Clarion is placing a greater emphasis on amplifiers and speakers this year and is heading upscale on its top end navigation head units.
For 2012, it will offer its first Class D multi-channel, compact amplifiers, which may also be used as marine audio units.
On the in-dash front, the company has added Pandora to 8 of its 2012 models.
Many of the in-dash models also now include Parrot Bluetooth with audio streaming.
At the Consumer Electronics Show, Clarion is unwrapping 3 in-dash navigation models including a top-of-the-line NX702 at a suggested retail price of $1,199. The navi/radio is Clarion’s first with HD radio and it adds voice control over navigation and phone features, again a first for Clarion. Real time traffic is another new feature as is digital time alignment, controlled by the user interface. The NX702 also offers Pandora control over an iPhone, Parrot Bluetooth and compatibility with the new lower cost SiriusXM SXV100 tuner solution. The price is about $200 higher than in the past, said Clarion.
Four new CD/radios are in the line this year capped by the CZ702 that has new 5-volt output plus digital time alignment, Pandora, and Parrot Bluetooth. The unit is SiriusXM ready through the new lower cost tuner. And it includes digital crossovers at a price of $249.99 with shipping expected in Q1.
A model CZ202 with Pandora competes at a low suggested retail price of $129.99.
All of the above models offer USB iPod and iPhone control.
Clarion’s new amps come in 2- and 4-channel versions, each bridgeable at 85 watts per channel into 4-ohms or 125 watts into 2 ohms. They have an auto turn-on feature so you don’t need an extra wire for installation. And they double as marine amps, meeting standards for protective coating. They come in a silver and gray finish at $379.99 for the XC6210 and $499.99 for the 6410.
The SRQ and SRG speakers include oversized drivers (6 ¾-inches) for certain GM and Chrysler applications.
There’s also a new mechless digital radio FZ502 ($199, Q1) that comes in separate car audio and marine versions. It differs from last year’s model as it again adds Parrot Bluetooth, Pandora and the ability to work with the new lower cost SiriusXM tuner solution. The marine version will be one of the first marine decks with Parrot Bluetooth, Pandora and SiriusXM SXV100-readiness, said Clarion.
