In-dash AM/FM, CD, MP3, WMA, and AAC player with Remote
Built-in Bluetooth technology supports hands-free calling with a compatible Bluetooth phone
iPod USB direct connectivity via your standard iPod-to-USB connection cable allows you to charge, control, and playback your iPod through the receiver and stereo system
Security code
Dual line dot-matrix display
Wireless remote control included
Variable illumination with a selections of 728 colors to match your factory lighting
CEA-2006 compliant amplifier
Power Output:
Peak: 50 watts x 4 channels
RMS: 22 watts x 4 channels
MP3 ID3 Tag Display (Title/Artist/Album)
1-year SonicElectronix.com warranty
Playback and Audio Features:
Playback of CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, WMA, and AAC
Tuner with 18FM/6AM presets
Dynamic Soundstage Organizer
3-band BeatEQ equalizer with 3 preset equalization patterns
BBE MP Digital Sound processing restores harmonics that are lost during digital compression, resulting in an enhanced playback of your MP3/WMA files
Built-in low pass and high-pass filter
Expandability Options:
2 Sets of 2V preamp outputs (front and rear/subwoofer)
Steering wheel remote compatible with the PAC SWI-JACKv1
Front-panel auxiliary input: 3.5mm (headphone jack) allows connection to portable media devices such as MP3 players, etc.
Rear auxiliary input: Rear USB input allows connection to MP3 devices, flash drives, and other USB compatible devices
CD Changer controls via CeNET
Any iPods/iPhones released after February 19, 2009 have not been tested by the manufacturer and/or Sonic Electronix for compatibility. Therefore we do not guarantee compatibility in regards to, but not limited to: playback, video, charging, and response time.
This radio on paper has everything you would need:
Bluetooth
Mp3/WMA support
Color matching ability
OEM double-din look
etc, etc
I received this unit and installed it ASAP, when all was and done there was no glimmer of life on the head unit. The manual that comes with the radio gives you hints of what to do but does not explain what needs to be done correctly.
It turns out that the unit has two yellow wires that need to be connected to the wire harness' one yellow wire. Once this was done, BAM there was life. The manual almost seemed to say that the 3A wire did not need to be connected in its own vague way.
Once that was done I was impressed with is sound clarity and brought my factory speakers up to a new level of sound compared to the OEM unit. The AUX input also has good sound levels that can be adjusted as well, now any external devices that I use will sound great.
Now, for the final pain in the ***, The unit as a Bluetooth profile of 2.0, so, my Palm Pre has one of 2.1. This did not allow my radio to play well with my phone. I tested my phone with a Pioneer that my friend owns and it synced with no problems at all. That led me to feel it was my radio and may need to be exchanged for a Pioneer (which only has blue illumination).
The manual is no help when it comes to the bluetooth operation and setup, it is not translated well and makes it almost a pain to read through. The way I ended up getting my phone to work was to sync my daughter's Samsung Instinct which I am guessing uses the profile 2.0, and it worked.
I noticed that now I had all of the settings that the manual was talking about (select, delete, etc) and could see her phone name. I deleted her phone and then tried mine again and BEHOLD it worked. It even showed to transfer the phonebook when I told my phone to send it (but that didn't happen). The phone now works with no problems in answering and pairing when needed. The phonebook did not transfer but maybe Palm can issue a backwards compatible patch for it's bluetooth on the Pre.
I am happy as now I can keep the unit and match the color scheme along with the handsfree feature. I do not know if it is possible for Clarion to also update the radio's firmware, I will have to keep an eye out.
So, the Clarion CX609 is a great OEM radio replacement but you may have to deal with a few little quirks here and there. The USB data read is fast, IPOD feature works great, not very intuitive but once you figure it out its a breeze. The display can be hard to read for some depending on where the unit is installed and angle of view. I have not tried the satellite function as I do not have the tuner installed.
I recommend this unit if you want to match the color scheme in your vehicle, want good sound, bluetooth handsfree, need a double-din, and cost for what you get.
Receives SIRIUS Satellite Radio in your vehicle • Separate SIRIUS connect adapter and subscription to SIRIUS also required • Magnetic roof antenna and 21' cable included • Works with factory and aftermarket stereos • channel scan/search and presets
