Crutchfield - North America's electronics authority since 1974

1.888.955.6000
 
 
Free Shipping on Everything.  60-Day Money-Back Guarantee  |  Lifetime Tech Support
 

Clarion CZ109

CD receiver

Zoom Clarion CZ109
Front
Video loading and will display in just a moment.
Photos
Clarion CZ109 Clarion CZ109 Clarion CZ109 Clarion CZ109 Clarion CZ109
 
Videos
 

Item# 020CZ109 offer details

Item# 020CZ109

Review Sumary

 
DISCONTINUED
 
This item is no longer available to purchase.
 
Contact us for other options
 
Call   Email   Chat
 
In-stock Alternative
 
 
 
 
 
Clarion

Our take on the Clarion CZ109

You don't have to compromise when you buy an inexpensive car stereo — Clarion's CZ109 CD receiver offers an impressive list of features, some convenient options, and a cool look for under $100. Plus, Clarion puts the most important controls over on the left-hand side within easy reach of the driver, and includes a remote so your passengers can change the entertainment without bothering you.

The CZ109 plays all your CDs, even the discs you've filled up with MP3 and WMA files. A punchy built-in amp gives you plenty of clean power, while the Z-Enhancer Plus feature allows you to determine the character of the treble and bass controls. You'll also find the two sets of preamp outputs handy if outboard amplifiers and a subwoofer are in your future plans.

Your friends with iPods can plug into the front panel auxiliary input, so you can check out their playlists. Clarion's optional BLT370 Bluetooth® adapter will mute the music when you get a phone call, so you can listen to the conversation over the car speakers. You can also add an adapter that allows you to use your vehicle's steering wheel audio controls to run the CZ109.

Get more info on this product

Highlights:

  • General features:
  • CD receiver with built-in amplifier (20 watts RMS CEA-2006/50 peak x 4 channels)
  • plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs (including discs loaded with MP3, and WMA files)
  • 8-character display (white with blue illumination)
  • remote control
  • Audio features:
  • Z-enhancer EQ with three preset tone settings and 2-band semi-parametric EQ
  • Magna Bass EX bass boost
  • Expandability:
  • compatible with Clarion Bluetooth adapter
  • inputs: front-panel auxiliary input
  • outputs: 4-channel preamp outputs (front, rear)
  • Other info:
  • compatible with most factory steering wheel audio controls (adapter required)
  • CEA-2006 compliant amplifier
  • warranty: 1 year
  • Our 60-day money-back guarantee
 

Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Features and Specs

Features and Specs
General
Chassis Size Code
Loading...
IEJ
CEA-2006 Compliant
Loading...
Yes
RMS Power Output
Loading...
20 watts
Peak Output
Loading...
50 watts
RMS Power Bandwidth
Loading...
20-20kHz
Preamp Outputs
Loading...
4-channel
Sub Preamp Outputs
Loading...
No
Switchable Rear Preamp Outputs
Loading...
No
Preamp Voltage
Loading...
2 volts
Display Color
Loading...
White
Key Button Color
Loading...
Blue
EQ Bands
Loading...
2
Wireless Remote
Loading...
Yes
Steering Wheel Control Compatible
Loading...
Yes
Parts Warranty
Loading...
1 Year
Labor Warranty
Loading...
1 Year
Expandability
AUX Input
Loading...
Front
USB Input
Loading...
No
Memory Card Slot
Loading...
No
Bluetooth Compatible
Loading...
Optional
Satellite Radio Ready
Loading...
No
HD Radio
Loading...
No
Navigation
Loading...
No
Changer Control
Loading...
No
iPod Compatibility
Full size
Loading...
---
Nano
Loading...
---
Touch
Loading...
---
Mini
Loading...
---
iPhone
Loading...
---
Tuner
FM Sensitivity
Loading...
9 dBf
European Tuning
Loading...
No
Seek/Scan
Loading...
Scan
Radio Data System
Loading...
No

Product Research

Product Research
What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

  • AM/FM/CD receiver
  • Sleeve
  • Face
  • Trim ring
  • Wiring harness (with in-line 15A fuse on constant power wire)
  • RCB-176 IR wireless remote
  • CR2025 3V Lithium battery
  • 2 Hook plates (radio removal tools)
  • Face fixing clip
  • Owner's Manual (English/French/Spanish)
  • Installation/Wire Connection Guide (English/French/Spanish)
  • Warranty sheet

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Overview: The Clarion CZ109 is an AM/FM/CD receiver that can play MP3 and WMA on CD-R and CD-RW discs; and supports ID3-Tag, as well as CD Text. It also has a front-panel 3.5mm auxiliary input for connecting portable audio devices. Additional accessories that are compatible with this unit include Bluetooth Audio and Bluetooth Telephone (when the optional Clarion Bluetooth adapter is connected); and an optional steering wheel remote interface (sold separately) which allows you to keep your factory steering wheel controls.

Display Features
Audio Section
CD Playback
AM/FM Tuner
External Device Connection
Remote Control

Display Features

Ergonomic Face Design: The Clarion CZ109 features an easy-to-use rotary volume control and easy-to-read illuminated buttons on the face which are laid out in an asymmetrical design to place the most used features within a specific area for ease of use and less user distraction. The front panel 3.5mm auxiliary input on the CZ109 makes it easy to connect an external audio device

Digital LCD Display: The single-line digital LCD display, with black background and white characters, on the CZ109 allows numbers and characters to be displayed clearly in all lighting conditions.

Illumination Dimmer: The receiver's display automatically dims to a preset brightness when the vehicle's headlights are turned on. The wiring harness includes an orange/white lead that should be connected to the vehicle's parking light circuit in order for the dimmer feature to operate.

Screen Saver: This unit is provided with a Screen Saver function which allows you to show various kinds of patterns and characters in the operation status indication area of the display in a random order. You can turn this function on or off. If the button operation is performed with the screen saver function on, the operation display corresponding to the button operation is shown for about 30 seconds and the display returns to the screen saver display.

Detachable Face Security: This unit features Detachable Face Security. A face-fixing clip is supplied for making the face non-detachable, if desired.

Note: No face case is included with this unit.

Audio Section

CEA2006 Compliant: The power specifications for the CZ109 are compliant with the CEA2006 Mobile Amplifier Power Testing and Measurement standards from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). These standards were developed as a way to equitably compare power specs from model to model and between manufacturers. The power output specs for the CZ109 are as follows:

  • CEA2006 Specs: 20 watts RMS x 4 channels (at 4 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 1% THD-N)
  • Maximum Power Output: 50 watts x 4 channels (200 watts total)

4ch/2V RCA Output: The Clarion CZ109 features 4ch/2V RCA line level outputs. This unique design assigns one pair of RCA outputs to the front channels, while the other pair is assigned as a non-fading subwoofer output. The rear channels are delivered through the unit's built-in 50W x 4 amplifier. You can fade front line out to rear internal amplifier for overall system balance, while the subwoofer output level can be independently adjusted through the non-fade volume control feature incorporated into the unit's rotary volume control from -6 to +6.

Note: The non-fading subwoofer output does not feature a built-in low-pass crossover. You will need a subwoofer amplifier with a built-in low-pass crossover or external low-pass crossover.

Z-Enhancer Plus: Z-Enhancer Plus features four bands of equalization boost (B-Boost, Impact, Exite and Custom). Along with 2 bands of parametric equalization, the Z-Enhancer Plus circuitry enables sound adjustments with more flexibility than the basic Bass and Treble tone controls.

  • B-Boost: Bass is emphasized from -3 to +3.
  • Impact: Bass and treble are emphasized from -3 to +3.
  • Excite: Bass, treble and midrange are emphasized from -3 to +3.
  • Custom: Adjusts the bass and treble independently from -7 to +7 (-14 to +14dB). You can set the effected bass frequency to 60, 80, 100, or 200 Hz and the Q-factor to 1, 1.25, 1.5 or 2.0. The effected treble frequency can be set to 10k, 12.5k, 15k, or 17.5k.
  • Off: Bass and treble are both set to Flat (0 dB).

Magna Bass EX (Extend): The Magna Bass Extend feature does not adjust the low frequencies like the normal sound adjustment function, but emphasizes the deep bass frequencies to provide you with a dynamic sound. This circuit boosts bass at an ultra-low frequency of about 50Hz, creating a rich, deep, defined bass rather than the muddy, booming bass of a standard loudness control. What is more, boost levels are dependent on the system volume, resulting in balanced system response and dynamic bass reproduction.

CD Playback

MP3/WMA Playback: The unit can play MP3 and WMA files recorded onto CD-R and CD-RW discs using ISO9660 Level 1 or 2, Joliet, or Romeo formats. The player can recognize up to 8 hierarchical levels, 256 files per folder and 578 total files. Bit rates for MP3 are 8-320 kbps, plus VBR (Variable Bit Rates). Bit rates for WMA are 48-192 kbps. This unit is compatible with, and will display MP3 and WMA ID3 tags up to 64 characters.

Disc-In-Play-Function: This feature allows you to turn the power to the unit "on" and start playing the disc automatically when the disc is inserted even if the unit is not powered up, as long as the ignition key is turned to the "on" or "acc" position.

Scan Play: This function allows you to locate and play the first 10 seconds of all the tracks recorded on a CD or the first 10 seconds of the first track of all the folders on an MP3/WMA disc.

Last Position Memory: If you turn off the unit while a disc is playing, it will resume playback at the stopping point when it is turned on again.

Auto Reload: When a CD is ejected and left sticking out of the CD slot for 15 seconds, the unit automatically reloads the CD to protect if from damage.

Mounting: For proper CD playback you must install the unit within 30-degrees of horizontal.

Note: When ISO-DIN mounting, you will need to use your vehicle radio's original factory ISO screws.

AM/FM Tuner

AM/FM Tuner: The Clarion CZ109 is equipped with a built-in AM/FM tuner offering 18 FM station presets and 6 AM station presets.

Instant Station Recall (ISR): You can store one radio station in Instant Station Recall (ISR) memory and recall it from any mode (except Power Off). Once the ISR station has been recalled, you cannot tune to another station without first disengaging the ISR function. You can, however, switch to another source.

External Device Connection

Auxiliary Input: The CZ109 feature a front panel 3.5mm auxiliary input so you connect your external portable audio player or portable satellite radio receiver to this headunit. You can adjust the Auxiliary input sensitivity level from Low, Mid, to High to match the volume output of your connected external audio device.

Bluetooth Ready: The CZ109 is compatible with Clarion's BLT370 Bluetooth system (020BLT370, sold separately) via its front panel 3.5mm stereo minijack inputs. The BLT370 gives you hands-free communication from your compatible Bluetooth cellular phone and wireless streaming audio from any Bluetooth compatible portable audio device. The CZ109 can be set to automatically mute any music audio to your vehicle's speakers so you can listen to your telephone call using your car speakers.

Remote Control

Wireless Remote: The CZ109 comes supplied with the RCB-176 infrared wireless remote control for wireless operation of the CD player. The remote measures 1.715" wide x 0.495" tall x 4.465" long.

OEM Remote Ready: The unit also features an OEM steering wheel remote control input on the rear of the unit to allow you to keep your vehicle's radio steering wheel remote controls and/or rear seat radio controls when used with the optional SWI-JACK interface adapter (127SWIJACK, sold separately). The SWI-JACK is compatible with over 95% of the vehicles made from 1986 to the present. Compatible vehicles include many Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Harley Davidson, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Plymouth, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Scion, Suzuki, Toyota, and Volkswagen vehicles. Please consult "Outfit My Car" to see if your vehicle is compatible.

 

 

Product Reviews

Review this product

Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences about this product. Please be sure to focus your comments on the product itself. Read our Review Guidelines for more information.

Review title
* Email
Your email won't be visible
Display name
(e.g., JohnD) Your review will be signed using the display name and location
* Your location
(e.g., Charlottesville, VA)
* Your rating
Click on a star to rate the overall product on a scale of 1-5
Rate the following specific attributes
 Value
 Sound Quality
 Ease of Use
 "Coolness Factor"
 Build Quality
1500 characters left * Your review
Attach a YouTube Review
Crutchfield Video Review Guidelines
  • Only submit videos that you made or are authorized to use.
  • Do not submit videos that contain music, video or visuals that are copyrighted and belong to someone else.
  • Please see our Review Guidelines for more information.
Submit the URL of your YouTube™ video review or product demonstration. e.g., http://www.youtube.com/v/o79TWHh598U
500 characters left Pros
500 characters left Cons
* Agree to Terms
By checking this box you agree your review becomes the property of Crutchfield, that you are over 18 years of age, that you own or have owned this product, and that you are located within the United States or its territories. Please see our Review Guidelines for more information. We reserve the right (but are not obligated to) review all submissions and edit or remove any review in any manner which we deem necessary. Your review should be posted within seven days.
Share this product

1-5 of 5 items Sort Results By: Date Reviewed | Rating | Helpfulness
 
5 out of 5

Great Unit!

Written By Justin, Jacksonville, FL on Thursday, August 26, 2010
 
I bought this unit last Christmas for my girlfriend. She has a '98 Maxima with the
premium Bose system. I purchased the inline amplifier to pair with it. Installation and
integration between the 2 units was a breeze.

The headunit sounds great. I bought this unit because my girlfriend didn't have an
iPhone/iPod at the time. Of course, she got one 4 months later. Don't worry, the USB
connection in the back works just fine. It charges her iPhone and plays the music via the
iPhone/iPod proprietary cable attached to the supplied USB cable. I purchased a Scoche
installation kit to install it in. I put the "cd pocket" below the headunit, and pulled the USB
cable through a small hole I drilled in the back corner of the pocket. As far as I know,
everything works great for her, and she really loves it.

As someone noted with their Corolla, the "fit" isn't the best. I had a small gap on either
side of the headunit, but not terribly bad. The finished look is good, though I have
installed better. Some of the buttons are fairly small, such as the radio presets. Initially
setting up the sound was a little difficult, as navigating the menus was troublesome, and
creating a custom EQ was annoying.

All in all, this was a great headunit. Great bang for your buck. It is sad to see this unit
discontinued. Clarion makes quality products, and I have installed a few in my days.
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
3 out of 5

Don't install in a Corolla

Written By smitsfamily, Belleuve NE on Sunday, July 19, 2009
 
Receiver is great - but does not really fit a toyota corolla, despite having the "fits" check mark. Has about 1/4 inch gap on either side of receiver and dash. The plasitc frame for reciever can not be used with this installation. Install looks after market and was done by a 5th grader, but no real way to make it better. I would not recommend this for a corolla. Fits? Yes it installs. Looks good? no.
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

Exactly what I was hoping for

Written By Spiro, Chicago, IL on Wednesday, June 03, 2009
 
This unit does everything I was hoping it would do. Also, for such an inexpensive unit the buttons feel way more solid than my $600 Eclipse CD7000 I have in my other car. I would HIGHLY recommend this unit for something basic yet functional.
11 out of 13 people found this helpful
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
4 out of 5

Not too fancy, not too plain - just right!

Written By Sean, Arizona on Sunday, March 22, 2009
 
I bought this head unit to replace my factory stereo so I can have a little more versatility with my listening options. I didn't want anything too extravagant, and I was on a budget, so after a little research, I decided on this little Clarion unit. And it has not disappointed me! It doesn't have any of the "bells and whistles" that most other head units have, but that's not what I wanted - I just wanted something a little more powerful than my stock radio and also something with the ability to play mp3 CD's and something I could hook my little iPod shuffle up to (via the front auxiliary jack). This head unit doesn't give much in the way of sound-shaping (just your standard bass/treble adjusts, with a few presets for each), but the overall sound is way better than my factory radio, and it gave me exactly what I wanted at a reasonable price. I even dug out an old four channel amp from my garage and bought a small 10" sub box and hooked it up to this head unit and it helps fill out the bottom end of my music just fine. Again, this head unit isn't for any competition-worthy systems, but it's a fantastic and affordable upgrade to any factory stereo!
9 out of 9 people found this helpful
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

Simple enough

Written By Gregory, Columbia, TN on Saturday, February 21, 2009
 
Nothing really fancy, but it looks great in my car and sounds fine too, even with factory Ford speakers.
4 out of 4 people found this helpful
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
1-5 of 5 items

Learn more about Car Receivers

Learn more about Car Receivers

CD Receivers Shopping Guide

CD Receivers Shopping Guide

Robert Ferency-Viars
12/10/2011
based on 567 ratings (22 comments)
 

With so many in-dash CD receivers to choose from, how do you pick the right one? Answering these questions below will help you narrow down your choices to get the right CD player for you.

 
What's 'Appening?

What's 'Appening?

Matt Freeman
3/18/2011
based on 77 ratings (10 comments)
 

In just a few short years, iPod control has become a prominent feature of car stereos. Car A/V companies have acted just as quickly to develop stereos that let you take advantage of the iPhone's...

 
Video: Four Important Car Stereo Accessories

Video: Four Important Car Stereo Accessories

Joshua Crane
10/1/2009
based on 149 ratings (3 comments)
 

In this short video, we present four of the most common accessories you should consider when purchasing a new car stereo. Everyone who installs a new stereo is likely to need at least one of these...

 
Video: What are Digital Media Receivers?

Video: What are Digital Media Receivers?

Zak Billmeier, Ken Nail
8/14/2008
based on 7 ratings (3 comments)
 

Crutchfield car audio experts discuss a new trend in car stereos: the digital media receiver.

 
DVD Receivers — they're not just for movies

DVD Receivers — they're not just for movies

Zak Billmeier
12/6/2011
based on 77 ratings (3 comments)
 

DVD receivers are great for playing movies, but they offer much more than that for your car stereo setup. Large touchscreens, loads of built-in features, and easy viewability are just some of the...

 

Accessories

Accessories we recommend

Auxiliary Input Cables
Plug your favorite portable device directly to your receiver's aux input.
Peripheral Stereo Miniplug Cable
3-foot cable: male miniplug to male miniplug (Model iSVE913)
$19.99
In Stock
 
 
Face Cases
Keep the receiver's face protected when it's out of the car.
SoundKase DFC1X
Soft face case for detachable faceplates (single-DIN)
$9.99
In Stock
 
 
Bluetooth Phone Kits
Make and receive hands-free phone calls with your compatible cell phone.
Clarion BLT370 Bluetooth® Receiver
Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming

Also available in:
Open Box: $84.99
$99.99
Low Stock
 
 
Professional Installation
Get more info about having your new receiver put in by a qualified professional in your area.
InstallCard: In-dash Stereo
Prepaid professional in-dash receiver installation
 
Steering Wheel Audio Control Adapters
You can operate your new radio with your factory-installed steering wheel controls by adding an adapter.
PAC SWI-JACK
Steering wheel control interface for Alpine, Clarion, JVC, and Kenwood
$69.99
In Stock
 
 

Extras

Installation Tools
Save money by doing the installation yourself. The right tools will help.
Scosche TK12V Car Stereo Tool Kit
The tools you need for a clean and professional car stereo installation
$19.99
In Stock
 
 
Metra Crimp Tool and Connectors
Package contains crimp tool and over 150 pieces
$19.99
Out of Stock
 
 
Metra Crimp Tool Set
Package contains light-duty crimp tool and 20 crimp caps
$9.99
In Stock
 
 
S&G Wire Cutter/Stripper Tool
Cuts and strips 12- to 22-gauge wire
$29.99
In Stock
 
 
Rockford Fosgate Receiver Installation Kit
Crimp caps, connectors, and assorted hardware (Model IEC HUK)
$0.99
In Stock
 
After $5.00 Price Break
 
Pro.Fit Trim Panel Tool
Remove your vehicle's trim panels without damage
$4.50
In Stock
 
 
S&G Wire Cutter/Stripper Tool
Cuts and strips 12- to 22-gauge stranded wire
$24.99
In Stock
 
 
Pro.Fit Hook Tool Set
Installation tools — pair
$4.99
In Stock
 
 
Pro.Fit Wire Worm
Installation tool helps route wiring through tight spaces
$12.99
In Stock
 
 
Multi Wedge Trim Panel Tools
Set of six (flexible and rigid) tools — helps remove trim and door panels
$19.99
In Stock
 
 
Skewdriver Pro SPK4042
Ratcheting straight and offset screwdriver set with 40 bits (Skewdriver Pro with ratchet handle, pictured)
$49.99
In Stock
 
 
DEI Heat Shrink Tubing
Black 4-foot length (Assortment)
$24.99
In Stock
 
 
Show more items
CD Cases
Keep your CDs off the floor and free from smudges with one of these handy cases.
Visor Storage 12-disc CD Holder
Keep your favorite discs within reach
$14.99
In Stock
 
 
CD Care
Get rid of the skipping on your favorite discs with a CD cleaning kit.
Maxell CD-335
CD scratch repair kit
$9.99
In Stock
 
 
Test Discs
Whether it's for sound quality or for maximum boom, there's no way to perfect your system like a professional test disc.
Autosound 2000 CD Set
$69.95
In Stock
 
 
 
Add selected to cart
 

For a more in-depth review and enhanced detailed information on the Clarion CZ109, please visit the Crutchfield website product page (/ISEO-rccbcspd/p_020CZ109/Clarion-CZ109.html ).

close X
Can we help you find something
or answer a question?
Chat with a Crutchfield advisor or call 1-800-320-6609. Chat
Clarion CZ109