Display Features
Audio Section
Radio Functions
Disc Playback
USB/iPod/Aux Connectivity
Built-in Bluetooth
Remote Control
Display Features
2-DIN Chassis: The Clarion CX501 has a 2-DIN chassis (also
known as "Double DIN" or size DD), and will fit in many vehicles with a large
dash opening. The unit can be ISO-mounted using your vehicle's factory radio
brackets and the supplied hardware. There is also an optional custom double-DIN
sleeve (0202DBKT,
sold separately) available for this unit that will allow you to mount the CX501
in a custom 4" opening. As always, please consult the
Crutchfield Car Selector to verify fit with your vehicle.
728-Variable Color Illumination: The CX501 is equipped with a high
visibility, 728 Variable-Color Illumination LCD that allows numbers and
characters to be displayed clearly in all lighting conditions. You can select
the exact color you want for the head unit's display and button illumination to
match your car's instrument panel or personal preference. You can adjust the
display contrast to match the angle of installation of this unit between 1 to
16.
Large Rotary Control Knob: The unit's large 3-way rotary control knob,
combined with the ergonomically symmetrical design of the unit, helps to provide
equally comfortable operation from the driver side or passenger side. Its
intuitiveness and natural feel minimizes stress for the operator and contributes
to driving safety.
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 then the display returns to the screen saver display.
Anti-Theft System: Since the CX501 does not have detachable
face, this unit features Clarion's Anti-Theft System (CATS). CATS allows you to
create a 4-digit code that must be entered to operate the unit if it is ever
disconnected from your vehicle's battery.
Anti-Theft Indicator: The red Anti-theft indicator on the
unit's front-panel is a function for preventing theft. When the CX501 and your
vehicle is turned completely off, this indicator will blink to deter theft.
Audio Section
MOSFET Amplifier: The Clarion CX501 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.
CEA2006 Compliant: The power specifications for the CX501
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 CX501 are as follows:
- CEA2006 Specs: 21 watts RMS x 4 channels (at 4 ohms,
20Hz-20kHz, 1% THD-N)
- Maximum Power Output: 50 watts x 4 channels (180 watts
total)
BeatEQ: In addition to providing 3 preset equalization
patterns (Bass Boost, Impact, and Excite), Clarion's BeatEQ lets you freely
customize the level and range of the bass, midrange and treble portions of each
pattern. You can tune the sound to your liking, depending on the category of
music, for a more fulfilling listening experience.
- Bass Boost: Bass is emphasized +/-3.
- Impact: Bass and treble are emphasized +/-3.
- Excite: Bass, midrange, and treble are emphasized +/-3.
- Custom: Adjusts the bass, midrange, and treble
independently +/-7.
- Bass: You can set the effected bass frequency to
50Hz, 100Hz, or 200Hz and the Q-factor to 0.7, 1, 1.4, or 2
- Midrange: You can set the effected midrange
frequency to 500Hz, 1.0kHz, or 2.0kHz and the Q-factor to 0.7, 1, 1.4,
or 2
- Treble: The effected treble frequency can be set to
5kHz, 10kHz, or 15kHz, and the Q-factor to 0.7, 1, 1.4, or 2
- Off (Flat): Bass, midrange, and treble are set to 0.
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.
6ch/4V RCA Output: The Clarion CX501 features 6ch/4V RCA
line level outputs (Front/Rear/Sub). The head unit is able to connect a full
range of speakers, ranging from tweeter and mid-range to subwoofers. The full
set of line outputs allows integration into a wide range of potential systems,
and is ready to support future system expansions.
Subwoofer Controls: The non-fading subwoofer preamp output
features an independent level control (+/-6) and phase adjustment
(normal/reverse).
Built-in Crossovers: The Clarion CX501 is equipped with
built-in low-pass and high-pass crossovers.
- 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 60Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz, or Through
(full-range).
- High-Pass Filter: The CX501 features a High-Pass Filter (HPF) for
the unit's front & rear channels, via speaker-output or preamp-output. You
can adjust the high-pass filter from 60Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz, or Through
(full-range). The HPF prevents low bass notes from distorting your front & rear
speakers. The high-pass filter setting effects both the front & rear
channels of the head unit.
Beep: The in-dash head unit provides an audible beep to
confirm button operation. This function can be turned On or Off.
Radio Functions
AM/FM Tuner: The Clarion CX501 is equipped with a built-in AM/FM
tuner offering 18 FM station presets and 6 AM station presets. Stations can be stored
manually or automatically.
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.
Preset Scan: Preset scan receives the stations stored in the unit's
preset memory in order. This function is useful when searching for a desired
preset station.
Local Seeking: When Local seeking is turned "On", only those radio
stations with strong radio signal can be received.
HD Radio Ready: With an optional Clarion THD301 HD Radio
tuner (020THD301, sold separately), you will be able to receive digital AM/FM
broadcasts from local stations where available. This new technology will
significantly improve audio quality and reception, as well as include
information such as artist name and song titles or traffic news, viewable on the
receiver's display. The add-on HD Radio tuner includes iTunes Tagging
capability, so if you hear a song on the radio that you like, you can tag it to
download later from the iTunes Store.
Note: Right now there are about 2,000 radio stations
broadcasting using digital HD Radio technology in the U.S. To find HD Radio
stations in your area, visit the HD Radio website (HDRadio.com).
Satellite Radio Ready: There are several options for
connecting an optional XM or SIRIUS Satellite Radio receiver to this receiver:
- Sirius Satellite Radio: To receive Sirius Satellite
Radio, you can connect the optional SC-C1 Sirius Connect Universal Vehicle
Tuner (607SCC1,
sold separately) directly to the head unit's Sirius direct connection (no
proprietary interface required).
- Auxiliary Input: A portable XM or Sirius Satellite Radio receiver can
also be connected to the head unit via the front-panel
auxiliary input.
Note: A subscription is also required to receive
satellite radio programming from Sirius or XM.
Disc Playback
Disc Compatibility: The unit features a single disc player
that will playback CD-Audio, CD-Text, and finalized CD-R/CD-RW audio discs.
MP3/WMA Playback: The unit can
play MP3 (8-320 kbps/VBR) and WMA (5-320 kbps) files recorded onto CD-R and
CD-RW discs using ISO9660 Level 1 or 2, Joliet, Romeo, or Apple ISO formats. The player can
recognize up to 8 hierarchical levels and 256 files per folder, with a maximum
of 999 total files per USB device. This unit is
compatible with, and will display MP3 and WMA ID3 tags up to 32 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.
Folder Select: This function allows you to select a folder containing
MP3/WMA files and start playing from the first track in the folder.
Playback Functions: The
CX501 provides Repeat, Random, & Scan playback functions.
- 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
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.
USB/iPod/Aux Connectivity
USB Port: The front-panel USB (type-A) port allows you to connect and play USB
(1.1/2.0) Mass Storage devices loaded with MP3 and WMA files. MP3 files with a bit
rate from 8-320 kbps and WMA files with a bit rate from 5-320 kbps that are formatted
with FAT will be supported. The head unit can recognize up to 256 files per folder and 999 total files. Titles up to 64 characters can be
displayed while in USB mode. The CX501 offers the following playback operation
of your USB Mass Storage device - Play, Pause, Track selection,
Fast-forward/backward, Scan play, Repeat play, Random play, and Folder selection.
This unit will also charge you connected USB device when the receiver is turned
on.
Note: The Clarion USB extension cable (020CCA755, sold
separately) can be used to connected your USB flash-memory device. Copy-protected WMA files cannot be
played on this unit.
iPod/iPhone Direct: The Clarion CX501 allows you to connect your
iPod/iPhone to the head unit's front-panel USB port using your iPod's USB/Dock
cable for audio playback, control, and charging of your iPod/iPhone. This
head unit also supports the display of title information transmitted from your
iPod/iPhone.
- USB Connection: The USB connection allows your
iPod/iPhone's stored music 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 92dB.
- Audio Playback: The Clarion head unit supports audio
playback of music files stored on your iPod or iPhone.
iPod Video can be viewed by connecting the CX501 to an external universal
monitor with RCA video input and connecting a compatible iPod/iPhone via the
optional Clarion CCA748 cable (020CCA748,
sold separately).
- Music Navigation: The head unit lets you search music
for playback from your iPod/iPhone by category (Playlist, Artist, Album,
Song, Genre, or Composer). You can select between categories by using the
head unit's numbered preset buttons 1-6. Once you have selected a category,
you can search through the music in that particular category alphabetically.
You can also control the following playback functions of your iPod/iPhone:
Skip Tracks, Fast-forward/backward, Pause, Repeat, and Random. You can also
choose to control your iPod/iPhone through its clickwheel or touchscreen.
- Information Display: The head unit will display
your iPod/iPhone's music file information, including - Track number, Elapsed
playing time, Song Title, Artist Name, and Album Label.
- Charging: While connected and the ignition switch is
set to ACC or ON, the head unit's USB connection will power and charge your
iPod/iPhone. If your iPod/iPhone has no initial battery
charge, then the unit will not recognize it.
Note: If you have an iPod nano (7th gen), iPod touch
(5th gen), or iPhone 5; use the Lighting-to-USB cable that came with your
Apple device to connect to the head unit.
iPod/iPhone Compatibility Chart: The Clarion CX501 is "Made
for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model
features (as of 9/25/2012):
|
iPod Model |
Generation |
Tested Version |
Media Type |
Control Type |
Display Type |
Charge |
|
Audio |
Video |
Head Unit |
iPod |
App mode |
Artist/Song Text |
Track Info |
|
dock connector |
3rd |
N/A |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
clickwheel
color |
4th |
N/A |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
|
mini |
1st |
N/A |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
| 2nd |
N/A |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
|
video |
5th |
1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
classic |
80GB |
1.1.2 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
120GB |
2.0.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
160GB |
2.0.4 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
nano |
1st |
1.3.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
2nd |
1.1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3rd |
1.1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4th |
1.0.4 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
5th |
1.0.2 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
6th |
1.1 PC |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
7th |
1.2 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
touch |
1st |
2.2.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
2nd |
4.2.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3rd |
5.1.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4th |
6.0 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
5th |
6.0 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
iPhone |
2G |
3.1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3G |
4.2.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3GS |
5.1.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4 |
6.0 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4S |
6.0 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
5 |
6.0 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
iPad |
1 |
5.1.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
|
2 |
6.0 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
|
3 |
6.0 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
Note: Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may change
functionality results. If you download a newer software version, you may
need to reset the head unit and your iPod/iPhone to regain functionality. If
this doesn't work, you may need to wait until a newer software update is
available.
Auxiliary Input: The CX501 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.
Built-in Bluetooth
Bluetooth Wireless Technology: The Clarion CX501 is equipped with
built-in Bluetooth. Bluetooth wireless technology enables voice and data to be
sent via a short-distant digital radio link (2.4GHz) up to approximately 33
feet. Bluetooth (ver.2.0+EDR) compatibility provides the ability to wirelessly
connect Bluetooth enabled mobile phones and digital audio players to this
head unit. The Clarion CX501 allows for hands-free mobile phone communication as
well as audio streaming of files through your car stereo system.
Bluetooth Profiles: The following Bluetooth (ver.2.0+EDR) Profiles are
supported by the Clarion CX501.
- HFP (Hands-Free Profile): Hands-free communication with
your Bluetooth enabled cellular phone in the vehicle (incoming/outgoing
calls supported).
- HSP (Headset Profile): Provides support for Bluetooth
headsets to be used with mobile phones.
- OPP (Object Push Profile): Phonebook transfer from your
Bluetooth enabled mobile phone to the head unit.
- PBAP (Phone Book Access Profile): Phonebook access from
your Bluetooth enabled cell-phone to the head unit.
- A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile): Music
streaming from your Bluetooth enabled phone or audio player to the head unit.
- AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile): Basic music
playback control of your Bluetooth enabled phone or audio player from the
head unit.
Pairing: Your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone or digital
audio player must be paired with the Clarion CX501 before initial Bluetooth
operation. You can register up to five Bluetooth enabled cell-phones with the
Clarion in-dash head unit (only one paired phone can be used at a time). Not all Bluetooth enabled mobile cell-phones and
devices will be compatible with the CX501. Visit
Clarion Bluetooth Support for list of current
compatible cell-phones.
Hands-Free Communication (HFP/HSP/OPP/PBAP): The Clarion CX501's
built-in wireless Bluetooth interface supports hands-free operation of your
Bluetooth enabled mobile phone. You can listen to phone calls through your car's
audio system and talk through the head unit's integrated microphone. The Clarion
CX501 can retrieve phonebook contacts, receive calls, and dial calls from your
Bluetooth enabled mobile phone.
- Answering Calls: During an incoming call, the caller's phone
number will be seen on the unit's LCD and a ring-tone will be heard through
your car stereo speakers. You can adjust the unit's ring volume from 1-10.
You can then manually answer the incoming call from the head unit's
front-panel controls. You can also set the unit to automatically answer an
incoming call within 5 seconds.
- Making A Call: There are 4 ways to make an outgoing call from the
Clarion in-dash head unit.
- Direct Dial: Outgoing calls can be made be entering telephone
numbers (0-9, *, #, +) directly via the car stereo's rotary control
knob.
- Phonebook: You can search for contact names in your
mobile phone's phonebook from the Clarion CX501 and then make your call.
The head unit
can store up to 500 contact numbers.
- Call Log: You can also make a call by searching your mobile
phone's call history (Received/Dialed/Missed) from the Clarion CX501.
- Redial: You can redial the last phone number dialed on your
mobile phone from the Clarion CX501.
Integrated Microphone: The Clarion CX501 features an integrated
front-panel microphone to carry on your side of a conversation during a
Bluetooth phone call. You can adjust the microphone gain (1-5) for each paired
mobile phone device. There is no port for adding an external microphone.
Audio Streaming (A2DP/AVRCP): The Clarion CX501's built-in wireless
Bluetooth interface also supports audio streaming so you can enjoy music
streamed from your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone or digital audio player
through your car stereo system. The CX501 offers Play/Pause, Track Selection,
and Fast-Forward/Reverse playback functions of your streamed music.
Remote Control
Wireless Remote: The CX501 comes supplied with the RCB-176
infrared wireless remote control for wireless operation of the CD player. 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). Please consult
Crutchfield's
Outfit My Car to see if your vehicle is compatible.
