Overview: The Clarion FZ501
digital media receiver is equipped with a front-panel USB port and front-panel
auxiliary (3.5mm) input. The front-panel USB port can be used to connect a USB
flash-memory device or your iPod/iPhone. The Clarion FZ501 is also equipped with
built-in Bluetooth for hands-free communication and audio streaming. In
addition, the FZ501 features a built-in AM/FM tuner. You can also add a Sirius
Satellite Radio or HD Radio tuner (both sold separately). A wireless remote
control is included for added convenience, and the unit is OEM steering wheel
remote ready (optional adapter sold separately). The Clarion FZ501 features a 50
watt (Peak) x 4-channel MOSFET amplifier.
Note: This unit is
not equipped with a built-in CD player.
Display Features
Audio Section
Radio Functions
USB/Aux Connectivity
iPod/iPhone Control
Built-in Bluetooth
Remote Control
Display Features
High Visibility LCD: The two-line, high
visibility LCD
(with black background and white characters) on the FZ501 allows numbers and characters to
be displayed clearly in almost any lighting condition.
7-Way Rotary Control Dial:
The FZ501 employs a centered 7-way rotary control dial which provides full
control of the digital media receiver and your connected devices.
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.
Mounting: You can install the unit within 30-degrees of
horizontal.
Audio Section
MOSFET Amplifier: The Clarion FZ501 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 FZ501
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 FZ501 are as follows:
- CEA2006 Specs: 18 watts RMS x 4 channels (at 4 ohms,
20Hz-20kHz, 1% THD-N)
- Maximum Power Output: 50 watts x 4 channels (200 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.
4ch/2V Preamp Output: The Clarion FZ501 features 4ch/2V RCA
line level outputs (Front/Rear). The unit's rear preamp outputs can be
configured as a dedicated non-fading RCA subwoofer output with a low-pass
filter, phase adjustment (normal/reverse), and level control (+/-6).
Built-in Crossovers: The Clarion FZ501 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 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 FZ501 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 FZ501 is equipped with a built-in
AM/FM tuner with manual, seek, and preset tuning.
Preset Tuning: You can store 18 FM station presets and 6 AM station presets. Stations
can be stored manually or automatically.
Note: This unit does not offer front-panel preset buttons. You
will need to access your presets through the unit's menu system.
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.
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. This function is only available on the unit's IR
remote control.
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 tuner 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). You can also connect the Sirius
dock-and-play adapter (607SCVDOC1)
along with a compatible portable Sirius radio (all sold separately).
- 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.
USB/Aux Connectivity
USB Port: The Clarion FZ501 digital
media receiver's front-panel USB (type-A) port is hidden behind a sliding-cover.
The unit's front-panel port allows you to connect and play USB
(1.1/2.0) Mass Storage devices loaded with MP3 and WMA files. MP3 and WMA files with a bit rate from 8-320 kbps
and formatted with FAT are supported. The head unit can recognize up to
999 files per folder and 3,000 total files. Titles up to 64 characters can be
displayed while in USB mode. 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.
Folder Select: This function allows you to select a
folder containing MP3/WMA files and start playing from the first track in the
folder.
Top Function: The Top
Function resets the digital media receiver to the first track of the connected
USB device.
Playback Functions: The FZ501 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 connected USB device.
- Repeat Play: This function lets you play the current
track repeatedly or play a track currently being played in a MP3/WMA folder
repeatedly.
- Random Play: This
function allows you to play all tracks recorded on a USB device in a random
order.
Last Position Memory: If you turn off the unit or
switch sources while a track is playing, it will resume playback at the stopping
point when it is turned on again (as long as you do not disconnect the USB
device).
Auxiliary Input: The FZ501 feature a front-panel 3.5mm
auxiliary input (hidden behind a sliding-cover) 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.
iPod/iPhone Control
iPod/iPhone Direct: The Clarion FZ501 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.
iPod/iPhone DAC Bypass: 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 79dB.
Audio Playback: The Clarion head unit supports audio
playback of music files stored on your iPod or iPhone.
iPod Video can also be viewed by connecting the FZ501 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: You can
choose to control your iPod/iPhone's music from the Clarion digital media
receiver or from your iPod/iPhone's clickwheel or touchscreen.
- Category Search: The head unit lets you search your connected
iPod/iPhone's music by category (Playlist, Artist, Album,
Song, Genre, or Composer).
- ABC Search: Once you have select a music category, you can search
that particular music category alphabetically (A-Z).
- Basic Playback: You can also control the following basic playback functions of your iPod/iPhone
- Play/Pause, Fast-forward/backward, and Skip tracks (previous/next).
- Repeat/Random: In addition, the digital media receiver
offers Repeat (track/all) and Random (all) playback functions of your
connected iPod/iPhone.
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.
Note: If your iPod/iPhone has no initial battery
charge, then the unit will not recognize it.
iPod/iPhone Compatibility Chart: The Clarion FZ501 is "Made
for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model
features (as of March 2011):
|
iPod/iPhone Model |
Generation |
Tested Version |
Media Type |
Control Type |
Display Type |
Charge |
|
Audio |
Video |
head unit |
iPod/iPhone |
Song/Artist Text |
Track Info |
|
dock connector |
3rd |
N/A |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
clickwheel
color |
4th |
N/A |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
|
mini |
1st |
N/A |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
| 2nd |
N/A |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
|
video |
5th |
1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
classic |
80GB |
1.1.2 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
120GB |
2.0.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
160GB |
2.0.4 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
nano |
1st |
1.3.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
2nd |
1.1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3rd |
1.1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4th |
1.0.4 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
5th |
1.0.2 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
6th |
1.0 PC |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
touch |
1st |
2.2.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
2nd |
4.2.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3rd |
4.2.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4th |
4.2.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
iPhone |
2G |
3.1.2 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3G |
3.1.2 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3GS |
3.1.2 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4 |
4.2.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
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 revert
to the older software version or wait until a newer software update
is available.
Built-in Bluetooth
Bluetooth Technology: Bluetooth wireless technology enables
voice and data to be sent via a short-distant digital radio link up to
approximately 33 feet. As such, it extends the wireless communication
possibilities for mobile phones and hundreds of electronic devices and ensures
crisp, static-free audio performance. Built-in Bluetooth technology allows you
to utilize your vehicle's built-in audio system for wireless mobile phone or
music hands-free operation.
Bluetooth Profiles: The Clarion FZ501
features built-in Bluetooth technology for wireless connection with Bluetooth
enabled mobile phones, PDAs and MP3 Players. The FZ501 supports Bluetooth
Ver.2.0+EDR profiles A2DP/AVRCP for audio streaming and HFP/PBAP for hands-free
operation, so you can easily communicate and transfer digital music to your
vehicle's audio system.
- HFP/PBAP: Wireless
hands-free communication for your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone
with phone book transfer.
- A2DP/AVRCP: Wireless stereo
music streaming and remote control functions
(start/play/stop/pause/volume/track search) from your Bluetooth enabled
mobile phone.
Pairing: Before using your Bluetooth enabled device, it
must be paired to the FZ501. 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). The
Clarion FZ501 is compatible with most Bluetooth enabled mobile phones, including
the Apple iPhone.
Note: The Clarion FZ501 is not
compatible with all Bluetooth enabled phones or audio players. Check
Clarion.com for complete list of compatible phones and players.
Hands-Free Communication (HFP/PBAP): The FZ501 supports Bluetooth hands-free communication from your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone. The FZ501 can be set to automatically answer
your incoming calls and mute any music audio to your vehicle's speakers so you
can instantly carry on a phone conversation hands-free. An integrated
front-panel microphone
carries on your side of the conversation while your car's speakers
are used to hear the other person. You can make a call by entering the phone number,
selecting a contact from your Phonebook list, or using the Call History Log of
received/dialed/missed calls.
- Answering A Call: 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 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 3 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 FZ501 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 FZ501.
Integrated Microphone: The Clarion FZ501 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.
External Microphone (optional): The Clarion RCB-199 (020RCB199,
sold separately) is an external microphone which can be connected to Clarion
FZ501. The RCB-199 external microphone provides better performance in noisy
environments than the integrated microphone found on the front-panel of the
head unit. The microphone features an attached 13.25' cord terminated by a
right-angle male 3.5mm connector which plugs into the microphone input on the
rear-chassis of your compatible Clarion head unit. The microphone also features
an integrated sun-visor clip for mounting the external microphone in your
vehicle. The integrated bracket allows the microphone to swivel left-to-right
and rotate up-or-down.
Audio Streaming (A2DP/AVRCP): The
Clarion FZ501 supports Bluetooth wireless music streaming for transferring
stereo music audio data that is processed as a steady and continuous audible
stream from your Bluetooth enabled phone to the Clarion head unit and your car's
audio system. You can listen to and control music stored on your Bluetooth
enabled phone or MP3 player. The FZ501 will also be able to control basic
playback features such a Pause, Track Selection, Fast Forward, and Reverse.
Remote Control
Wireless Remote: The FZ501 comes supplied with a 20-key
infrared wireless remote control (RCX003) for wireless operation of the digital media
receiver and your connected devices. The
remote operates off of a single CR2025 Lithium Cell 3-volt battery.
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 when used with the optional PAC SWI-JACK
Steering Wheel Control Interface Adapter (127SWIJACK,
sold separately); or the optional Metra ASWC Steering Wheel Control Interface
Adapter (120ASWC,
sold separately).
Note: Please consult the
Crutchfield Car Selector to see if your vehicle is compatible.
