Home > Consumer Reviews > Clarion DXZ385USB CD/MP3/WMA/AAC Receiver with CeNET Control, Front Panel USB Port, Satellite Radio Ready

I've owned many aftermarket stereos and considering the current trend of poor stereo ergonomics...this unit stands out. Most stereos these days try to minimize the buttons and go with a large multi-function knob to control everything so you have a "clean" looking stereo and a larger screen. That's fine on paper but in reality they are a pain to use because navigating the menus are a pain. I have a current model Pioneer in one of my trucks that is a no fun to use. I have to navigate menus in order to pause the unit! Anyway, this Clarion has a pause button and most everything you need on the front without a multi function knob. Easy to use. Easy to navigate. No fuss. Function over form. I use this primarily with my USB flash sticks to listen to audio books and assorted music. I installed this my Toyota Tacoma (I bought the dash kit and wiring harness somewhere else) in less than an hour. What a joy. The remote that comes with this unit is pretty handy. I received this from Amazon quickly and in good shape so no complaints there. Overall, I am very satisfied with this Clarion. I bought another one for my wife's Subaru which has not arrived yet. Figured I better buy another one before they "improve" this version.

UPDATE 6/09: I am still satisfied with this stereo. We have two...one in my truck and one in my wife's Subaru. My only complaint is that you can't navigate folders using the remote control. I predominantly use the USB stick feature as well as the remote. Unfortunately, I can't change file folders...you have to press the buttons on the unit itself. Not a show stopper...just an annoyance. Other than that, I am very satisfied with this product after 6 months of use.

This is really a big bang for the buck! It installed easily, and it works excellent. The USB front port is perfect to connect my iPhone as well as my 8gb flash drive - both work perfectly! I'll buy another for a second vehicle shortly.

I put this radio in my 1998 Ford F150. It took the better part of two hours. You need to get a wiring adapter and a space filling kit - I got mine from Walmart ahead of time since I knew I was taking out a four inch high radio and replacing it with a two inch high radio.- less than $25 for both. Anyway, I had everything I needed for installation. I should have cut the wires shorter on the wiring harness because I had a heck of a time stuffing all that spaghetti in to the place behind the radio. I finally managed though and the radio works great. I got it because I no longer used the cassette player in the Ford radio and the new Clarion had a USB port and I now put all my music on flash drives. The installation directions were almost useless in my case since none of the pictures matched the place I was placing the radio. Well, it's in and I feel a great sense of accomplishment.

This is a surprisingly good stereo for the money. It sounds much better than the one I replaced, and pulls in FM stations I could not receive with my previous one. It has both front USB and Aux-in connectors. I can connect my Sansa e280 mp3 player to it using Sansa's USB wire and play over the stereo what's on the mp3 player.

The only downside is the buttons are a little small, and the screen can be annoying at night.

Do yourself a favor and get a wiring adapter from Walmart. Walmart also has hardware kits to help with installation.

One hint on wiring. The Clarion has two fused yellow wires; they both go to the one yellow on the Walmart adapter. The un-fused red goes to red on the Walmart adapter, which is power.

I've been wanting a MP3 player stereo for a while now. My factory stereo quit reading CDs so that gave me a reason to get one. This model has 3pair of preamp outs. I love the usb port on the front along with the line in (mini-din). Reads WMA, MP3, and AAC files. The only thing that I don't like is the blue and red led colors. Wish I could choose something different. This is a great product and sounds wonderful! The functionality of the stereo is good plus it comes with a remote! Bought from Amazon because it was $50 cheaper than Crutchfield.