Clarion DXZ778USB

With the DXZ778 USB, Clarion is introducing a high-end CD receiver with phase correction for a perfect spaciousness with precise sound localisation, with six-channel 6 volt pre-amplifier outputs, and intuitive Slidetrack control. A 24 bit D/A converter, high-quality active crossovers, and a parametric 3-band equaliser round off the strong sounding equipment; The comfortable USB port serves for the additional playback of music files. The actual sensation is that this musically convincing high-end device is available for prices starting below 400 Euros!

The integrated CD drive can play all common CD formats and, of course, MP3, WMA and ACC files for a small collection of your favourite tunes, in case you forget your MP3 player or flash drive. The CD text and the iD3 tags increase the clarity when operating and the comfortable title search function makes the music collection is ergonomically selectable.

A 24 bit D/A converter provides first-class detail resolution. The flexibility of the integrated active crossovers allows all speaker chassis to be adapted to the particular installation positions. A parametric equaliser adjusts the speakers to the vehicle acoustics and a delay time correction makes it possible to adjust the staging, for example, to the driver’s seat. To ensure that the sound is still strong even without additional power amplifiers, there are already strong MOS-FET power amplifiers with 4x 53 watts integrated.



The USB port stays hidden on the back side of the device for a harmonious and elegant front design and for maximal accident safety. It is compatible with classical flash drives, MP3 players, and mobile hard disc storage units, amongst others. Up to 255 folders with maximum 65,025 files are possible here. Using the 1 metre cable, the USB port can be ideally accessible into the glove box, allowing the MP3 player or hard drive to always be safely stowed away in the car.

The DXZ778USB is optically captivating with its premium front panel with few operating elements. Additionally, the colour of the buttons and display can be individually matched to the vehicle’s interior, with a choice of 728 colours. The DXZ778USB is compatible with most OEM steering wheel remote controls. Furthermore, the Bluetooth interface BLT373 can be connected for hands-free calls (compatible with HFP, HSP, and also A2DP, AVRCP).

The innovative Slidetrack Operating Concept
With the introduction of Slidetrak, Clarion is going a step further with its H.M.I. interfaces as an ergonomic interface between man and machine. Slidetrak makes it possible to precisely control the key functions of the control device. With a simple movement of your fingertip, you have all key functions under control. Additionally, the Slidetrak maximises the available space on the front of the control device, which makes a large and easily legible display possible. With Slidetrak use, the button size is maximised allowing the driver to keep his eyes on the road while making selections on the device. This makes driving even safe.

Test Summary
The sound quality was confirmed by a test in the autohifi magazine (03/07 issue). Autohifi’s summary: “If we had seven stars to award for the price-performance ratio, this radio would have done a clean sweep. So much equipment and sound for this price – this is a direct challenge to the competition!”

Facts
- CD drive
- RDS DSP tuner (FM/MW/LW) with PTY
- BLT373 Bluetooth compatible
- Slidetrack control (level/skip/search)
- Active crossover with DSP / delay time correction
- 6-channel pre-out (max. 6 volts)
- 24-Bit D/A-Wandler
- Parametric three-band equaliser
- 4x 53 watts MOS-FET power amplifier
- CeNET control
- USB connector for portable players and hard disk drives
- OEM steering wheel remote control input (phone jack)
- 728 variable colours for buttons and display
- Motor driven front panel

Clarion + Jamiroquai Campaign Website

Clarion, specialist for sophisticated car infotainment, began its “Clarion Global Brand Campaign 2007” in February to tell the world about new “Clarion Human Mobile Music Media Interface” H.M.I. The focal point of the campaign is the Clarion + Jamiroquai campaign website with many attractive features at http://hmi.clarion.com.

Visitors of the new Clarion + Jamiroquai campaign website sit down on the driver’s seat: since mid-February, surfers here have been controlling a virtual premium-class automobile and enjoying the music of the British acid-jazz band Jamiroquai while doing so. On the road, an abundance of information is provided – of course about Clarion products and more, customised to the nationality of the particular visitor.

For the greeting, the blue Clarion H.M.I. Maoray concept car drives up, created by the world-famous Italian designer Giugiaro and driven by Jamiroquai’s front man Jay Kay, Clarions Face of the Year 2007.

The visitors at the website get the control of the virtual designer bolide and enter the four portals “concept, product, gallery, and special” as they wish. Using the virtual car navigation system monitor, the visitor gets to his selected destination by clicking a button. The appropriate background music is provided by a selection of three original Clarion H.M.I. slogan sounds.

The website can be accessed – or, better said, driven – in English, Japanese, German, French, Italian, or Spanish. In the “product” portal, surfers can find the Clarion website from their home country, with product presentations and other information in their own language.

It is no coincidence that Jamiroquai was selected to represent the image of Clarion: as an internationally admired icon of the music world, Jamiroquai ideally represents Clarion’s vision of integrating music, information, and mobility, which has already become reality in the Clarion H.M.I.

ACR: Newly-developed speaker series for 2007

The tuning of the completely re-developed Rodek speaker series for 2007 is homogenous and linear, as usual, and the high load capacity of the systems satisfies the demands of even the most dynamic-enthused listeners. The product line includes four completely new components, one triaxial and two coaxial systems.

The highlights of the Rodek speaker series are certainly the two-way systems RNC13 and RNC165 with powerful ferrite magnets as well as RNC13 NEO and RNC165 NEO with high-performance compact neodymium magnets. The low-mid-range speakers of the Compos have stable aluminium die cast baskets with Euro/DIN dimensions and efficient centring spider ventilation. As a tweeter, a new compact 19 mm titanium dome comes into operation; it is brilliant with its excellent omnidirectional performance, its linear frequency response, and its minimal distortions. The premium crossover with 3-step level reduction for the tweeter is also equipped with a special feature making it possible to bypass the low-pass of the low-mid-range speaker when it is, for example, hidden behind a sound-swallowing original opening.

Like the Compo systems, the 13 and 16 coaxial systems and the 6x9” triaxial system were completely re-developed and, like the Compos, are equipped with back-vented die-cast baskets – a novelty in this price class. They are based on almost the same ingredients as the Compos. Rodek’s new 6x9” three-way speaker is also equipped with a back-vented aluminium die-cast basket and a Nomex spider. The 19 mm titanium dome and an additional 38 mm cone mid-range speaker provide for transparent sound and high efficiency, the 6x9“ low-mid-range speaker, in contrast, for crisp bass.

Facts
- Back-vented aluminium die cast baskets with Euro/DIN dimensions
- Large strontium-ferrite and powerful ultra-compact neodymium magnets for the NEO systems
- Extremely stiff PP cones
- Fully synthetic long-excursion centring spiders
- Butyl rubber surrounds with high damping
- Premium connecting terminals with mechanical strain relief
- In the high range, 19 mm titanium domes with neodymium driver
- High-quality crossovers with 3-step HF level adjustment and bypass switch for the low/mid-range speaker
- 12 dB slope for the low pass in the Compo systems and 6dB for Coax and Triax