RCA

Another option that is supported is a TV tuner, using the separately purchased tuner-only or hi-fi VHS with tuner. Two bands will each store six presets for a total of 12 memorized stations. Stations can be manually stored, or you can use the auto-store to scan for available stations and memorize them in the current band. Both optional units have auxiliary A/V inputs that can be selected from the deck, providing game system capability. This is a great addition for those long road trips, especially if you have rug rats.

For tone control, the deck has a system called Z-Enhancer Plus (labeled Z+ on the faceplate), which consists of peaking bass and treble adjustments with selectable center frequencies and gain. The treble control has two frequency selections (10kHz and 15kHz), while the bass control can be set to three (60Hz, 100Hz, and 200Hz). The bass control also has selectable Q (filter width) with four settings (1.0, 1.25, 1.5, and 2.0). This changes the amount of the spectrum above and below the center frequency that is cut or boosted. Each filter has six cut and boost settings for a total of 13 gain settings each. There are also three factory preset EQ curves called "B-Boost," "Impact," and "Excite" that can be selected. These presets each have seven settings to increase or decrease the amount of EQ applied. I like the way the audio adjustment menu changes based on your EQ selection; the treble and bass controls disappear from the menu when you select a preset or turn the EQ off. There is also a volume-dependent bass boost called Magna Bass Extend, which compensates for road noise at lower volume settings.

Two sets of RCA pigtails provide either front/rear line outputs or front/subwoofer line outputs. The choice is made on the menu by selecting one of the low-pass filters (50Hz, 80Hz, or 120Hz), effectively changing the full-range rear output into a subwoofer output. Another stereo RCA pigtail is used for the Aux input, which has a menu selection with three settings for input sensitivity to allow for a broad range of external audio sources. Signals to and from other optional Clarion source units are transmitted via the proprietary CeNET bus. The detachable wiring harness has four pairs of powered outputs to drive speakers directly if you aren't using power amps. Other connections provided include amplifier turn-on, antenna power, and illumination (dimming).

This is a very complete deck at a very reasonable price, with good sound quality. For those that don't feel the need for spaceship-style cosmetics and displays that make your eyes explode, look no further for a great bargain.