + lopass (60/90/120 + sloper) crossover for sub out.

This replaced a decent but old Alpine deck in my car. First time I turned the clarion on I was very impressed with the immediate improved sound stage and warmth. Out of the box it was a 10x improvement. With crossovers enabled its that much better....

For the price this is a great stocking stuffer.

compu_85 · #2 12-10-2011, 10:51 AM

Do you find the display too bright at nightime?

-J

winmutt · #3 12-10-2011, 11:09 AM

Not really. LCD letters are pretty thin. It does ahve a dimmer line but I dont have that hooked up (lazy).

74baja · #4 12-10-2011, 12:20 PM

what speakers and/or subwoofer are you running this with? I still have the stock Becker with stock speakers and it's absolutely unacceptable. Zero bass and overall sounds like turd.

tankowner · #5 12-10-2011, 03:04 PM

The '79 240D I just bought has a JVC unit in it that accepts a USB/IPOD - pretty nice feature, I've already dumped a bunch of songs on my flash drive I carry back and forth to work.

But . . . what's up with no rear speakers in the '79???

tbomachines · #6 12-10-2011, 03:21 PM

One thing I really dislike about Clarions (I have a lower model in the CZ series, not overly impressed with it) is their wiring out the back. Instead of using a more modular design by having jacks rather than plugs, they have a huge mess of wires sticking out the back, which just gets messy once you wire up the speakers, sub, etc. It was problematic in my w126, IIRC since there wasn't much room to fit the huge mess of wires. I usually stick with Pioneer, I've found their products superior in sound quality (I am an audiophile) and interface.

winmutt · #7 12-10-2011, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 74baja

what speakers and/or subwoofer are you running this with? I still have the stock Becker with stock speakers and it's absolutely unacceptable. Zero bass and overall sounds like turd.

Some cheapo kenwoods in the front I found in the junkyard. Stockers in the rear. 12" DVC bazooka tube and 200watt amp. These will all be replaced with quality rainbows or the like soon enough.

winmutt · #8 12-10-2011, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbomachines

One thing I really dislike about Clarions (I have a lower model in the CZ series, not overly impressed with it) is their wiring out the back. Instead of using a more modular design by having jacks rather than plugs, they have a huge mess of wires sticking out the back, which just gets messy once you wire up the speakers, sub, etc. It was problematic in my w126, IIRC since there wasn't much room to fit the huge mess of wires. I usually stick with Pioneer, I've found their products superior in sound quality (I am an audiophile) and interface.

There was a pioneer that was $150 I was looking at but had never heard their auto products before. I had no problems with the wiring.

Bob338 · #9 12-10-2011, 06:55 PM

I had nothing but headaches with Clarion and would never use another. Fortunately Crutchfield felt my pain, replaced it (after three earlier replacements,) with another brand. It has worked totally to my satisfaction. Got an Alpine.

jonbobshinigin · #10 12-10-2011, 09:08 PM

I run an older (2005) Alpine CDA-9835 which has limitless adjustments and AMAZING sound. People still use it for competition because it is said that it was Alpine's last "real" powered system. They still get $200 or so used! Great units and it has an AUX input that connects to the rear, although it is an add-on function.

ngarover · #11 12-11-2011, 07:55 AM

Here is what I'm thinking about using in the DT... Since it has that nice removable floor in the bed...

BOSS BASS1500 Low Profile Amplified 10" Subwoofer 265-360

Should give the system a great bottom end and still be completely out of site. They have an 8 inch version also, I believe they could be mounted under the seats as well...

winmutt · #12 12-11-2011, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob338

I had nothing but headaches with Clarion and would never use another. Fortunately Crutchfield felt my pain, replaced it (after three earlier replacements,) with another brand. It has worked totally to my satisfaction. Got an Alpine.

What problems did you have?

Bob338 · #13 12-11-2011, 08:24 AM

One radio wouldn't pick up AM. I live in the country away from good signals. Two others worked for about 2 weeks, then quit, don't recall the specifics on those failures. Tried to reach Clarion and found they refer you to 'local' dealers for factory repairs. No such thing as factory warranty service and you can't even get past their website to talk to anybody. They lost a potential customer for life.

Stretch · #14 12-11-2011, 08:38 AM

It looks kind of nice...

...but what on earth is that funny long slot just above the display for?

Is it to put in some form of optical media that spins round?

colincoon · #15 12-11-2011, 02:48 PM

^Like an 8-Track?