Clarion Dazzles with new audio range

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Clarion's dazzling new range of in-car audio units offer the greatest evidence yet that sound-savvy consumers are getting more technology, style, versatility and value for their money than ever before.

As the world's largest in-car infotainment manufacturer, Clarion has continually created industry firsts - including the first-ever audio head unit to feature Dolby Pro Logic II, and the first single DIN touch-screen head unit with Active Matrix display - and the 2007 Clarion audio range continues to break new ground to deliver better sound quality, improved ease of use, distinctive styling and dramatically increased value.

Top-end technology for 2007 brings Bluetooth connectivity firmly to the fore, enabling Clarion head units to seamlessly integrate with any A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) Bluetooth-enabled mobile via a plug-and-play Clarion interface. 

And in one revolutionary step, the iPod becomes a Bluetooth device too thanks to Clarion's ingenious iPod cradle, incorporating a Bluetooth transmitter.  Simply slide an iPod Nano, Mini or Video into the appropriate Clarion custom cradle and set up the iPod dongle that emits a Bluetooth signal and you're ready to listen to iPod music wirelessly through the car audio system.

As better sound quality is the number one consumer priority when upgrading the car's audio, it remains the focus at Clarion's international R&D centre in Tokyo. With the loss of low-end frequency response a constant gripe of the download generation, many of Clarion's much-anticipated audio units this year feature their unique 'Sound Restorer' technology. This technology wizard boosts the playback of all types of compressed music files, such as MP3/WMA, by interrogating the digital content as it is playing and instantaneously re-creating 'lost' frequencies up to 20kHz to greatly enhance faithful sound reproduction.

Functionality has also been high on Clarion's design agenda for the latest range. Whilst the popular rotary 'click' control is retained on three units,  Clarion's latest HMI (Human Machine Interface) offering is  unique 'Slidetrack' operation on the two top-end units, for precise control of key features, by simply swiping your fingertip across the facia to adjust major functions.

Clarion's  awesome new top-end unit in the audio line-up, DXZ778RUSB, is brimming with features and technology at an astounding price. It is CD-R/RW ready as you'd expect - plus MP3 and WMA compatible - but also features iTunes AAC compatibility with ID3-TAG display. 

A 24-bit D/A Converter is the focus of the newcomer's faithful sound reproduction, together with Time Alignment Control, Digital Z-Enhancer sound customisation and a 3-band parametric equaliser. And a clear 13-segment, 2-line display window gives the user a  multitude of crystal-clear information and screensavers.

Besides technology, it's value that again hits the high note for Clarion.  Typical selling prices via Clarion appointed MMSA InCar Expert dealers nationwide start at a frugal £79 for the 4 x 50 watt entry-level DB178RMP CD/MP3/WMA receiver, just £119 for the iPod-ready DXZ378RMP head unit, a highly affordable £169 for the weighty specification DXZ578RUSB CD/MP3/WMA/AAC receiver, whilst £249 buys you the top-end, spec-loaded audio upgrade masterpiece in the form of Clarion's DXZ778RUSB.  The latter two units are of course iPod ready, and  Bluetooth-ready, and house a front mounted USB interface, for immense versatility.

On the power stakes, the DB178RMP and DXZ378RMP both boast a lively 4 x 50w, whilst the DXZ578RUSB and DXZ778RUSB come equipped with 4 x 53 watts of supreme-clarity  MOS-FET amplification.

Clarion's latest range hit the shops during May. For more information see www.clarion.co.uk or call Clarion (GB) Ltd. on 01793 870400.