[focal]

I recently changed my head unit from the Sony CDX-C90 to the Clarion HX-D10 Limited edition.  This was supposed to be a slight downgrade  in SQ  for a little cash and added convenience with the Clarion (built in 3ch parametric and auxilary inputs) but to my surprise the Clarion CD playback is noticeably better. I didn't like the MP3 decks currently on the market (for SQ) and really liked Apple's portable iPod but to get auxilary inputs on the old Sony C90 would require a separate box (XA-300 = $150-200) so I decided to go with a high SQ deck Clarion (over 50% off at Crutchfield = $299).  The built in dual 24bit D/A really does a better job with CD's than the Sony's quad 20bit D/A.  Soundstage is much wider, slightly warmer and higher with zero changes to the Xtant P500 EQ settings.  FM playback is WORSE on the Clarion.  Not in reception (about the same) but in terms of clarity and stereo separation.  But this is FM who cares.....Since we don't get XM or Sirus satellite service in Canada, I am looking for a Clarion DAB tuner to plug in.  Equal quality and it's FREE.

 

[zilla]

Re: what a great deck: Clarion HX-D10 (focal)

i got the 715 model (one down from yours) and i love it. great deck,

 

[focal]

Re: what a great deck: Clarion HX-D10 (zilla)

yeah, the 715 is basically a similar version to the HX-D10 but the HX-D10 has slightly better components......



[Modified by focal, 9:06 AM 2-8-2002]

 

[vedubau]

Re: what a great deck: Clarion HX-D10 (focal)

Focal,
Glad to hear it worked out for you

.

 

[2001pass-var]

Re: what a great deck: Clarion HX-D10 (focal)

My HX-D10 arrives today!

 

[focal]

Re: what a great deck: Clarion HX-D10 (cchristensen)

Thanks cchristensen.....since everything is tuned already on the Xtant EQ, this was really a plug and play...I've set the Clarion EQ to tone bypass...I will fiddle with the built in EQ over the weekend to see if I can improve things a bit.
2001pass-var: ENJOY...you'll love it.......FYI - I was so anxious when I got it that I installed it myself that very night....whoopie do, you may say, but I've ALWAYS sent it to an installer to put in...I've never touched my own car audio in the 8 years I've dabbled...With one or two phone calls to a friend to verify wires, I got it to work first time out....It's a nice feeling to do your own install...And after seeing the mess of wires that the shop did, I may start to learn MORE so I don't let anyone hack my system anymore.....

 

[2001pass-var]

Re: what a great deck: Clarion HX-D10 (focal)

I've been installing car stereos myself for 25 years and yes I will install it tonight. I've been without a radio for 6 weeks, so I'm really really looking forward to it. I've searched all over for a review of this unit and found very little, so I'm glad to hear you praise it.
Joe

 

[focal]

Re: what a great deck: Clarion HX-D10 (2001pass-var)

hey Joe,
yeah, I didn't find much either...It was a risk to switch from the Sony C90. I just trusted the specs and the feedback on the 715 and 9575. I assumed that it was a 715 without the amp but better care into SQ to at LEAST match the praise for the 9575. it was just a very pleasant surprise on the improvement....
I was a bit anxious with the install since i was borrowing a crappy Kenwood tape deck to tie me over between the SALE of the C90 and waiting for the Clarion to arrive....I still need to work on the install to make it completely flush.
Dixon


[Modified by focal, 9:49 AM 2-8-2002]

 

[ColdFlameGTi]

Re: what a great deck: Clarion HX-D10 (focal)

Hi focal! Great choice on a deck! My HX-D10 arrived yesterday

and I need to ask you something.
1. Does Monsoon amp take preamp inputs from Clarion?
2. In my dash I only have a harness (no RCAs) I assume I have to buy RCA kit in RadioShack and solder it to the Crutchfield harness, am I right?
3. Did you use the metal cage that came with Clarion? Was it difficult? Or you just pushed it in, secured stoppers and pushed the deck in?
4. What should be my next upgrade?
Thanks for help!
I can't wait to hear the sound of it!

 

[focal]

Re: what a great deck: Clarion HX-D10 (ColdFlameGTi)

I'm not 100% sure how you can use the HX-D10 with the Monsoon amp since the deck doesn't have speaker line outputs for the Monsoon amp...this could be a problem.....
ever consider getting a separate amp instead? it'll really improve things more....and you'll get to hook up a sub
as for the cage, it's not locked in so the deck isn't really flush....there isn't much room to clear all the wires from the deck and RCA's in the back...


[Modified by focal, 2:31 PM 2-8-2002]

 

[ColdFlameGTi]

Re: what a great deck: Clarion HX-D10 (focal)

Are you saying that Monsoon amp doesn't take unamplified signal? I assumed it does. That's the purpose of an amp right?
Anyway, I will buy RCA kit in RadioShack tonight, hook it up and see. Can you recommend an inexpensive (but adequate) amp for the Clarion? Also what kind of wires you'd use?
Thanks !
P.S. I looked at Monsoon website and they have ZERO info about their system. Bastards. I feel like I wanna rip the whole Monsoon system out of my car!!!


[Modified by ColdFlameGTi, 11:43 AM 2-8-2002]

 

[focal]

Re: what a great deck: Clarion HX-D10 (ColdFlameGTi)

I believe so....don't know what you can find at Radio Shack though....
As for an amp, I have a pretty decent Pioneer Premier line lying around here...50x4 @4ohms...
basically will power your whole system nicely...you'll still need an amp wiring kit (about $40)....
email me and I'll send over all the details on the [email protected]