Clarion VRX755VD MP3 Player Head Unit

Just as you might on your iPod, you can access your music through the various categories: Artists, Albums, Songs, Composers, Most Recently Player, etc. In short, if you figured out how to access your AAC files on your player then there's no learning curve to accessing them via the VRX755VD. As with other interface products, the iPod gets charged when connected and its functions are disabled; and unlike when you have the iPod connected to your computer to upload songs, you can disconnect at any time.

The only reservations we had with the VRX had nothing to do, of course, with iPod use; rather, one issue was something seemingly trivial and pretty minor. The detachable control panel (DCP) was easy to pull off, but rather stubborn about being attached. It should simply snap into place on the left side, but didn't always do so willingly. The other issue was the adjustments for the screen. Playing our collection of Pixar DVDs we wished we had more control over picture quality. The range of control for brightness, hue and color were not that dramatic. Considering that we would not use the screen on the head unit for DVD viewing very much (when was the last time you parked and watched a movie?) it was not a major problem.

Audio adjustments on the other hand were fairly good. You have gain, frequency and Q control for bass, mid and gain and frequency for treble. Clarion also has its Magna Bass Extend feature that, as they say, "emphasizes the deep bass sound area to provide...a dynamic sound." Not that we liked the tonal change that much, but it does function as stated. For mainstream consumers who are not looking to set up a complete system, this might be a handy tool; car audio hobbyists with amps and subwoofers aren't likely to need or use it.

The ease of use can be summarized very briefly: connect, check out the display, push appropriate screen icons. But if you prefer the long version--connect your iPod (for this review we ran the direct-connect cable out through the tray under the head unit; for permanent installation you will probably want the cable to exit into the interior of your glove compartment), then hit the Open button and the widescreen monitor motorizes out smoothly (we should mention that you can set the display at five different angles). Select iPod using the Source button and something very similar to the configuration on your music player will appear in digital form on the liquid crystal panel. You can see here, with the available screen space you have more information and even better functionality with separate icons for Repeat, Shuffle, Browse and 2-zone. The window to the right shows you time and song/track information. Above you can easily reference the artist of the song, track title and album name.

Speaking of expanded systems-with Clarion's decoder, the DVH940, the VRX755VD is ready for a 5.1 surround sound setup.

Other features include the 2-zone feature, a must-have for parents with children on long family trips. Use the main zone for internal sources and the second zone for external sources, such as a changer, connected via CeNet. The VRX is also Sirius satellite radio ready.

We've looked at some decent head units this year, and this is right there with a small group at the top the list. And the credit for that assessment in large part should go to Clarion's very smart solution for integrating iPod into your car audio system. On top of that, its all-around capability and control features make this an easy buy. For iPod fans this is a must-buy.

MSRP: $1599.99

Cable for iPod direct direct-connect: $59.99

•Perfect for iPod use•Responsive touchscreen•Excellent remote•24 radio station presets•5.1 surround sound w/decoder•2-zone capability•Sirius Radio ready