About the Clarion CZ205
Music options on a budget
Music options on a budget
Looking for a radio that offers several music options but won't break your bank? Clarion's CZ205 CD receiver saves you some money without imposing limits on how you enjoy your music. A front-panel USB port and aux input let you hook up almost any portable music player, while the receiver's user-friendly controls give you quick access over your music files, CDs, or favorite radio stations. Clarion even includes a wireless remote, just in case you want to let your passengers choose.
Connect and play
Using the CZ205's USB port, you can connect your iPhone to control and play your stored music, or enjoy your favorite stations using its Pandora® Internet Radio app. And if you have a flash drive full of MP3 and WMA files, the CZ205 can handle those too. A front aux input lets you plug in just about any portable audio device.
Included extras
The 3-band parametric equalizer allows you to change the center frequency for adjusting the bass, midrange, and treble, so you get more control over the tone of your music. Two sets of preamp outputs ease the job of connecting an amp or powered subwoofer. An adjustable low-pass filter lets your subwoofer concentrate on the lower frequencies that deliver your music's impact.
Want to keep your steering wheel controls?
In most cars, you'll need an adapter to retain those controls with this car stereo. Connect a few wires, then program the adapter for your particular car and radio, and you'll retain the convenience of your steering wheel controls.You'll see the adapters that work with your vehicle when you add this receiver to your cart.
Product highlights:
General Features:
- CD receiver with AM/FM tuner
- built-in amplifier (21 watts RMS CEA-2006/45 peak x 4 channels)
- detachable face with single-line display and blue illumination
- built-in iPod, iPod Touch, and iPhone controls
- Pandora control for iPhone
- USB works with flash drives containing MP3 and WMA files
- plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs (including discs loaded with MP3 and WMA files)
- wireless remote control
Audio Features:
- BeatEQ (three preset tone settings and 3-band parametric EQ)
- low-pass filter for connected subwoofer
Expandability:
- inputs: front-panel auxiliary input, front-panel USB input
- outputs: 4-channel preamp outputs (2-volt front, rear/sub)
Other Features and Specs:
- compatible with most factory steering wheel audio controls (adapter required)
- CEA-2006 compliant
- warranty: 1 year
- MFR # CZ205
What's in the box:
- CD receiver
- Face
- Sleeve (installed)
- Trim-ring
- Wiring harness
- Remote control (RCX001)
- CR2025 3V battery
- 4 ISO screws
- Face-fixing screw
- 2 Removal tools
- Owners/Installation Manual
- Warranty Card
Featured video:
Customer reviews for Clarion CZ205
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Average review:
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More details on the Clarion CZ205
Features & specs
Expandability | ||
---|---|---|
AUX Input | Front | |
Audio/video Input | --- | |
USB Input | Front | |
USB Port Power | --- | |
Backup Camera Input | No | |
Second Camera Input | No | |
CarPlay | No | |
Android Auto | No | |
Siri Control | No | |
Alexa Voice Control | ||
Android Control | No | |
Memory Card Slot | USB memory | |
Bluetooth Compatible | No | |
Satellite Radio Ready | No | |
HD Radio | No | |
Navigation | --- | |
iPod Compatibility | ||
Full size | No | |
Nano | 7/6 | |
Touch | 5/4/3 | |
iPhone | 6S+/6S/6+6/5S/5C/5/4S/4/3GS | |
General | ||
RMS Power (CTA-2006) | 21 watts | |
RMS Power (Manufacturer) | --- | |
Peak Output | 45 watts | |
RMS Power Bandwidth | 20-20kHz | |
Preamp Outputs | 4-channel | |
Sub Preamp Outputs | No | |
Switchable Rear Preamp Outputs | Yes | |
Video Screen | No | |
Navigation App Compatible (iOS) | ||
Navigation App Compatible (Android) | ||
Preamp Voltage | 2 volts | |
Screen Size | --- | |
Screen Type | --- | |
Display Color | White | |
Key Button Color | Blue | |
EQ Bands | 3 | |
Wireless Remote | Yes | |
Steering Wheel Control Compatible | Adapter required | |
Parts Warranty | 1 Year | |
Labor Warranty | 1 Year | |
Tuner | ||
FM Sensitivity | 8 dBf | |
European Tuning | No | |
Seek/Scan | Seek | |
Radio Data System | No | |
File Playback | ||
Music File Playback | MP3, WMA | |
High-res Playback | N |
Product Research
CD & USB Playback
iPhone/Aux Integration
AM/FM + Pandora Radio
Audio Section
Display Features
Remote Control
CD & USB Playback
CD Compatibility: The Clarion CZ205 in-dash head unit features a single disc player that will playback CD-Audio discs, as well as finalized CD-R and CD-RW audio discs.
- 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.
- 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.
Front-Panel USB Port: The Clarion CZ205 features a front panel USB (type-A) port that is hidden behind a flip-up cover. The USB port enables connection and control of a portable USB mass-storage class (MSC) device; such as select portable digital audio players or USB thumbdrives. The unit supports playback of MP3 & WMA music files stored on a compatible USB memory device. USB portable audio players that can be charged via USB will be charged when plugged into the CD receiver's USB port (max. 1A), and the vehicle's ignition switch is set to ACC or On.
Compatible Music Files: The Clarion CZ205 supports the following types of MP3 & WMA files recorded onto CD-R/RW discs or loaded onto a USB thumbdrive or other USB mass storage class devices.
Media Type | CD-R/RW | USB |
---|---|---|
File System | ISO9660 level 1/2, Joliet | FAT 12/16/32 |
Playable File Types | MP3: bit rate of 8-320 kbps w/ sampling rate of 8-48kHz WMA: bit rate of 8-320 kbps w/ sampling rate of 8-48kHz | |
Maximum # of Folders/Files | 999 filers per folder/3,000 total files | |
Tags | ID3 tag, WMA tag |
Playback & Search Functions: The CZ205 provides a variety of playback & search functions that help find your music easier and allow you to enjoy your music even more.
- Folder/File Select: This function allows you to select a folder containing MP3/WMA files and start playing from the first track in the folder.
- 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.
- Repeat Play: This function allows you to play the current track on a disc repeatedly or play a file currently being played in a MP3/WMA folder repeatedly.
- Random Play: This function allows you to play all tracks recorded on a disc or in a folder in a random order.
- Last Position Memory: If you turn off the unit while a disc or USB device is playing, it will resume playback at the stopping point when it is turned on again.
iPhone/Aux Integration
iPod/iPhone Direct Connection: The Clarion CZ205's front-panel USB port can be used to connect your Lightning-connector or 30-pin dock connector iPod/iPhone to the head unit. Simply use the cable that came with your iPod/iPhone device or a 3rd party Apple certified cable (sold separately). The CZ205 supports audio playback, music navigation, information display, and charging of your compatible Apple device.
- Audio Playback w/ DAC Bypass: The USB connection allows your iPod/iPhone's stored music and music apps to be loaded instantly to the head unit and sound quality to be maximized through the head unit's 1-bit D/A converter, allowing for a Signal to Noise ratio up to 94dB. The Clarion head unit supports audio playback of stored music, music apps, and podcasts on your iPod or iPhone.
- Music Control: You can choose to control your iPod/iPhone from
the head unit or from your iPod/iPhone's clickwheel or touchscreen.
- Head Unit: The Clarion head unit allows you to navigate your iPod's music by Playlist, Artists, Album, Genre, Composer, Song, or Podcast. You can search these categories alphabetically (A through Z). The head unit also supports Repeat (file/all) playback functions of your connected iPod/iPhone.
- Simple Control: In Simple Control mode, you can navigate the stored music on your iPod/iPhone from its clickwheel or touchscreen. You can also listen to your favorite music apps from your iPhone (iOS 5.0+) through the Clarion head unit and your vehicle's speakers. You will continue to use your iPhone's touchscreen to navigate your apps. Not all apps will be compatible with App Mode.
- Song/Artist Info: The head unit will display your iPod/iPhone's stored music file information; including Track number, Elapsed playing time, Song title, and Artist/Artist name. The head unit will also display song/artist information from the Pandora App. It will not display metadata from other streamed apps or when in Simple Control mode.
- Charging: The head unit's USB connection provides 1A of current to power and charge your connected iPod/iPhone when your vehicle's ignition switch is set to the 'ACC' or 'On' position (if your iPod/iPhone has no initial battery charge, then the unit will not recognize it).
Apple Device Compatibility Chart: The Clarion CZ205 is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model features (as of 11/3/2015):
Apple Device | Generation | Tested Version | Media Type | Control Type | Display Type | Charge | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Audio | Video | Head Unit | iPod/iPhone | Pandora | Artist/Song Text | Track Info | ||||
iPhone | ||||||||||
3GS | 5.1.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
4 | 7.1.2 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
4S | 9.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
5/5C/5S | 9.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
6/6+/6S/6S+ | 9.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
touch | ||||||||||
3rd | 5.1.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
4th | 6.1.3 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
5th | 9.1 | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
nano | ||||||||||
6th | 1.2 PC | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | |
7th | 1.02PC | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | Y |
Front-Panel Aux Input: The CZ205 feature a front panel 3.5mm auxiliary input so you connect your external portable audio player or portable satellite radio receiver to this head unit. You can set the Auxiliary input sensitivity level to Low, Mid, or High to match the volume output of your connected external audio device.
AM/FM + Pandora Radio
AM/FM Tuner: The Clarion CZ205 is equipped with a built-in AM/FM tuner offering manual, seek, & preset tuning. 18 FM station presets and 6 AM station presets can stored; stations can be stored manually or automatically. Preset scan lets you quickly scan through all of your preset stations in a selected band. This function is useful when searching for a desired preset station. When Local seeking is turned "On", only those radio stations with strong radio signal can be received.
Pandora App: The Pandora App (free) lets you play music from the Pandora music service through the Clarion CZ205 using your USB-connected Apple iPhone (iOS 7.0+), via the cable that came with your iPhone device or a 3rd party Apple certified cable (sold separately). Your iPhone will need an active Data Plan account with connection to the Internet via 3G, EDGE, or WiFi. You will also need a Pandora music service account.
- Music Control: The CZ205 provides control over the Pandora music service. You can select Pandora stations from your station list and sort them by date or alphabetically (A-Z). New stations can be created based on the current songs or artists playing. You can also skip song tracks within a station. You can even give songs a thumbs up or thumbs down or bookmark songs/artists that are currently playing.
- Song/Artist Display: The CZ205 will also display your Pandora station's song/artist information such as artist name, song title, and album title.
Audio Section
MOSFET Amplifier: The Clarion CZ205 is equipped with a MOSFET amplifier. Compared to conventional power supplies, the MOSFET amplification circuit is smaller and more efficient, and it delivers increased power with less distortion and absolutely zero on/off switching noise. More power means louder and cleaner music at higher volumes because you're not pushing the limits of the amplification circuit. The power output specs for the CZ205 are as follows:
- CEA2006 Specs: 21 watts RMS x 4 channels (at 4 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 1% THD-N)
- Maximum Power Output: 45 watts x 4 channels (180 watts total)
2V/4Ch RCA Output: The Clarion CZ205 features 2V/4Ch RCA line-level outputs (Front, Rear/SW). The unit's Rear/SW RCA output can be configured as a dedicated non-fading RCA subwoofer output with a low-pass filter and level control (+/-6).
Low-Pass Subwoofer Filter: The Low-Pass Filter (LPF) for the subwoofer preamp output (when activated) will send only the low frequency range through the preamp outputs to ensure superb performance with a connected subwoofer. The low-pass filter can be set to 80Hz, 120Hz, 160Hz, or Through (full-range).
BeatEQ: BeatEQ lets you tune the sound to your liking, depending on the category of music, for a more fulfilling listening experience. The Clarion CD receiver provides 4 preset EQ curves (Bass Boost, Impact, Excite, Off) and 1 custom EQ curve. Bass Boost emphasizes the bass portion of your music; Impact emphasizes the bass & treble portions of your music; Excite emphasizes bass, midrange & treble portions of your music; while Flat sets the bass, midrange, & treble to 0. The Custom EQ lets you freely customize the frequency, Q-factor, and level of the bass, midrange, & treble. BeatEQ settings are applied to all sources.
BeatEQ (Custom Mode) | Frequency | Q-Factor | Level |
---|---|---|---|
Bass | 60Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, or 200Hz | 1, 1.25, 1.5 or 2.0 | -7 to + 7 dB |
Midrange | 500Hz, 1.0kHz, 1.5kHz, or 2.5 kHz | 0.5, 0.75. 1.0, or 1.25 | -7 to + 7 dB |
Treble | 10kHz, 12.5kHz, 15kHz, or 17.5kHz | N/A | -7 to + 7 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.
Beep: The in-dash head unit provides an audible beep to confirm button operation. This function can be turned On or Off.
Display Features
Detachable Face Security: This unit features detachable face security to deter theft. No face case is included with this unit. An optional soft face case (142DFC1X, sold separately) can be purchased for this unit. A face-fixing screw is supplied for making the face non-detachable, if desired.
High Visibility LCD: The single-line, 10-digit, high visibility LCD (with black background and white characters) on the CZ205 allows numbers and characters to be displayed clearly in almost any lighting condition.
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 then the display returns to the screen saver display.
Remote Control
Wireless Remote: The Clarion CZ205 comes supplied with an IR remote control for wireless operation of the in-dash CD receiver. The remote operates off of a single CR2025 Lithium cell 3-volt battery.
Steering Wheel Remote Compatibility: The head unit features an OEM steering wheel remote control input on the rear of the unit that lets you keep your vehicle's factory radio steering wheel remote controls when used with an optional steering wheel audio control adapter (sold separately).
The Clarion CZ205 replaces these items
Clarion CZ102
- front-panel auxiliary input
- MP3 and WMA playback
- one set of preamp outputs
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Customer Q&A
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I really enjoy being able to play my CD's; even the ones I made from my cassette tapes. I just plugged my mp3 player in and it played my songs with no problem. Sound quality is very good, and it is not that hard to figure out how to use it. I really like this stereo!
Sharon from Arizona