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Clarion CX501

In-Dash CD, MP3, WMA Double-Din Receiver Car Stereo w/ Bluetooth and iPod Direct Connection via USB

  • 4.5

(38 reviews)

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Price Information

$299.99

–$110.00

$189.99

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Why Shop Sonic?

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Customer Testimonial

That was an easy and smooth transaction. Very reasonable price, free UPS Ground shipping, free wire harness - everything as promised. New car stereo (Panasonic CQ-5800U) works and looks great in my 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis.

- Maciej from MI

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  • Get 50% Off a USB Charge & Sync Cable with Purchase!
    With the purchase of this receiver, you can save 50% on a Scosche USB cable. This quality cable is 3.2 feet in length and is able to charge and sync your Apple or Micro-USB devices.
    CX501 thumbnail
    +
    50% Off
    IPMA thumbnail
    =

    $199.98

    (was $209.98)
Get the Combo and Save $12.00 on HD Tuner + iPod Adapter!


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General Features:

  • In-dash AM/FM, CD, MP3, WMA player with Remote
  • Built-in Bluetooth technology supports hands-free calling with a compatible Bluetooth phone
  • 728 Color Variable Lighting Display and Buttons
  • 13-segment 10 x 2-line White LCD Display
  • Wireless remote control included
  • Blue button lighting
  • CEA-2006 compliant amplifier
  • Power Output:
    • Peak: 50 watts x 4 channels
    • RMS: 21 watts x 4 channels
  • CD Text Display
  • MP3 ID3 Tag Display (Title/Artist/Album)
  • 1-year SonicElectronix.com warranty

Playback and Audio Features:

  • Playback of CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, and WMA
  • AM/FM tuner with 18FM/6AM presets
  • Low-pass filter selectable (through-60-90-120)
  • High-pass filter selectable (through-60-90-120)
  • Phase adjustment allows you to select subwoofer phase directly from source unit
  • BEAT EQ 3-band parametric equalizer with 5 selectable tone curves (4 Preset, 1 User)
  • MAGNA BASS EX boosts the 50Hz range to deliver dynamic bass performance

Expandability Options:

  • 3 Sets of 4V preamp outputs (front, rear and subwoofer)
  • SIRIUS Direct Connect Ready: SiriusXM SCC1 required and sold separately
  • HD Radio Ready: Clarion THD301 required and sold separately
  • iPod Ready: iPod USB direct connectivity via your Standard iPod-to-USB cable allows you to charge, control, and playback your iPod through the receiver and stereo system
  • Front-panel auxiliary input: 3.5mm (headphone jack) allows connection to portable media devices such as MP3 players, etc.
  • Steering wheel remote ready: PAC SWI-JACKv1 or the Axxess ASWC required and sold separately

Bluetooth Features:

  • Built-in Bluetooth technology for hands-free talking and audio streaming
  • Bluetooth version 2.0 +EDR certified
  • Send/Receive Sensitivity: Class 2
  • Bluetooth profiles supported:
    • HFP: Hands Free Profile allows a hands-free car kit to connect to a compatible mobile phone
    • HSP: Headset Profile enables the a Bluetooth headset to connect to a compatible mobile phone
    • PBAP: Phone Book Access Profile allows the car stereo to display the name of the incoming caller, as well as access the contact list of the mobile phone directly from the car stereo
    • A2DP: Advanced Audio Distribution Profile allows high quality audio to be streamed from an audio device to the car stereo
    • AVRCP: Audio/Video Remote Control Profile supports basic remote control functions (play, pause, etc) via Bluetooth
    • OPP: Object Push Profile for sending basic "objects" such as pictures and other virtual material
  • Works with most Bluetooth enabled cell phones
  • Includes a built-in microphone for convenient talking
In-Dash Receiver Specifications
Receiver Size Double DIN
Faceplate Security Security Code
Motorized Faceplate No
Remote Control Yes
Peak Power Output 50 watts x 4 channels
RMS Power Output 21 watts x 4 channels
Preamp RCA Outputs 3 Pairs (Front, Rear, and Subwoofer)
Sub Preamp RCA Output Yes
Preamp Voltage 4 volts
Built-In Equalizer BEAT EQ 3-band parametric equalizer with 5 selectable tone curves (4 Preset, 1 User)
Display Type LCD Text Display
Display Color 728 Variable Colors
Button Color 728 Color Variable Lighting Display and Buttons
CD Signal-to-Noise 92 dB
CEA-2006 Compliant Yes
Playback Features
AM/FM Tuner Yes
FM Presets 18
AM Presets 6
CD-R/RW Playback Yes
MP3 Playback Yes
WMA Playback Yes
DVD / Video Playback No
Dual Zone No
Expandability Features
Navigation No
Audio/Video Inputs Front 3.5mm
Audio/Video Outputs No
USB Input Front
iPod Audio Connection Yes (via iPod USB Cable or Accessory Cable Below)
iPod Video Connection No
Satellite Radio Optional - SIRIUS (Accessory required and sold separately)
HD Radio Optional (Accessory required and sold separately)
Bluetooth Connectivity Yes (Built-in/Included Bluetooth Controls, Adapter and Microphone Included)
Steering Wheel Control Compatible Yes (Accessory required and sold separately)
CD Changer Controls No
Rear View Camera Input No
Memory Card Reader No
Portable Device Information
Compatible Apple Devices 5G iPod Video (30, 60, & 80GB)
iPod Classic (120GB)
iPod Classic (80 &160GB)
iPod Nano 1st Generation (1, 2, & 4GB)
iPod Nano 2nd Generation (4 & 8GB)
iPod Nano 3rd Generation (4 & 8GB)
iPod Nano 4th Generation (8 & 16GB)
iPod Nano 5th Generation (8 & 16GB)
iPod Nano 6th Generation (8 & 16GB)
iPod Touch 2nd Generation (8, 16 & 32GB)
iPod Touch 3nd Generation (8, 32 & 64GB)
iPod Touch 4th Generation (8, 32 & 64GB)
iPhone 3G
iPhone 3GS
iPhone 4
iPod Charging Adapter Required No
Warranty and Return Policy
Return Policy Standard Return Policy
Parts Warranty Duration 1 year
Labor Warranty Duration 1 year
Warranty Provider Sonic Electronix
Customer Review Summary for Clarion CX501
Average Customer Rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars:
  • 4.5
based on 38 Reviews
Share your thoughts with others:
Rating Distribution:
5 star:
.
.
55%
4 star:
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.
39%
3 star:
.
.
5%
2 star:
.
0%
1 star:
.
0%
what's this?
Average Attributes Rating:
Durability
  • 4.6
4.6
Value
  • 4.7
4.7
Features
  • 4.6
4.6
Design
  • 4.7
4.7
Usability
  • 4.2
4.2
what's this?
Quick Comparison:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews:
July 28, 2012 Great Experience
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Review by
Phillip from Dallas, TX
Overall
  • 5.0
Durability
  • 5.0
Value
  • 5.0
Features
  • 5.0
Design
  • 4.0
Usability
  • 4.0
Ordered this head unit on Saturday and it was delivered the next Wednesday (free shipping). I can't ask for a better start than that.



The install did require that I use a side bracket off of my factory radio but that was because the kit that I got from the auto shop had a design flaw.



I previously had a 6 year old half-din Sony X-Plod deck but needed something with a third pre-out and iphone compatibility but I got a whole lot more. The Clarion sounds better, has many more options to customize my sound and allows for custom color settings to match your interior. The audio is a lot richer than my Sony which I felt did not produce a "warm" enough full sound. Maybe it is partially due to the 4V output but this thing sounds a heck of a lot better already. Many previous reviewers noted that Clarion was known for great sound.



The iphone setup was pretty easy but I had to search the web to find the pin (1234) to pair my phone to the Clarion. To this point I have streamed music over bluetooth (which was easy and sounds good enough for me) and made a test call to my wife while sitting in the drive way. She could hear me fine but I think that we'll have problems when I'm on the highway and leaning back in my seat - my vehicle produces quite a bit of road noise - we'll see. I still need to test out the sound quality and controls using the iphone cable but I expect it to only be better. Finally, I also think my FM radio quality is improved.



That's it. If you are looking for a double-din car stereo with a lot of features built in for a low price then this is the way to go. You can pay a lot more and get less. My only concern is the lack of an external bluetooth mic but not having it keeps the purchase and install cost down for me so I was ok with this from the start.
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February 20, 2012 Installed to 2008 Nissan Altima
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Review by
Franky from Milford, MA
Overall
  • 5.0
Durability
  • 5.0
Value
  • 5.0
Features
  • 5.0
Design
  • 5.0
Usability
  • 4.0
I really like this radio! My 1st Clarion!! Clear, loud sound better than factory radio. One of the main reasons of purchasing this head unit because it looks so much like the factory radio. Big volume knob in the middle!! The aftermarket kit the Sonic Electronics provided was all perfect! Scosche wire harness, power antenna and dash kit....It totally looks factory!! Still using the factory speaker which plan to upgrade soon. Also purchased and installed the Axxess ASWC and it works better than factory controls! I can now shut off the radio from the steering wheel just by holding down the source button. Can REW/FF songs from my phone via Bluetooth also from the steering wheel controls!

Reading the many reviews before purchasing this and the most complain is display not bright enough and ease use. Which I can agree to a very little degree. Night time illumination is perfect, daytime I just adjusted the contrast to highest brightness.... and with direct sunlight on the unit it's very readable!

Now, navigation of menu and options is some getting used too but it will become familiar very soon. Moderate learning curve but not hard at all! I definitely recommend this product if using double din size because all of it's great features and price value! I believe that speaks in volumes on how much this product is very well liked in the radio aftermarket community!!
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January 23, 2012 Cheap for a reason
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Review by
che from burnaby, BC, Canada
Overall
  • 3.0
Durability
  • 4.0
Value
  • 3.0
Features
  • 4.0
Design
  • 2.0
Usability
  • 3.0
Installed in a Honda Ridgeline. Not a bad unit, sounds ok but has a low rent feel and look.

Pro: Lots of options, plays usb, bluetooth very easy install.

Con: Display looks like 80s VCR, Bluetooth sync problems, Does not play Mp4 files.
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September 7, 2011 Excellent
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Review by
Christopher from LA, CA
Overall
  • 5.0
Durability
  • 4.0
Value
  • 5.0
Features
  • 5.0
Design
  • 5.0
Usability
  • 5.0
Great headunit for the price. The iPod/iPhone USB support is great. Charges my iPhone 4 properly and plays great quality audio. Bluetooth Phone and Audio connect are also superb. I've had the unit a week now and all my calls incoming and outgoing are clear and of great quality. I've been streaming Pandora and the MLB at Bat App and the audio is just great.



I have installed a Sirius SCC1 with this as well. Also very easy to hook up (just a single wire to the headunit from the SCC1. Sound quality is okay, but that is the SCC1's fault, NOT THE CX501's.



My only gripe is, the USB port is in the front. Would've loved for it to be in the back for easy routing of the iPhone cable to my glove box, but I can live with it.



I have a 2009 Toyota Corolla and the install was easy with wiring harness. Did the wiring harness at my kitchen table night before the install. Install took me total of about 25 min to get in the car, take out old radio and install the new one.



If you're looking for a headunit without the GPS/DVD(besides who needs that stuff when you have iPhone and iPads and Droid's and such) then get this headunit. I can't rave enough about it. The only thing i dislike so far is the front USB, just wish it was in the back! 4.5/5 Stars from me!
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April 27, 2013 great deck
Review by
metalcowboy from sheridan, CA
Overall
  • 5.0
Durability
  • 5.0
Value
  • 5.0
Features
  • 5.0
Design
  • 5.0
Usability
  • 5.0
this deck is awesome has lots of features, clean design, and fits pretty good into the stock double din location in my 06 chevy truck. front usb and aux are awesome. i would recommend getting a small usb stick if you plan on leaving the stick in there, i found a 16gb stick thats not much bigger then the dongle for my laptops mouse.



all in all the if you are not looking for a touch screen double din then i highly recommend this deck, it has a good amount of sound tuning options and a wide array of media options
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View All 38 Reviews for Clarion CX501
iPod Adapters and Cables
An iPod adapter/connection cable will allow you to listen to music through your car in-dash stereo from your iPod, charge the iPod, and usually control the playback and playlists through the in-dash head unit too.
  Product Price Add?
Scosche IPUSB2 Scosche IPUSB2
This iPod cable is made specifically for the audio playback of this in-dash receiver.
$10.99
Steering Wheel Interface Adapters
Operate your new radio using your factory steering wheel audio controls with a steering wheel adaptor.
  Product Price Add?
Axxess ASWC Axxess ASWC
Use this steering wheel adapter to retain your vehicles steering wheel controls.
$64.99
PAC SWI-JACKv1 PAC SWI-JACKv1
Use this steering wheel adapter to retain your vehicles steering wheel controls.
$57.99
Satellite Radio Tuners
Add an XM or SIRIUS satellite radio tuner to your new stereo with one of the following available accessories.
  Product Price Add?
SiriusXM SCC1 SiriusXM SCC1 $79.99
HD Radio Tuners
Add HD Radio to your car stereo receiver to enjoy high quality broadcasts of AM/FM stations and HD multi-casts where available. HD Radio requires no service fees or contracts.
  Product Price Add?
Clarion THD301 Clarion THD301
Compatible HD Radio Tuner
$97.99
Installation, Tools & Accessories
Get your car stereo receiver installed by an expert, or do it yourself with install tools and accessories found below.
  Product Price Add?
Monster Cable MPC CLNKIT-SM CN Monster Cable MPC CLNKIT-SM CN
2 Bottles of LCD Screen Clean with Cleaning Cloth
$5.99
Scosche TK12 Car Stereo Installation Kit Scosche TK12 Car Stereo Installation Kit
Includes panel removal tool, wire cutter/stripper, test light, RCA cable runner, screwdriver, and more!
$14.99
18 Butt Connectors, 2 Ring Terminals, and Zip Ties 18 Butt Connectors, 2 Ring Terminals, and Zip Ties
Great for connecting your car stereo wires to the harness.
$5.99
System Optimization and Tuning
Use these accessories to test and tune the sound your new audio system!
  Product Price Add?
Scosche SPL Meter Scosche SPL Meter
Monitor the noise level of your new car audio system with this SPL meter measuring from 60-135 dB.
$24.99
AutoSound 2000 CD-103 AutoSound 2000 CD-103
Audiophile reference series test disc for evaluation of all audio components.
$12.99
AutoSound 2000 CD-102 AutoSound 2000 CD-102
High frequency test CD specifically designed for the set-up and evaluation of sound system imaging and placement.
$12.99
Main Product
  Product Price Add?
Clarion CX501 Clarion CX501 $189.99
Related products
Clarion CX501 + IPUSBK2 iPod Cable
In-dash AM/FM, CD, MP3, WMA player with Remote • Peak: 50W x 4 Chan. • RMS: 21W x 4 Chan. • Includes iPod USB Cable • Low Pass/High Pass Filters • Built-in iPod Direct Connection Via USB • HD Radio Ready • Front Panel Auxiliary Panel

Product Summary

Manufacturer: Clarion
Model number: CX501
UPC: 729218019016
Weight: 4.85 lbs
Internal SKU: cx501
Internal product ID: 33721