Clarion MAX2256 Car CD / Cassette Player
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- Player Type: CD Cassette
- Controlled Devices: CD Changer
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For those who love the stereo more than the car!
Pros
Very tough on the competitors
Cons
Pricey if it isn't exactly what you were looking for
Recommended it?
Yes
Recently I received a phone call from a friend who asked me to come over and see his new stereo. He is big into the stereo competition world and always has something new to show me so needless to say it does get old at times. This time he really caught my attention when he told me he just put an 1800.00 head unit into his car, and needless to say I went to grab my shoes, as it was time to take a ride!
Clarion MAX2256
This had got to be the most classy looking head unit I have ever come face to face with. Before you even hear it you are impressed. The front design of it mixed in with the incredible LCD display make this an award winner from the top.
The functionality of it is fairly general as it is your standard AM/FM and cassette player with a CD Changer Controller.
One thing that really impressed me was the radio tuning. He uses a very affordable am/fm booster, and combined with the MAGI TUNE FM TUNER incorporated into the Clarion he can pick up many more stations than most people in this area.
If he is using it in competition it must be impressive
This head unit has everything that I can think of. Its good and it knows it is, as that is how it was built. Even the face of the cd player has a motorized fold down face which I found intriguing.
A built in 7 Band EQ makes for great sound quality and is enhanced once again by the 5 LCD Display.
Another thing that impressed me was the IR Remote control device which works very very well. From what I would estimate to be about 50 feet from the car he was able to effectively use the remote control.
Not so impressive, but yet important is the auto programming which allows him to keep all of his stations to the touch of a button, and with that booster it is a lot of them.
But how good does it sound
The head unit is but one piece of an entire system. And just as a chain is, you are only as strong as your weakest link. Well forget weak links, as this is your mantle piece.
Dolby B combined with the 2 Channel Line output makes for an incredible sound. Listen to it and then refine it with the built in 7 Band EQ and you really can get a great competition quality sound. For someone just getting started though I was reminded that no head unit will ever make poor speakers better.
Installation
Being the competitor he is, installation took a while and some hard work. But as for the ease of work it wasn't bad at all. The instruction manual is well laid out and plent of picture for one to use. The mounting kits and brackets are well available depending upon the make and model of car you are using it in. With a little reading and a little contortion of the body one can install this rather easily.
It has to cost an arm and a leg for something of that nature doesn't it?
As one would assume yes. Why would someone spend so much money? Well, for my friend it is a hobby and many of us have expensive hobbies. Now in the stereo competition world it would be considered money well spent, but to the casual listener of a few radio stations and tapes going to and from work it would seem to be a crazy purchase.
The MSRP on this head unit is 1999.99, but after doing some looking around I have found it much cheaper. My friend paid 1600 for his a while back and today I have found it online for 1399.99 so it can be done. My suggestion would be to pop a websearch on it and you will find many a dealer willing to work with you on such a purchase as this.
What a stereo!!
This really is a sight to see. To see it is almost impressive as it is to hear it. If you love the stereo world, or are into the competition side of the house, or even just have money burning a hole in your pocket this is a great addition to a vehicle. But as with all purchases this big, don't take my opinion on it for certain, get out and see the Clarion MAX2256 for yourself, I'm sure you will agree it must be one of the best running today!
Clarion MAX2256
This had got to be the most classy looking head unit I have ever come face to face with. Before you even hear it you are impressed. The front design of it mixed in with the incredible LCD display make this an award winner from the top.
The functionality of it is fairly general as it is your standard AM/FM and cassette player with a CD Changer Controller.
One thing that really impressed me was the radio tuning. He uses a very affordable am/fm booster, and combined with the MAGI TUNE FM TUNER incorporated into the Clarion he can pick up many more stations than most people in this area.
If he is using it in competition it must be impressive
This head unit has everything that I can think of. Its good and it knows it is, as that is how it was built. Even the face of the cd player has a motorized fold down face which I found intriguing.
A built in 7 Band EQ makes for great sound quality and is enhanced once again by the 5 LCD Display.
Another thing that impressed me was the IR Remote control device which works very very well. From what I would estimate to be about 50 feet from the car he was able to effectively use the remote control.
Not so impressive, but yet important is the auto programming which allows him to keep all of his stations to the touch of a button, and with that booster it is a lot of them.
But how good does it sound
The head unit is but one piece of an entire system. And just as a chain is, you are only as strong as your weakest link. Well forget weak links, as this is your mantle piece.
Dolby B combined with the 2 Channel Line output makes for an incredible sound. Listen to it and then refine it with the built in 7 Band EQ and you really can get a great competition quality sound. For someone just getting started though I was reminded that no head unit will ever make poor speakers better.
Installation
Being the competitor he is, installation took a while and some hard work. But as for the ease of work it wasn't bad at all. The instruction manual is well laid out and plent of picture for one to use. The mounting kits and brackets are well available depending upon the make and model of car you are using it in. With a little reading and a little contortion of the body one can install this rather easily.
It has to cost an arm and a leg for something of that nature doesn't it?
As one would assume yes. Why would someone spend so much money? Well, for my friend it is a hobby and many of us have expensive hobbies. Now in the stereo competition world it would be considered money well spent, but to the casual listener of a few radio stations and tapes going to and from work it would seem to be a crazy purchase.
The MSRP on this head unit is 1999.99, but after doing some looking around I have found it much cheaper. My friend paid 1600 for his a while back and today I have found it online for 1399.99 so it can be done. My suggestion would be to pop a websearch on it and you will find many a dealer willing to work with you on such a purchase as this.
What a stereo!!
This really is a sight to see. To see it is almost impressive as it is to hear it. If you love the stereo world, or are into the competition side of the house, or even just have money burning a hole in your pocket this is a great addition to a vehicle. But as with all purchases this big, don't take my opinion on it for certain, get out and see the Clarion MAX2256 for yourself, I'm sure you will agree it must be one of the best running today!
