Clarion FZ409 MP3/WMA/AAC Receiver with USB Port Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Good: Nice options (internal amp on/off, HPF and LPF, USB interface and 1/8" jack interface in the rear, front/rear/subw preamp outs, good power). The unit has a clean look when turned off.
The Bad:
From an ergonomic standpoint, this unit does not completely succeed. Regarding the touch-sensitive controls, there is no positive tactile feedback that, for instance, smartphone designers have tried so hard to emulate on their touchscreens. Also, there is a reason that most factory stereos include large dials and big buttons. Because of these shortcomings, I found myself trying to make sure I was hitting the correct button by looking at the unit more often, instead of the road. Also, the unit did not always respond to my finger presses, as a normal button-based interface does.
The following quotes are from the description of the interface:
"Only the buttons you need for your current task are displayed, so there's less fumbling for the right button." There is more fumbling because of the reasons stated above.
"...multi-line OEL (Organic Electro-Luminescence) display that responds to your touch" This phrase is misleading, because you cannot touch the display itself, you have to touch the up/down sliders that are vaguely close to the corresponding icons in the display. A larger display would help this problem as well as the next issue: The OEL display is too small to see. For a unit with no CD slot and fewer buttons than most other DIN untis, there is wasted real estate that could be used to make the display bigger. It is difficult to read some items from the driving position, such as the top row that shows folder number/track number.


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If you've given up CDs for the convenience and economy of MP3, WMA or AAC files, then Clarion's future-forward FZ409 is for you. Why bother carrying around CDs if you've already ripped them to your PC anyway? The FZ409 does away with the standard CD player and instead offers a USB port for direct control of your iPod or streaming of your digital audio files from a USB device. Connect your iPod or thumb drive and enjoy hours of music and a clean touch-sensitive interface. Expand your options by adding SAT radio or Bluetooth, connecting your steering wheel remote, or adding more power via the three preamp outputs. And if you really want to spin a scratched-up old CD, connect a portable player to the unit's auxiliary input.

Sleek Touch-Sensitive Front Panel The FZ409 features a clean, multi-line OEL (Organic Electro-Luminescence) display that responds to your touch. Only the buttons you need for your current task are displayed, so there's less fumbling for the right button.
Digital--Not Physical--Media The FZ409 plays MP3, WMA and iTunes AAC Compatible files directly from USB devices, complete with ID3-TAG display for track information like artist and song title.
AM/FM Radio No matter how futuristic everything else gets, sometimes you just want to listen to the radio. Store your favorite radio stations on the 18 FM and six AM presets.
Bluetooth Ready Keep your cell phone or Bluetooth Audio enabled playback device safe and sound in your pocket or purse while enjoying crystal-clear sound through optional BLT370 Bluetooth transceiver.
Direct USB iPod Control and USB Audio Streaming No adapter box required. Just connect the USB cable that's included with your iPod to the Clarion source unit's rear USB input and you get complete control of your iPod including genre/album/song title search using iPod's control wheel, with high quality sound reproduction through the car speakers. The same connection can also be used to play back audio files stored on USB memory.
What's more, using the optional CCA723 iPod video cable and additional monitor, your passengers can enjoy iPod video.
BBE MP for Better Sounding MP3/WMA/AAC Files BBE MP (Minimized Polynomial Non-Linear Saturation) Process improves digitally compressed sound such as MP3/WMA/ AAC by restoring the harmonics that are lost through compression, thereby reproducing the warmth, details and nuances that you would otherwise miss. BBE MP enhanced harmonics even serve to make regular CDs sound better.
Beat EQ for User Customizable Sound In addition to providing 3 preset equalization patterns--BASS BOOST, IMPACT, and EXCITE--Clarion's BeatEQ even lets you freely customize the level and range of the bass, midrange and treble portions of each pattern. You can tune the sound to your liking, depending on the category of music, for a more fulfilling listening experience.
Auxiliary Input With a rear auxiliary input, it's easy to plug-in a portable audio device, portable satellite radio, or other external audio gadgets (yes, including CD players) 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.
Ready to Expand The FZ409 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 an OEM steering wheel remote or XM/SIRIUS satellite radio.
Remote Control Included Control the action with the included wireless remote.
What's in the Box Clarion FZ409, trim ring, wiring harness, remote control, installation hardware, owner's manual, installation guide.

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