Clarion CZ500

Overview: The Clarion CZ500 is an AM/FM/CD receiver that can play MP3/WMA audio files 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 a portable audio device and a rear-panel USB type-A port for connecting your USB mass storage audio device or iPod. In addition, the CZ500 features built-in Bluetooth technology for wireless communication and audio transfer. Additional accessories that are compatible with this unit include HD Radio tuners (sold separately), as well as an optional steering wheel remote interface (sold separately) which allows you to keep your factory steering wheel controls.

Display Features
Audio Section
Radio Functions
Disc Playback
USB/iPod/Aux Connection
Built-in Bluetooth
Remote Control

Display Features

Detachable Face Security: This unit features Detachable Face Security. A hard plastic face-case is provide to protect the detachable face when removed.

Note: A face-fixing screw is supplied for making the face non-detachable, if desired.

H.M.I. Design: Clarion's superior H.M.I. (Human-Machine Interface) Design utilizes a distinctive "starburst" control button array. The headunit's buttons are clustered symbolically for intuitive operation, with a large rotary volume control that is blue illuminated for easy recognition and a cool look in your vehicle.

Digital LCD Display: The two-line, 10-digit, digital LCD display (with black background and white characters) on the CZ500 allows numbers and characters to be displayed clearly in almost any lighting condition.

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.

Audio Section

CEA2006 Compliant: The power specifications for the CZ500 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 CZ500 are as follows:

• CEA2006 Specs: 19 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 60Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, or 200Hz and the Q-factor to 1, 1.25, 1.5 or 2.0.
  • Midrange: You can set the effected midrange frequency to 500Hz, 1.0kHz, 1.5kHz, or 2.5 kHz and the Q-factor to 0.5, 0.75. 1.0, or 1.25.
  • Treble: The effected treble frequency can be set to 10kHz, 12.5kHz, 15kHz, or 17.5kHz.
• 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 CZ500 features 6ch/4V RCA line level outputs (Front/Rear/Sub). The non-fading subwoofer preamp output features an independent level control (+/-6).

Low-Pass Subwoofer Filter: Switching on the Low-Pass Filter (LPF) for the subwoofer preamp output will send only the low frequency range through specified outputs to ensure superb performance with a connected subwoofer. The low-pass filter can be set to 80Hz, 120Hz, 160Hz, or Through (full-range).

Beep: The in-dash headunit provides an audible beep to confirm button operation. This function can be turned On or Off.

Radio Functions

AM/FM Tuner: The Clarion CZ500 is equipped with a built-in AM/FM tuner offering manual, seek, and preset tuning.

Preset Tuning: The CZ500 provides 3 FM banks and 1 AM bank. Each AM/FM bank can hold up to 6 station presets, proving you with 18 FM station presets and 6 AM station presets. Stations can be stored manually or automatically.

Preset Scan: Preset scan receives the stations stored in the headunit's preset memory in order. This function is useful when searching for a desired station in memory.

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.

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 THD300 HD Radio tuner (020THD300, discontinued), 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).

XM Satellite Radio Ready: The Clarion CZ500 supports XM Satellite Radio when connected to the Audiovox XMDirect2 Tuner (item number 220CNP2UCA, sold separately), using the Clarion XM Passport Interface Adapter Cable (item number 020CCUXM1, sold separately). The XMDirect2 Tuner will need to be programmed for this radio. A subscription to XM Radio is also required for service.

Disc Playback

MP3/WMA Playback: The unit can play MP3 (8-320 kbps/VBR) and WMA (8-320 kbps) 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, 999 files per folder, and 3000 total files. 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.

Top Function: The Top Function resets the CD player to the first track of a CD-audio disc. In the case of an MP3/WMA disc, the first track of a folder being played will be reset.

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.

USB/iPod/Aux Connection

USB Port: The rear-panel USB port (attached to rear chassis by 41" pigtail) allows you to connect and play USB Mass Storage devices loaded with MP3 and WMA files. This unit is compatible with USB 1.1/2.0 with maximum data transfer rates of 12mbps. MP3 and WMA files with a bit rate from 8-320 kbps and formatted in FAT or FAT32 are supported. The headunit 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. The CZ500 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.

Note: This unit will also charge you connected USB device when the receiver is turned on. Copy-protected WMA files cannot be played on this unit.

iPod Direct: The Clarion CZ500 allows you to connect your iPod/iPhone to the headunit's rear-panel USB port using your iPod's USB/Dock cable for audio playback, control, and charging of your iPod/iPhone. This headunit 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 headunit and sound quality to be maximized through the headunit's 1-bit D/A converter, allowing for a Signal to Noise ratio up to 80dB.
• Audio Playback: The Clarion headunit supports audio playback of music files stored on your iPod or iPhone.
• Music Navigation: The headunit lets you search music for playback from your iPod/iPhone by category (Playlist, Artist, Album, Song, Genre, or Composer). You can also control the following playback functions of your iPod/iPhone: Skip Tracks, Fast-forward/backward, Pause, Repeat, and Random.
• Information Display: The headunit will also display your iPod/iPhone's music file information, including - Track number, Elapsed playing time, Song Title, Artist Name, and Album Title.
• Charging: While connected and the ignition switch is set to ACC or ON, the headunit'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 CZ500 is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model features (as of January 2010):

Note: Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may change functionality results. If you download a newer software version, you may need to reset the headunit 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 an newer software update is available.

Auxiliary Input: The CZ500 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 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

Built-in Bluetooth: Built-in Bluetooth technology allows you to utilize your vehicle's built-in audio system for wireless mobile phone or music hands-free operation. The Clarion CZ500 features built-in Bluetooth technology for wireless connection with Bluetooth enabled mobile phones, PDAs and MP3 Players. The CZ500 supports Bluetooth Ver.2.0 profiles A2DP/AVRCP for audio streaming and HFP/HSP/OPP for hands-free operation, so you can easily communicate and transfer digital music to your vehicle's audio system.

Bluetooth Wireless Technology: The 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. The Clarion CZ500 is compatible with most Bluetooth enabled mobile phones, including the Apple iPhone. It supports the following Bluetooth wireless technology profiles.

• HFP/HSP/OPP: Wireless hands-free and headset 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 CZ500. Up to 5 phones and/or audio devices can be paired to this unit (only one will work at a time).

Note: The Clarion CZ500 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/HSP/OPP): The CZ500 supports Bluetooth hands-free communication from your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone. The CZ500 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 external microphone is supplied to carry on your side of the conversation while your car's speakers are used to hear the other person. You can mount the microphone to your driver side sun-visor or pillar. 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, and missed calls.

Audio Streaming (A2DP/AVRCP): The Clarion CZ500 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 headunit and your car's audio system. You can listen to and control music stored on your Bluetooth enabled phone or MP3 player. The CZ500 will also be able to control basic playback features such a Pause, Track Selection, Fast Forward, and Reverse.

Remote Control

Wireless Remote: The CZ500 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. 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 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.