[nitrous]

Guys,
I just saw an ad of Clarion HUs in ACI,this month.
And they looked very good!Its the first time im seeing an HU in a white ipod-ish colour.
How is the Sound quality?
How are they priced in comparison to our Pioneers and alpines?

[panky12345]

clarion are preferred by many audiophiles here. Clarion & Alpine offer a better SQ compared to Pio. Pios have a decent SQ and lot of flashy features while calrion and alpine are easier to operate.

[esteem_lover]

Clarion is good, only that not many models are available, AFAIK. And even the shops here are not too keen on suggesting clarion. I seriously hope these new models would be available everywhere.

[devarshi84]

I have been looking out for a new Head unit for a month now. Being an ameteur in this department I tried to do my research.

1. clarion's latest 2007 range is yet to hit the shelves around the world. I was looking for FB276BT( FB275BT for Americas and FB278RBT for Europe).

2. Clarion's Sales and support Sucks in India. I can give you the main responsible guys number too.

3. On the various forums on the net I checked, Those who have used Clarions swear by it but those who havent think ALpine is better than Clarion.

4. For the speakers, many people have to say that they sound muddy.


I was searching for a good HU with USB and I found this.
db566-Rs.12490

Gunbir has the signature model from Clarion. the HX-2

[low_bass_makker]

Originally Posted by devarshi84

the signature model from Clarion. the HX-2

It is one of the best HU I have seen.

But this is a stupid thing to ask that for a HU like this must also play MP3 ...changing CD every time is a real pain that to while driving.

[gunbir]

Originally Posted by devarshi84

Gunbir has the signature model from Clarion. the HX-2

I love my HX-D2.

I have also used another Clarion in a friends car (some 3xxx model) and its been going strong since 5 years now. Solid build quality and great clean sound too. We also used the 965 i (think) in the Barracuda Octavia that had the 21" sub and that HU was very nice too.

All in all, never had any bad experiences with Clarions.

Originally Posted by low_bass_makker

But this is a stupid thing for that HU but it must also play MP3 ...changing CD every time is a real pain that to while driving.

Plug in an iPod. Besides, all these "stupid" HUs like the HX-D2, the MX406, the CD700 are meant for "stupid" audiophiles.

[Rtech]

Santa Claus came in June for me this year! And left me with one awesome head unit! Looks terrific in the car, the sound is leagues better than my old Pioneer unit and the UI if better too! I love it!! Thanks Santa!!

[Sam Kapasi]

Originally Posted by Rtech

That really does look great Rtech. And yes, I've heard that HU, in comparison to the Pioneer in that car earlier. The sound was richer, fuller (the Clarion HU has oodles of power) and more neutral.

I for one think that Clarion make some excellent products for the car.

[panky12345]

OK OK guyz....relax!!

we are going OT here.....the thread was about clarion HU, lets stick to the point!

[Sam Kapasi]

I always say, no brand is better than another.

Alpine, Clarion, Blaupunkt, Pioneer are all well-respected companies that make excellent products.
At some point they have all made some rubbish products as well.

As of now, currently, I would choose Clarion and Pioneer. But personally, I don't like the new series of Pioneer (5950, 6950) so I think personally, I'd buy Clarion.

There was a time I'd swear by Alpine. Not anymore. Maybe I will again someday, if their products change.
Blaupunkts good too, but I feel they give less, to the consumer, compared to some Japanese brands.

[gunbir]

Originally Posted by devarshi84

You being the experienced audiophiles. How would you rank Alpine, Clarion, Pioneer and Blaupunkt?

My ratings, based on our experience, as under:

Sound Quality points, on a scale of 10:
Alpine: 7
Clarion: 8
Pioneer: 5
Blaupunkt: 6

Build Quality points, on a scale of 10:
Alpine: 8
Clarion: 8
Pioneer: 5
Blaupunkt: 7

User Interface points, on a scale of 10:
Alpine: 5
Clarion: 8
Pioneer: 9
Blaupunkt: 6

Integration (iPod etc) points, on a scale of 10:
Alpine: 9
Clarion: 5
Pioneer: 8
Blaupunkt: 6

VFM, Pricing points, on a scale of 10:
Alpine: 5
Clarion: 5
Pioneer: 8
Blaupunkt: 6

End Results, out of 40 points:
Alpine: 34
Clarion: 34
Pioneer: 35
Blaupunkt: 31

So you see, Even though we rate Clarions high on SQ, overall the Pioneers still win due to pricing and stuff like USB, while the Alpine is at par with Clarion due to Alpines having good iPod intgration etc. While the Blaupunkt lags behind.

Again, this is just based on our experience and our opinions. Your's may differ.

[sk456]

Originally Posted by devarshi84

1 Blaupunkt is one of the oldest audio makers and has a rich history. And top of all its German.
2. Anybody who's anybody shouts Alpine as best.
3. Pioneer is everywhere since Indians started driving.
4. Clarions new HMI thingy impressed me a lot and so did their HU specs.

absolutely true.... bang on the head....soem new kenwoods are also nice...

[gautamballal]

i have the latest clarion head unit MAX676VD Clarion Singapore | MAX676VD

used to own a clarion before also it was the DXZ946 A review of the Clarion ProAudio DXZ945MP CD receiver with the Optimedia touch-panel display.

the clarions are really good
a true audiophile's hu

[navin]

Originally Posted by gunbir

My ratings, based on our experience, as under:

Sound Quality points, on a scale of 10:.

You forgot features Gunbir.

Alpine for example has removed some nice features (Time Alignment being the most noticable) on their recent models.

[bottle]

but theres hardly anything on clarion head units :P


plus i guess a music lover should support his favorite artist by waiting to buy the cd there by supporting them and make sure that he is funded enough to be able to release his second album

(hope i am not adding fuel to the flame since the above statement has a lot of holes in it)