Clarion's Newest Dashboard Marvel Is a Knockout

Upgrading your car’s entertainment system is probably the best aftermarket investment. It might look a bit dated after 10 years, but at least it beets the cost of going to see all your favorite bands live. Knowing this, the maestros at Clarion have launched their new CZ501E radio/CD combination.

“Long after a trip to a major music festival has been forgotten - but perhaps not the bill for a £200 ticket per person - Clarion’s new dashboard delight, the CZ501E radio/CD combination, will still be centre stage, banging out your top tunes for the same outlay,” states the official company press release.

The unit comes with a simple, understated fascia that fits well with most of the standard dashboard-installed in-car entertainment head units. A power output of 4x50w per channel from its ultra-efficient MOS-FET amplifier, combined with a high degree of sound adjustment, promises to deliver concert-like sound quality.

Clarion also says that music libraries from Apple’s iPod, iPhone and any mobile MP3 device will plug and play instantly via the USB port on the front of the fascia, with Album/Artist/Song details displayed on screen.

Thanks to a Bluetooth module (and the integral A2DP protocol) built-in to the unit, music files can also be streamed wirelessly from Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and PDAs which are similarly equipped.

“In comparative terms, investing in a replacement car audio system represents sensational value for money,” says Graham Case, General Manager of Clarion (GB), “and our two-year warranty ensures the performance lasts a great deal longer than the memory of any live music entertainment.”