Ab Work Outs: Clarion NX500 6.5" In-Dash Motorized Touchscreen DVD/CD/MP3/USB Receiver, Built-in Navigation and Bluetooth Review

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Ibought the Clarion NZ500 after researching many different in-dash dual-din receivers.I found the lowest price at the time (March 2010) for $574 using [...] - which eventually took me to the seller on Amazon.If searching for the NZ500 directly on Amazon, the seller I bought from wasn't listed and the lowest price I could find was $585.What really sold me on the NX500 is a speedometer feature.I only seen this on one other unit and that too was from Clarion.See my pics above.

Anyhow, I thought the price was very good for a 6.5" screen, DVD player, built in Navigation, HD Radio ready and Sirius Sat ready.What I really liked about the NX500 is that there are no wires/cables coming out the back of the unit.For example, the back of the unit is clean, with no wires/cables hanging out.What you do is PLUG in the necessary wires/cables that you need, like the wiring harness that goes to your car, and the SAT antenna or the Sirius connector.I didn't need to connect the wires for an external amp, so I didn't need to plug those wires into the back of the unit.Unlike other head units, you don't have a choice.The back of the unit is cluttered with wires that may not be needed.Not with the NZ500.Other units I have seen (Dual, Eclipse, etc) all have the wire connectors in the back of the unit whether you need them or not.This makes for a mess during install.

I installed the NX500 in my 2007 Kia Sorento.The hardest part of the install was removing the plastic panels on the dash.As for the actual NX500...well, I just bought a wiring harness and then matched the colored wires together and used shrink tubing to bind them together.Took no more than 10 minutes to do.

I also purchased the Sirius SC-C1 satellite receiver add-on.I also got this from Amazon using [...] and got it for less than $40.With the NX500 all you need to do is buy the SC-C1 and plug them in together.You DO NOT need any addition add on to get this working, unlike other in-dash units.However, you will need to subscribe to Sirius for service.

I am so very pleased that this installation went without any problems.I had it installed and working in less than 30 minutes.The sound of the NX500 is incredible with my stock system, however, I did notice there was no EQ control for my mid-range speaker, only Tweets and Woofer.There is a LOUD control and this thing really boosts the sound loud; So loud that I probably won't be using it as it distorts the bass TOO HEAVY.I guess I could adjust the bass, but so far, I didn't.I did a custom install of the Sat antennaes of both the Navi and Sirius.I installed them with double-sided tape on the dash board above the radio and it works great (while I had the dash opened, I also installed/hardwired my radar detector wire, too), the reception is fantastic.See pics above.

The Navigation works great and the signal was picked up as soon as I turned on the NX500.I'm not too thrilled with the color scheme but perhaps it looked the way it did because it was dusk?I know Navi's colors will change with the time of day, so perhaps the color scheme emulated that it was getting dark.However, that didn't detract away from the performance of the Navi.No need for a DVD or memory card, just turn the unit on and it's all good.I really like that.

The stock radio channels come in nice and clear and I get far more stations than my old stock radio.Not sure why, but I'm not complaining.I didn't opt for the HD Radio add-on as I have HD Radio built in my other car and it's not all that and for whatever reasons, most of the stations in my area quit broadcasting the 2nd HD signal.But I digress, the NX500's stock radio signals are very clear and sound great with my stock 12 speaker set up.The NX500 has built in controls for the Sirius SC-C1, too.Once I subscribed to the service (online, had to use my computer first), the signal was received and I was listening to SAT radio.Quite honesty, I thougt it would be more clear than this, plus there is a loud hissing noise that isn't very mutable by lowering the high's (tweeter) control through the EQ.I was a little disappointed in this, but still happy that I got this system installed and everything was working from get go, unlike other times I've done Do It Yourself and had nothing but problems.

I didn't install the hand brake wire for the DVD.I'm not sure where the wire would go anyhow, so I purchased a bypass kit off Ebay and it should arrive in a few days.I will need this in order to get the DVD to work because even in park, the movie would not show; I could hear it, but there was a warning message on the screen.For now, I had the parking brake wire grounded, but this did not work (like my Jensen head unit, just ground the parking brake wire and you're good to go).Anyhow, once I install the bypass, I'll also install the license plate camera I bought last week.I didn't install it tonight as it was getting dark and I didn't want to tinker with the install all night.

Overall, I am very very pleased with the NX500.For the price and ease of install, I'm not sure if I could have done better with another brand.I did have my heart set on a comparable JVC, but when that got sold out, I found the Clarion.Installed in my Kia Sorento, it looks so clean and professional that it looks factory. :)

Pros:

1) Easy to install.
2) Connectors on the back of the unit to "plug" in wire connections.No messy unused wires like other units.
3) Built in Navigation.Once unit is installed and antenna is plugged in, that is all you need to receive Navigation.No DVD's or memory cards needed.
4) Receive more clearer radio stations that my old stock radio
5) Clear, crisp sound.Perfect for my stock speakers
6) Easy to use interface
7) Added Sirius SC-C1 for added Sat-Radio.Easy plug and play (plus subscription though)
8) SPEEDOMETER
9) Bluetooth - but I couldn't get my Motorola to sync with it (or any other device. It's my phone that's the problem)

Cons:

1) High hissing sound from Sat Radio.Can be adjusted slightly by using the EQ settings.
2) EQ only had High and Low settings.No midrange.Perfect for my other car, but my Sorento has 3 speakers per door, not two, so I would liked to have had midrange control.
3) Need to connect the brake wire in order to view DVD.Wiring to ground will not make this work at all.
4) Not many cons.This is an awesome receiver!Updated: 03/25/10

Had to reduce the stars from 5 to 4.Reason:

1) Can't really see the display during the day; Too much reflection on the screen.It's especially dimmer when the headlights are on, as the NX500 has an auto-dimmer when you turn on the headlights.Can't really get around this when it's raining and you have to turn on your headlights! My only solution is that I bought (hasn't yet arrived in the mail) an anti-glare film to place over the screen.I hope this helps, as it was pretty expensive (close to $20)

2) I've had to power off/on the unit because the Sirius would lock up.I've had to do this a few times over the past couple days (and I'm not in the car but momentarily when I'm driving to and from work).What happens is that the categories for channels will lock up and I can't select any stations/channels.I can hear the Sirius radio and use the other functions on the touch screen, but not the category buttons (like presets, etc).My solution was to power off and on the unit to "reboot" they system.It works, but come on, this has happened too many times now.Very annoying.

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Product Description:
Clarion's NX500 is a premium double-DIN audio/video navigation unit with built-in GPS navigation, built-in Bluetooth for hands-free control, and audio streaming and USB iPod and iPhone compatibility. iPod video playback is also available using an optional cable (CCA748). The unit is also Sirius Satellite Radio and HD Radio Ready (including the iTunes tagging feature) with additional hardware. With built-in GPS navigation, the flash memory allows for quick response and access to navigation maps and multimedia options.

A premium double-DIN audio/video navigation unit with built-in GPS navigation. Click to enlarge.
Built-in navigation system.
Built-in Bluetooth hands-free calling.
Superior iPod and iPhone connectivity.
Built-in Navigation System with 12 million POIs
NX500 features a built-in car navigation system with simple destination input, turn-by-turn voice prompts, selectable route guidance--everything you need to reach your destination quickly and efficiently. Pre-loaded with 12 million Points of Interest, its database includes national parks, restaurants, gas stations, and much more.
Built-in Bluetooth Hands-free Calling
With Bluetooth built-in, you can wirelessly connect your Bluetooth capable mobile phone to listen to calls through your car's audio system. HFP/OPP/A2DP/AVRCP protocols are supported.
Superior iPod and iPhone Connectivity
USB connection enables complete control of your iPod including video playback. Also "Works with iPhone" certified to bring its communication and entertainment capabilities into your car.
HD Radio Ready with iTunes Tagging
Connecting the THD400 lets you enjoy listening to digitally broadcast radio programs with all their superior quality and helpful information. This 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. Save time finding and accumulating the tunes you want.
Sirius Direct Connect Ready
Connect to a Sirius Satellite Radio receiver without any need for a interface box--and enjoy over 130 channels of music, news, talk shows, sports and traffic information with digital quality sound throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Rear Vision Camera RCA Input
This RCA input enables you to smoothly connect a rear camera to display the area behind your vehicle. The increased view encourages and facilitates safer driving.
Front/Rear AV Inputs
NX500 is equipped with AV input terminals on the front and rear of the unit to enable enjoyment of content from an external connected source. The rear RCA inputs are ideal for permanent installations, while the front pin jack type input will come in handy for quick connection of portable audiovisual sources.
24-bit D/A Converter for Superb Sound Reproduction
Fully enjoy the sonic impact of DVD movie soundtracks or music videos. 24-bit technology actually oversamples the digital signal, providing excellent results that just weren't possible with older 16-bit systems.
6ch/2V RCA Output with Subwoofer Control
With 3 sets of RCA outputs, you are free to add external power amplifiers to create a more powerful, sophisticated audio system. Also, independent volume control is enabled for the subwoofer so you can adjust the level of bass output to your liking at any time, regardless of the output level of the other channels.
What's in the Box
NX500 Receiver, Remote Control, Installation Hardware, User's Manual

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