Customer Reviews

Clarion VRX485VD 7-Inch Single-Din Multimedia Station with Fully Motorized Touch Panel Control and iPod Ready

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one fantastic car stereo, but it has two flaws, IMHO...
First, the volume knob is quite small and doesn't protrude out very far, making it difficult to turn the volume up or down while driving, especially on bumpy roads. I think Clarion should have done two things here. One, make the volume knob pop out farther with a push and then push back into place. Second make the volume control adjustable on-screen, either by dragging and dropping the volume bar or by pushing the icons for more volume or less volume. Either or both of these changes would greatly improve the controls.

Secondly, for some reason if the stereo isn't on the Ipod input when you turn the car off, then it will not recognize that there is an Ipod attached when you turn the car on until you remove and re-attach the Ipod, which is not a huge deal, unless you keep the Ipod in your locked glove-box then it is a pain in the ......

For these two reasons I give it four stars, but other than that it is AWESOME!!! And, as always, Amazon is impeccably priced and their service is top-notch!!!

Also, one last note...I wanted to redo my interior with more brushed aluminum and this stereo looks killer in the dash. I love the brushed aluminum look!

I've had this unit for about three weeks now and I'm pleased with it especially for the price. Some of the issues stated in other comments are correct like with the iPod and touch screen. The unit does funny things as far as displaying the playlist order and sometimes the touch screen does not respond, but that's once in a blue moon. Someone stated the controls are not backlit and I had that issue, but that was because I was given the wrong wiring harness for my vehicle and with the correct one the controls are lit.

I will say I'm impressed with the clarity of the dvd images and sound quality. Very sharp! Even with stock speakers the music from the iPod and dvd's sound excellent! So this unit is work getting at this price. If you are looking to install a sub with it, it has the connection for it as well as controlling it from the touch screen. Also I recommend getting a rear view camera (which requires a little creativity to get it to work while moving)and Sirius(w/the universal receiver to see the title and artist also sold on Amazon.com). By the way with a rear view camera, it does not come on automatically when the vehicle is placed in reverse. The brush metal finish matches very well with the interior of my '07 Dodge Ram.

I put this in my 07 350z, and honestly wish I just left the stock head unit in.
When scrolling through music, which takes long periods of time due to having to wait several seconds for each new batch of 4 displayable songs/ sub menus to show, frequently slots won't update with the song they now represent.
An example would be:
California Love
Let Down
Sensimilla
Lover, You Should Have Come Over
After scrolling down a set, when the music is supposed to update, you'll frequently be left with a new menu set that looks like:
Ghetto Pop Life
Hotel California
Sensimilla
Wicked Rebel

The slot occupying the song sensimilla won't update in appearance, yet when you select the song, the actual song that holds that slot in the playlist will play (as opposed to the song that appears). This can lead to confusing situations while scrolling through music, something that should be very streamlined considering that you'll probably be driving while messing around with this terrible touch screen.

My other gripes:
The Artist sub menu of the iPod menu doesn't work for me
The touch screen is frequently unresponsive
The two knobs are small and hard to use
The only way to display song information is to open the display, there's no lcd present when it's folded
The buttons present on the face, beneath the dvd slot don't have backlighting

I gave it a two because it features iPod integration and the idea of a screen popping out of your dash is kinda neat. I'd still recommend staying away, it seems like the 6.5" stationary screens are much better than these motorized ones.

This radio has everything you'll ever want and then some. I agree that the volume knob is a bit small but I use the remote mostly anyway.

very little commuication radio never worked right would not hold memorie on radio stations tried to send back never got no resonse on how to or instructions on return for a replacment would not do buisness with this company again!
Sold the unit for less than I paid and bought a Kenwood

I have had this unit for 3 months now and hooked up soundstream digital tv. The picture is stunning.... I would highly recommend getting this unit. The volume knob is small but who really cares right. It has a remote and the unit rocks!

This receiver is ok if your looking for something basic at a great price. My car was broken into and my previous in-dash monitor was stolen. I didn't want to spend too much money, but I wanted another receiver with dvd capability. I purchased this receiver and had it installed, I was not very pleased with the way my aftermarket speakers and subs sounded. The sound quality was not as loud or clear, and the unit just doesn't provide enough power to make your system accomplish what you bought it for! I would not recommend this unit if your looking for any substantial sound quality. It only provides 40watts per channel which is rather low, and if you have subs definately don't get this unit unless you want to get laughed at. Don't be cheap, spend the extra money it really makes a difference.

Cons:

1. Appearance - display is only blue....no ability to change it.

2. Functionality - panel doesn't close when you turn off the vehicle, no LED panel on the top edge of the panel....can't tell what station you are on if it is closed. Can't get a strong enough signal compared to my old Alpine.

3. Fit & Finish - Since it is a flip-out display, it doesn't sit back in the dash far enough. Trim ring doesn't fit in my Nissan.

Pros: Good clarity when the DVD is on. Touchscreen is always a plus. Video input and output....makes it easy to expand later for a rearview camera and a rear monitor for my kids.

i have had this unit for a month now.love it.it looks good and functions good