Clarion CX501 anyone tried it/got one ?

Basho · Postby **Basho** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 12:41 pm

Anyone given one of these a go---any good. ??

http://www.digitalcentre.com.au/p/43983 ... eiver.html

rpost77 · Postby **rpost77** » Thu Jun 07, 2012 12:19 am

I installed the previous version of this (CX609A).

I would highly recommend it and presume the newer CXC501 would match.

The only differences I can see between the CX501 and CX609 is that the 501 has roundish buttons for channel selection - the 609 had square buttons aligned down each side of the unit (personally i prefer the 609 "look").

The 609 has a rear usb/iPod connector - I ran this under the centre console into the armrest box and store my iPod/iPhone there - works well.

Not sure if the 501 had a rear connector that would allow this.

Mine is installed in a 1990 NA6. Due to the colour (black) and lack of bling (like lots of other brands) it looks very "stock" like (which is a good thing I think). Also less "attractive" to the passing thief attracted by bling.

You can also modify the display colours - I set mine to the same green shade as the stock radio and speedo lights so it blends in nicely.

Sound quality is excellent - huge improvement over the stock unit it replaced (advise a speaker upgrade also if you are still on the originals).

The price for the 501 looks good too - from memory my 601 was RRP $499 but I bargained it for about $329 (about 18 months ago).

Hope all that helps!

Basho · Postby **Basho** » Thu Jun 07, 2012 4:58 pm

Thanks for the reply , much appreciated ,

this is the US model so I believe that you can kiss the AM goodbye however it has Front USB, Sirius, HD and built in Bluetooth.

The Australian version CX501A lacks all of the foregoing as well as colour selection and a few other bits , costs more and is hard to find . :roll:

go figure.

I just got a new 97 toombstone with the recess, which incidentaly is more anthracite black than black, so a double din should be a dead fit including the surround--in theory anyway------

:beer:

scottomcgotto · Postby **scottomcgotto** » Wed May 08, 2013 9:35 am

Sorry to drag up an old thread, but I've been looking at upgrade options for an NC and this stereo popped up as being a bit of a cracker. To the OP, did you end up going through with it?

Has anyone else put one into an NC and managed to get the steering wheel controls to work?

Cheers,

cwto24 · Postby **cwto24** » Mon Jun 03, 2013 2:10 pm

scottomcgotto wrote:Sorry to drag up an old thread, but I've been looking at upgrade options for an NC and this stereo popped up as being a bit of a cracker. To the OP, did you end up going through with it?

Has anyone else put one into an NC and managed to get the steering wheel controls to work?

Cheers,

I've managed to link my single din sony on my nc with a Bose System.

Bose runs under a different amp or something. Makes it more difficult as you have to solder specific wires. I had a friend who knew more than me help me install.

Works well, but the speakers are a bit louder, so i've had to adjust the Equalizer quite heavily to try and 'de-tune' them. On occasions, i've had issues where theres some sort of static coming out from the speaker. After a while, it stops. Very odd which i'm not sure what is causing it.

Steering Wheel Controls work perfect with it on the other hand. You need to buy a steering wheel harness. Might want to research a bit before installing as it unfortunately isnt 'plug and play'. I found some information on the US miata forum which has a bit of info. I still can't explain what my friend did and which plugs he solder on.

PM me if you want me to send you a link to buy the harness and facia. I'm at work at the moment and cant access those websites.

KevGoat · Postby **KevGoat** » Mon Jun 03, 2013 2:59 pm

cwto24 wrote:Works well, but the speakers are a bit louder, so i've had to adjust the Equalizer quite heavily to try and 'de-tune' them. On occasions, i've had issues where theres some sort of static coming out from the speaker. After a while, it stops. Very odd which i'm not sure what is causing it.

I'm certainly no expert, but it may have something to do with the Bose gear being 2ohm and the head unit 4ohm. I seem to recall reading that a line filter is usually used when changing the head unit on the bose equipped cars.

cwto24 · Postby **cwto24** » Tue Jun 04, 2013 9:49 am

KevGoat wrote:
cwto24 wrote:Works well, but the speakers are a bit louder, so i've had to adjust the Equalizer quite heavily to try and 'de-tune' them. On occasions, i've had issues where theres some sort of static coming out from the speaker. After a while, it stops. Very odd which i'm not sure what is causing it.

I'm certainly no expert, but it may have something to do with the Bose gear being 2ohm and the head unit 4ohm. I seem to recall reading that a line filter is usually used when changing the head unit on the bose equipped cars.

From memory, its that. I'm no expert either but its still a bitch at times