CLARION DRZ9255 REVIEW

[evangelos K]

Ok, here we go....

I am in HEAVEN. You know what they say "you do not know what good is (in this case SQ) till you hear something better." Well, I thought the previous 960MP and latest Alpine 9855 had great SQ. How much better could it get? TONS!

I am blown away. The SQ of the Clarion is UNREAL. I firmly believe it is MAINLY b/c of this:

http://www.b15sentra.net/gallery/files/1/0/6/3/5/PS.jpg


Yep, this is the Power Supply. Almost as big as the HU. If you read the print on it, you will see it has a noise filter built it, but not only that. I almost wet my pants when I found out what the "back up" printed on it meant. Well, the PS has internal back up (like a UPS) to keep the settings in memory even after the power cable is disconnected. I found out after I unplugged the power to the HU for a good 25-30 minutes, and when I reconnected and fired it up, ALL my settings were intact :) Yay, no more having to readjust everything after working on my car! Also, the Power Supply provides 15V constant at all times to the HU, as opposed to 12V-14V or whatever the alternator feels like on "other HUs. I firmly believe that's half the SQ right there.

The HU has a self-check the very 1st time you turn it on. Meaning, it will automatically detect what's plugged in. For example, the HU has 2 AUX inputs. I only use one for my XM. The HU automatically detected the AUX in use and activated it, and it DOES not cycle through AUX 2 when cycling sources since it is not in use. Same w/ SUB, no need to activate it if already plugged in etc.

The features are A+. 4 WAY X-over with bandpass even on the sub! Also, for EVERY X-over point and EVERY speaker, there is phase adjustment, not just phase for the sub. Also, gain setting for every speaker/x-over point.

The 4V preouts it seems they are indeed 4V. The HU sounds LOUDER and cleaner at 3/4 volume than the Alpine. I took it almost to MAX volume, no clipping whatsoever.

Stereo separation makes any other HU a joke. I mean WOW, you can tell w/ perfect clarity what's supposed to be left/right and center. Dual 24-bit / 96 kHz Sampling Digital-to-Analog Burr-Brown Converters SHINE. BTW, you can choose between 48KHz and 96KHz sampling; default is 96KHz.

Sensitivity adjustment for both AUX inputs.. nice

The HU is pure quality. Take a look at that.. no moving parts, pure copper:

http://www.b15sentra.net/gallery/files/1/0/6/3/5/copper.jpg

What you see above is IT. One line on the screen, that being CD text (artist or title or track) or clock. I love it!

The HU has BOTH 1db volume increments and 0.5db (an industry 1st and only so far) volume increments. By pressing and rotating the volume knob, you can adjust volume by 0.5db increments. Do it again, and it goes back to 1db. Also, the volume is displayed in DBs. Starts at -95db, +6db is max.

No moving faceplate means PERFECT FLUSH FIT. It just looks awesome:


http://www.b15sentra.net/gallery/files/1/0/6/3/5/front.jpg


http://www.b15sentra.net/gallery/files/1/0/6/3/5/side.jpg

Digital IN & OUT


CONS (well, not really): The x-overs go up to 18db and not 24db. Seriously, from what I heard compared to the Alpine (and Pioneer premier 960MP) the 18db slope on the Clarion is steeper than the 24db on the other HUs mentioned above. Meaning, the x-overs are A+ quality and work the way they are supposed to, when on the other HUs the x-over was not actually up to par (according to the strictest specs).

No detachable face. Well, I dont want to see any Eclipse owners say anything about that :D


The "mess" during install:

http://www.b15sentra.net/gallery/files/1/0/6/3/5/PS-2.jpg


And here are some pics inside my engine bay:

http://www.b15sentra.net/gallery/files/1/0/6/3/5/battery.jpg

http://www.b15sentra.net/gallery/files/1/0/6/3/5/battery-2.jpg

The thinner blue wire comming under the POS post is the 12Ga wire going directly to the Power Supply of the Clarion. Tomorrow it will be fused, like the wire it came with, which I did not use b/c I did not want to cut it :)

You can also see the 0Ga going to battery from the ALT. fused w/ a 100A ANL fuse.

I still cannot believe the great deal I got, on a BRAND new unit. Yeah, "steep" price ($650), but really a steal since even on e-bay they go for $950-1000 plus shipping.

Now what makes things worse is that the HU has 4way x-overs.. Meaning, I now can have a 3-way setup upfront... I might start looking for some shallow dome mids :)

[alphakenny1]

wow man nice pick up. great review and great pictures. i love the look on the clarion. very sleek. and wow you got it for $600? crazy price for a bnib right? cuz i remember that guy on eca had it going for like 850 or so. anyways nice and get 3 way active and use it to its potential!

[300Z]

Time to update the Sig... :D

[chad]

So where did the 9855 go?

Chad

[evangelos K]

So where did the 9855 go?

Chad

Will be listed for sale soon. Interested? :)

[zfactor]

where did you pick that up for 600$$$ damn

[chad]

Possibly, Gotta check cash flow reserves :

[cam2Xrunner]

Nice review. Makes me regret selling mine!

[MiniVanMan]

But it doesn't play MP3's (whine, whine) :p

Great review. Now, stop being cheap, and go out and buy an Eclipse CD7000 to compare it to. Geeez!

[xencloud]

very nice review! Makes me want to reconsider the 2 DIN units I was thinking about and just go for pure SQ!

[evangelos K]

But it doesn't play MP3's (whine, whine) :p

Great review. Now, stop being cheap, and go out and buy an Eclipse CD7000 to compare it to. Geeez!

Yeah, but I do not remember the last time I played an MP3 CD :) I can always buy the $1000 Clarion CD/DVD changer (only Clarion changer that plays MP3s), but I dont think so, heh.

As for the Eclipse. Well, after the 8454 experience, I think I am going to stay couple miles away from them... Man, that HU was the "SUCK," well, al least my experience w/ it was. From slow ass response times (switching sources took easily 5 seconts), to retarded menu navigation and button placememt, to SQ (yes, read right) to everything else.

[Sephiroth619]

Seriously, awesome review man. I now have a reason to upgrade. :)

[demon2091tb]

Have you used a Eclipse 8053, how do they compair as far as SQ?

[300Z]

But it doesn't play MP3's (whine, whine) :p

Just add this (http://www.clarion.com/us/en/products/2006/multimedia/processor/EA1251B/us-en-product-pf_1132912142979.html) + an Ipod and be done... ;)

[evangelos K]

Have you used a Eclipse 8053, how do they compair as far as SQ?

My only experience w/ Eclipse was w/ a 8454 I owned. Seriously, I hated it in all aspects and sold it in one week. I don't know, it might have been a defective unit (which I do not think so). But it was full of glitches (well, it might have been they way it was meant to be, like slow software/menu), SQ was terrible (for a deck of that caliber) and the most annoying thing was the volume scale. From 0-73 was like it did almost nothing, then BOOM, after 73 volume will increase not smoothly at all (going from 73 to74 to 75 etc. was a big jump). Needeless to say, it was useless to set gains at 3/4 of the volume. Plus, it did not seem to me there was clipped signal at high volumes. You would think a deck w/ 8V outs would supply 4V out at a lower volume setting than what a 4V deck would, which was not the case compared to Alpine 7995. I went back to it (Alpine 7995) and sold the Eclipse.

[WeDgE]

My 8454 was fine...really enjoyed it. Just didn't like the random function in MP3 mode.

[evangelos K]

Let me update the review. Given the fact that the SQ is amazing, the MAIN improvement seems to come from imaging/soundstage. I do not know the stereo separation specs on the deck (not in tha manual), but it is VERY obvious how more defined and easily to place everything is in the music. Amazing left/right separation and center image. It sounds better even though I HAVE not messed with Time Allignment yet at all.

Of course, every other aspect has improved. Sound is just SO MUCH CLEANER. A 0db volume (read next paragraph), there is no clipping whatsoever. Haven't gone higher than that on the vol knob.


Also, as I said, the Volume value goes from -95db to +6db. The specs on the deck is 4V RCA outs. I found out on the manual that the 4V out is at 0db, and at max volume (+6db) the output voltage is 8V :)

I am copying the specs in manual:


Line output level (CD 1KHz):
Vol 0db = 4V
Vol +6db = 8V(Max)

The deck will play all CDs flawlessly, w/ no delay. My 9855 had some minor problems sometimes w/ burned CDs only. Also, CD text will appear almost instantly on the screen.

To be continued as it goes...

[rutger j]

as the whining person I am, these are my complaints :-)

EQ only has 5 bands
EQ only goes down to 50hz
To few memory settings (only 3 now)
You can´t level adjust each preout separatle, only way to do this is by using the balance control = affecting all preouts
It takes a rocket science to get the optic in to be an optic out...

Other then this, buy one if you can. It really is as good as it says.

Sincerely
Rutger

[sheepdog]

that makes me REALLY miss my DRX9255. I hope the b*stard that stole it was stuck with an inactive headunit (dumba$$ forgot to take the DC DC converter) :mad:


anyway, GORGEOUS HU. That is (beyond a doubt) my next HU when I re-create my install.

:cool:

[FoxPro5]

Beautiful, just beautiful! Hard to believe your experience with the 8454. Man I loved mine...but not as much as my 8053....which makes me wonder what's next...hmmmmm.

[mojako]

no level adjust for each preout? really?

Evangelos,
i've recently heard a drz9255... sound really thick to me! Alpine sounds thin compared to the drz. Do you have the same observation?

[evangelos K]

no level adjust for each preout? really?

Evangelos,
i've recently heard a drz9255... sound really thick to me! Alpine sounds thin compared to the drz. Do you have the same observation?

Did you hear it on the same setup w/ the Alpine? To answer your question, it does sound warmer to me. The point is that, to me, it sounds MUCH better :) And as I said, image/separation/soundstage was improved wastly.


Yes. the level adjustment is by preout pair. Same as the Alpine. Now, keep in mind I got this deck b/c I could not pass the deal, and it proved to be a Huge improvement over all HUs I have used recently (7995, Premier 960MP, 9855). I would love to hear a comparisson w/ a P9 combo on the same setup, but it seems impossible.

[rutger j]

just too show hard I am to satisfy :D I wouldn´t be happy with the Alpine F#1 either :)

For instance, it plays DVD-audio but not SACD...
That´s bad, just bad if you ask me :)
I believed it was an HIGH END machine...but maybe I was wrong...!!! :D

Sincerely
Rutger

[3.5max6spd]

secksy deck...i take it you like it alot huh?:D

[demon2091tb]

just too show hard I am to satisfy :D I wouldn´t be happy with the Alpine F#1 either :)

For instance, it plays DVD-audio but not SACD...
That´s bad, just bad if you ask me :)
I believed it was an HIGH END machine...but maybe I was wrong...!!! :D

Sincerely
Rutger

Picky picky Bastad!

:D

[mojako]

thanks for the comment Evangelos!

anyway... this just came out :)

http://www.clarion.co.jp/data/current/basicimg-107-img.jpg

DRZ9255SE - Special Edition

details here (in jap though)-> click here (http://www.clarion.co.jp/news/060314_3/index.cfm)

[mvw2]

Purdy *gropes screen with hands* :p

I've heard some wonderful things about Clarion...oddly a few from previous Eclipse owners, lol. I've heard the warmer, full sounding description before as well.

I like features, lots of them. I was interested in Clarion, but none of their models had much for tunability, kind of like Eclipse. The only options was the top end model...much like Eclipse. Too bad I didn't want to spend that much... Even the $350 I paid for my JVC HU was a stretch for my willingness to spend, kind of makes the DRZ9255 a bit out of reach.

I'm glad you're liking the HU though. I was kind of wondering how she performed. I might look into that HU or a future varient of the HU upon my next HU upgrade.

[evangelos K]

Let me add some details about the deck's fanctionality I found out playing w/ the settings :) :

I just LOVE this.. On every other HU I have used, while making adjustments, the VOL control was disabled. Meaning, for example, when setting x-over points or T/A, the vol nob would do nothing. On the Clarion, it just works as normal. Very usefull to adjust, crank the volume up to test, lower it, re-adjust etc. From what I have experienced, the VOL knob is usable during every adjustment.

Also, you know when entering the menu on other HUs.. if you do nothing during certain amount of time, it will revert to normal operation? Not the Clarion. You do not leave the menu automatically unless you choose to. Which again, I like since after making adjustmets it is very convinient to stay on the menu and listen to them (which in combimation w/ the fanctional VOL knob makes things easy).. and if you want to readjust, you are already there.

Also, by pressing the VOL knob while in adjust mode, it mutes the speaker (just the specific speaker, not the whole channel) being adjusted.

Very nice 0.7cm steps for T/A (that's 0.2755905511811024 inches) :)

[FocusInCali]

Good to know. I'm looking forward to installing mine.

[low]

i had this HU installed in my setup. to me, it sounded very clean and i was able to better visualize where the instruments were playing/coming from as opposed to my 9835. my stage even sounded deeper...great hu.

[machinehead]

I have an old ass clarion 9675z and it sounds better than any cd player i've ownd. Clarion always sounds great. i just wish it had more eq

[FocusInCali]

Wow!! I finally installed the DRZ and the difference is very sweet to the ears. I didn't have any complaints about the 9815, but the DRZ seems more.... real. It's hard to describe. Perhaps more resolution from the 96KHz sampling. And I noticed I can crank the volume all the way to +6 and it was super clean with no distortion or clipping. Very impressive.

It's a little fat on the lower midrange, but I haven't touched the PEQ yet either. Perhaps the Oz woofers are a bit warm to mate with the DRZ. This is being super picky. The system is the best I've had to date and having sat in numerous recording studios and being spoiled, this sounds amazing considering it's a car environment. I don't expect a car to ever sound like a studio, but heck we try at least. ;)

The stage height and width is still above the dash, and a little beyond the windshield, but with more separation now.

The Arc 4150XXK brought dynamics to the table. It's a great pairing with the DRZ.

My Oz components are sounding really good right now. I'm not in any hurry to pull them out, but I'm sure curiosity will have me trying the W18NX and MT-23 or RT25F soon.

[cam2Xrunner]

^I want it back!!!! lol

[fuscobal]

Hehe, just won the national championships ( amateur category) with my DRZ. What was interesting was the fact that the judge ( a guy that is more into home high-end speakers, currently working on a 500.000$ system ) liked alot more the DRZ over Pioneer P90RS. Damn, he even liked DRX-938 more than the Pio. He sad Pioneer's sound was just too digitalized and lifeless comparing to Clarion and believe me he knows what he's saying after dealing with world's most expensives home CD-players !

[SteveLPfreak]

Since I've been using the DRZ9255 for several weeks now, I thought it was about time to chime in with my .02 cents.

Changing to the DRZ9255 has been one of the best decisions I've made in my ever-changing car audio system. Not only did it help me to eliminate a couple of components (xover and EQ come to mind) but also helped eliminate some signal and power runs. Simpler is better!

Well-made head unit with high quality parts, including the very expensive copper chassis and separate 15V power supply. All the hardware and wiring needed is included. No problems getting the unit installed and working.

I've heard the sound described as "thick" and "warm". I don't think those terms accurately describe the sound. I think neutral is a better term. I think the DRZ9255 sounds very detailed and neutral without any harshness. Very transparent - the best CD sound I've used to date. I've never had it skip (due to vibrations) and it hasn't been permanently mounted yet so it sees a fair amount of vibration, much more so than normal. The DRZ9255 does, however, seem to be a little picky with media quality. Low quality CD-Rs sometimes skip at specific locations on the disc. This has happened twice on some low quality CD-Rs I had (pretty scratched up, too, but played fine on other players). High quality CD-Rs like TY and Mits. Chem. always play fine.

I've also read that the DRZ9255 is difficult to setup and use. I disagree completely. I've found it to be one of the more intiutive and easy to use heads. Much easier for me to use than my other Alpines.

I'm also using the digital input with a Clarion DCZ625. My Creative Zen Xtra MP3 player runs off AUX1. Siruis Satellite is using AUX2. The DCZ625 sounds as good as the main deck and changes tracks/discs quickly. I'm not a big MP3 fan so I don't use my Zen in the car much but, when used, works great and sounds pretty good, too. Same for the Sirius system. Additional sources are automatically found when connected.

I'm very satisfied with the DRZ9255. High price but easily the best head unit I've used to date. Hope it is as reliable as it is functional!

[fuscobal]

Who said warm ? As u said, neutral and transparent are THE words ! I found the DRZ to be over the P9 and P90RS and this was confirmed by 2 judges who absolutely loved the transparency of this player (they are familiar to very high-end home CDs)

[FocusInCali]

I think having it on 96KHz sampling makes "any" CD issues stand out. That's ok. It simply lets you know that CD needs cleaned or has a scratch. ;)

The resolution is amazing. This unit makes the limited quality of CDs sound their best.

Compared to my prior Alpine, it is warmer. That doesn't mean it has a warm sound. Knowing the characteristics of all the gear in the system, I'd say the DRZ is neutral, and allows me to hear the more accurately-acknowledged slight warm nature of my Oz Audio speakers.

I like having such a clean and accurate source unit. If it had a dual 31-band EQ, it would be pushing perfect for the car environment. For a daily driver, the 5-band PEQ will do though.

Interesting increase in SQ with AUX sources, as it does make the Sirius and iPod sources sound better. I suppose it's due to the A/D then D/A conversions being better than other units.

[WLDock]

Warm, neutral, transparent.......

I have yet to hear the deck and I am in the market for a new deck. I keep telling myself I need to get a P9 because of pioneers decision to discontinue them...but, this has to be the fourth or fifth time I have heard that this deck seems more transparent and more "real" compared to the P9. That is what I am after....I think I will get one. I hope I can live with the crossover and EQ. Well, at least it will do four-way......enuff said.

[SteveLPfreak]

I understand what FocusInCali is saying in regards to the EQ but it is more than enough for me. Right now, I'm not using any of the EQ features at all. I've got a couple of peaks to take care of and some alignment issues but the 5-band EQ is plenty for me. Crossovers are very good with a variety of 6dB, 12dB, or 18dB slopes.

Thanks to FocusInCali, I've also found adjusting the sampling rate down to 48kHz (from 96kHz) allows me to play even the most junkiest of CD-Rs (those CMC junk discs).

Price has been the only negative so far. I paid about $800 BNIB and feel it was worth it.

[fuscobal]

Same for me with the EQ. The 5 bands are enough for the minor adjustements i've made !

[chuyler1]

Is it 5-bands total or 5 per channel?

[WLDock]

5 per channel (Left and Right)

DRZ9255 Manual (http://www.clarion.com/us/en/MungoBlobs/649/103/DRZ9255.pdf)

[evangelos K]

Glad to see my thread keep going. I see that everyone who owns this deck pretty much agrees w/ my review. To me, the greatest/most noticable imrovement w/ this deck is the amazing separation/imaging, followed, of course, by all the rest.

Keep the love coming :D

[mvw2]

Got me interested in getting one :D

...well, more interested as I was already looking at them previously...just a bit out of my price range(budget was $300-$400 max when I was building my system).

I'm still considering getting one if I can find someone willing to part from one for under $500...think I'll get lucky? :p

[Jaredl]

I would be amazed if you could get one under $600.

[alanranch]

Where is the cheapest available hxd2? Here in Manila, its 47,000 which is equivalent to $870. ITs too steep for me, how bt refurbished drz9255 units in ebay? Do you think I wont have problems if I purchased 1. ITs around $680 only.

1st time I heard the Hxd2 I fell in love. ITs on my wishlist :)

[WLDock]

I would be amazed if you could get one under $600.

I'm still considering getting one if I can find someone willing to part from one for under $500...think I'll get lucky? :p
Sold for ~ $550
http://forum.elitecaraudio.com/showthread.php?threadid=126940
http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2309&highlight=drz9255

Sold for ~$500-$600
http://forum.elitecaraudio.com/showthread.php?threadid=127820

There is always hope!


drz9255 units in ebay? Do you think I wont have problems if I purchased 1. ITs around $680 only.
They come with a 90 day warranty...I say your odds are no different than buying a used one...At least these have been looked at by at Techician.....Hopefully, the original issues was repaired and resolved.
The truth is that some of these may have had serious problems...on the other hand, some of these units may have had minor issues that happened early in their life.....Once repaired....these are as good as new units as far as I am concerned but they just can't sell them as new....Opens up a whole new level of buying for the audiophile on a budget that does not want to pay $1300-$6000 for a caraudio deck. :D

When I am ready to buy one......I will consider a refurb if I can't find a good price on a new one or can't find a used one.

[Jaredl]

Those 2 sales were extremely unusual, and it would take a lot of waiting, luck, and monitoring of the classifieds to get one at those prices. He said UNDER $500, too.

[OgreDave]

I agree .. mine cost over $800 .. but it's auth'd / warrantied / NIB ..

[Jaredl]

I don't understand why everyone is so apprehensive about spending $600-800 on one of these decks. Now that the P9 is out of the US, it is the only true audiophile deck/DSP combo other than the $5,000 Alpine F#1 combo and maybe the H701. An Eclipse CD7000 is $550-700, almost the same, with nowhere near the same features or quality and people don't mind paying for that. The only problem I see with this deck is the non-detachable faceplate, which is the reason I opted for the P9 instead.

[WLDock]

Those 2 sales were extremely unusual, and it would take a lot of waiting, luck, and monitoring of the classifieds to get one at those prices. He said UNDER $500, too. Yes, that true...but like i said....There is still hope! Some of us are poor :(

I don't understand why everyone is so apprehensive about spending $600-800 on one of these decks. Dude, if I had the means I would be running and F#1Status setup or Denon with a McIntosh D/A converter or something with some exotic speakers powered by Genesis or ARC SE amps etc......
I don't make six figures, I have a wife and two Kids, a house, two cars, and tons of increasing bills.....but, I love MUSIC.....I have been crazy about cars since I was a kid, I have played drums since I was 10, and I have been into electronics for several years.........Car Audio just makes sense to me.(Even though the wife thinks its crazy to spend so much money on it).

Even though I love doing this, it's hard to fund this hobby. Very seldom am I satisfied so I get caught up in that Buying then Selling routine that we all go through...usually at a big loss. I just sold a system last year so now I am in the design stages of the next system and a solid deck is going to be key in making this dream a reality. I want this system to meet several demands that have yet to be met in my experiences. The hard part is a don't have a large budget but, I want a system that sounds like a million bucks!
So far, I have Max Fidelity tweeters, TRIUS mids, and I might pick up Daytons for midbass, and maybe a DIYMA 12 sub. I would think this setup running active would sound just as good or better that any brand name setup that I could buy for the given cost of about $500.

As far as decks.....I almost bought one of the URAL decks(I still check for feedback on those)...but I think the DRZ9255 has the sound that I am after? Even tough it lacks the processing power of some other options.

I will get one in time....I might even pay for a new one? But....that all depends on what amps I go with.....still looking for a deal on amps :)
I guess I am a frugal audiophile?

[Jaredl]

Yes, that true...but like i said....There is still hope! Some of us are poor :(

Dude, if I had the means I would be running and F#1Status setup or Denon with a McIntosh D/A converter or something with some exotic speakers powered by Genesis or ARC SE amps etc......
I don't make six figures, I have a wife and two Kids, a house, two cars, and tons of increasing bills.....but, I love MUSIC.....I have been crazy about cars since I was a kid, I have played drums since I was 10, and I have been into electronics for several years.........Car Audio just makes sense to me.(Even though the wife thinks its crazy to spend so much money on it).

Even though I love doing this, it's hard to fund this hobby. Very seldom am I satisfied so I get caught up in that Buying then Selling routine that we all go through...usually at a big loss. I just sold a system last year so now I am in the design stages of the next system and a solid deck is going to be key in making this dream a reality. I want this system to meet several demands that have yet to be met in my experiences. The hard part is a don't have a large budget but, I want a system that sounds like a million bucks!
So far, I have Max Fidelity tweeters, TRIUS mids, and I might pick up Daytons for midbass, and maybe a DIYMA 12 sub. I would think this setup running active would sound just as good or better that any brand name setup that I could buy for the given cost of about $500.

As far as decks.....I almost bought one of the URAL decks(I still check for feedback on those)...but I think the DRZ9255 has the sound that I am after? Even tough it lacks the processing power of some other options.

I will get one in time....I might even pay for a new one? But....that all depends on what amps I go with.....still looking for a deal on amps :)
I guess I am a frugal audiophile?
I actually phrased my last post kind of badly. I definitely think that $600-800 for a deck is a lot, but I think if you're already spending $450-600 on an Eclipse or Alpine it makes sense to save a little more and get a true high-end deck.

[mvw2]

My last HU purchase was maxed out at $400, more like $300 unless I found something I was willing to spend more. As 99% of the HUs out there can be had for under $500, it seems unreasonable for the average buyer or even an enthusiast to spend more than that much on a HU. Unless, he or she actaully requires that higher level of HU for a specific purpose. It's kind of like the people who buy Vipers. It's something like $80,000, and it only does one thing. It's a specialty item, desired by many but rarely needed by the masses. Even if a normal person purchased that car, they would seldom use it to its full potential.

I see HUs this way. There are the few that are quite special, powerful, and capable of more than the vast majority of the HUs. However, who actually needs that level of a product? I'd like one, sure. I wish I could get it under $500 as I can't justify spending more than that on a HU, any HU, unless I require a specialty product for what I do.

[FocusInCali]

Well hell fire son, with kind of talk, you might as well put the 8-track back in with the paper 6x9s and call it a day. ;)

[chuyler1]

Most car enthusiasts who appreciate the vehicles they own do not buy them new from the dealership right?

So you could do what I do for car audio gear. Wait until the product is a few years old and buy it on eBay. I'm running a Clarion DRX9575rz/DPH7500z right now. It would have cost upwards of $1500 new back in 2001. I got it for $300 total off eBay a few years ago. You can get them even cheaper now. It doesn't have a crossover for an active setup but it has other features such as a PEQ, optical output, and a 20-bit DAC which you still can't get for under $400. I'm sure there is a product out there that isn't new that will suit your needs. You just gotta keep up on models you would like to own...and patiently wait for the price to drop.

[car1990]

Any idea when is the replacement for DRZ9255 coming out?

[WLDock]

The upgraded DRZ9255SE seems to be out already or will debut next month..... That is in the Asian market though. I have not heard that it will come here.

As far as a direct replacement? I don't think this deck as been out long enough nor has had tons of issues so....I don't see Clarion doing anything this year.....We are not going to see a ton of high end decks here in the States.....most models stay around for awhile before they get replaced or discontinued.

[chuyler1]

I agree. Even if there was a replacement in the works, Clarion has a habit of discontinuing the current high-end model before releasing the new model.

[Chaos]

Great thread. Seems to be a general concensous in favor of the DRZ, which is about what I would expect given that I have been spoiled silly by a DRX9255 - which is an excellent SQ deck but has nothing in the way of the processing features if the DRZ. The more I read about the DRZ, the more convinced I am that it will be the HU of choice in my next vehicle

[ocuriel]

Damn this thread!!! I'm itching for this radio - thanks alot!

& I agree, clarion used to make & I guess still do make one of the best sounding head units. I had one in 98 & the SQ was amazing.

[Mty Mous]

My GF will be going to Japan soon, ... I'd like to ask her to bring me back a DRZ9255SE but is it really worth the hassle? Or am I better off just picking up a DRZ9255 from the local dealer?

Anybody know what the REAL difference is between the DRZ9255 and the DRZ9255SE?

Thuwa

[ocuriel]

I would like to know too.

[dbphelps]

Wow, by the sound of it, most of you that are overly impressed by this headunit and bagging on all the other ones you have mentioned must never had listened to a good headunit with a good DAC before...

That is precisely why I will never sell my Alpine CDA-7949, PXA-H600 processors/DAC and CHA-S605 changer... The sound in optical mode is phenomenal, with all the attributes you guys have been praising this unit with...

And Alpine had this setup available back in 1998, before thier F#1 Status stuff came out... And yes, the PXA-H600 does sound much, much better than the PRA-H400 (it and it's non ai-net predicessor are identical in sound quality, but used inferior 18-bit hybrid DAC technology and doesn't come close to the PXA-H600), which was the only other outboard DAC unit that Alpine offered (outside of a 'high-end' one, for it's time, that they offered back in the early 90s which incidentally I saw one on ebay a while back, and it sold for over $1k, nuts)...

Heck, today the CDA-7949/PXA-H600 is simpler and better sounding than anything Alpine offers outside of F#1 Status stuff... Most people I know that own this combo end up keeping it forever... I have mine sitting in boxes (along with some ESX amps and matching ESX balanced line drivers) just waiting for a new vehicle... I couldn't leave the combo in my Trans-Am, as it is far from 'civilized' enough to take advantage of the acoustics, so I put a full new setup in with older units, but everything 'new in the box', CVA-1000 LCD display headunit, ERA-G320 processor, CHA-S634 changer, NVA-N751A/S navigation... It all works with my Alpine SEC-8081 alarm system... (I also have another full SEC-8081 alarm system sitting in the box waiting to be installed with the CDA-7949/PXA-H600 combo at some point, heck I even have an extra CDA-7949 for parts if I need and certain 'extras' for the PXA-H600 should I need them)

I hope you enjoy a 'quality' unit... They do make a HUGE difference (on the Alpine setup I could switch between built-in and outboard DAC on the fly and the A/B comparison leaves most people speechless in how much of a difference it truely makes)...

Dennis

[WLDock]

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=drz9255se&btnG=Google+Search

The only things different I see are:
- Better Op Amps
- Blue Illumination

The regular unit retails for 125,000 Yen and the SE retails for 131,250 Yen.

[MrLister]

Ok guys, just to put my initial $0.02 in. Installation was a breeze and I was impressed by the initial self check. Automatically detected all my inputs.

The menu at first I found a bit hard to use, but when you get used to it it's pretty neat. The sound right off the bat was noticable and I love it! Tomorrow I'm going to start tuning it but I seriosly don't regret buying this deck at all. My old deck was a pioneer premium P860MP (which is now for sale).

[AVI]

I can't tell you how pleased I am to see so many responses giving the respect this HU deserves. I have owned the Alpine F-1 , Pioneer P9 , and the Nak unit among others. I was FLAMED badly when I posted I found the DRZ is decidedly better than ALL of it's so called competition. Reading this thread , there's not really anything left to add .... The DRZ truly does sound like the very best of the best high-end home CD players.
NEUTRAL sums it up perfectly .....

[evangelos K]

Glad to see my thread still going. I have been absent and VERY BUSSY after my house purchase :) Not time at all left for audio - for now.

Keep the praise coming :D

[yermolovd]

Just a little bump here.
Got my drz installed. It is now in place of my Alpine 9835. And oh damn I hear a difference. Maybe it's just my imagination, but anyway I can turn it up loud and my tweeters don't get as distorted/harsh. Much cleaner overall.
I'm happy :D.

[psound]

I can't tell you how pleased I am to see so many responses giving the respect this HU deserves. I have owned the Alpine F-1 , Pioneer P9 , and the Nak unit among others. I was FLAMED badly when I posted I found the DRZ is decidedly better than ALL of it's so called competition. Reading this thread , there's not really anything left to add .... The DRZ truly does sound like the very best of the best high-end home CD players.
NEUTRAL sums it up perfectly .....
What's the sound characteristics of this drz? How is it compared to Nak, F1 and P9? Do you have comparison with denon units (dct-r1, dct-100, z1)?

[AVI]

What's the sound characteristics of this drz? How is it compared to Nak, F1 and P9? Do you have comparison with denon units (dct-r1, dct-100, z1)?
F1 was somewhat " in your face " sounding ... lacked finesse.
Nak was VERY good , but VERY limited with features , and didn't quite have the dynamics of the DRZ ...
P9 was sterile , and without life.

The DRZ is very musical , yet has awesome dynamics without ever sounding strained ...

Haven't messed with any newer Denon units ...

HTH

[Adam Peng]

Just replaced my old deck (Philips CDM-9 transport) with the Clarion DRZ-9255 two weeks ago. The original concept was for the DRZ-9255 to convert it (coaxcial digital output) and replace my 12-year-old problematic Philips deck as a transport. Since I already have an external DAC to do the digital conversion. In order to listen to the FM tuner, I also connect a pair of RCA signal from the DRZ-9255 to my pre-amp in direct mode. In this case, I can also compare the CD section of the DRZ-9255 with my exsisting Perpetual DAC.

To my huge suprise, how little difference in sound there is between my modded Perpetual DAC and DRZ-9255. The sound quality (96kHz mode) in terms of stage and image, width, height, airness, depth, detail, dynamic are all identical to my DAC. I need to listen very carefully in order to tell the minor minor tonal variety. I have tested many high-end decks before, like a heavily modded Mac MX-406...the difference was very obvious to tell.

Future modification of the DRZ-9255 is being planed...maybe there is a possibility that the Perpetual DAC will get out of my system one day... :p

[psound]

What u guys think of Clarion HX-D1? If i'm not mistaken, this deck is (or used to be..?) clarion's top of the line deck. In japan, the msrp for HX-D1 is around yen 140,000, while the drz9255(se) is around 130,000. drz 9255 is developed from drx 9255, but is asia pacific countries it is not named drz9255, but HX-D2.

[evangelos K]

The HX-D1 does not seem to have any kind of processing (No T/A, X-overs, even LP & HP filters, no 96khZ sampling), and only 4 channels, meaning no sub out?

I don't see why or how it could be more expensive... if it is, and you were willing to pay the HX-D1 price, it does not make sense not to get the DRZ...

[Loudtaco]

If you want an awesome SQ deck and or processor combo, look to older sony mobile es stuff such as the c910, c90, xdp210 processor, or the xdp4000, 4 20 bit Burr-Brown d/a converters, full copper chassis, external power supply, digital out and around $200 for the 910 if you can find it. Connected to the 210 thats 21 bands of eq. And dead silence at low levels due to the optical link. http://www.schalliol.com/property/cars/Camry/cdxc910lg.gif

[WLDock]

CDX-C90 Head Unit
RM-X9 Wireless Remote
XDP210EQ Digital Pre-Amp
XA-U40 Unilink Source Selector
and an XA-107 Source Selector.
$499 Buy it now
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170067326068&ru=http://motors.search.ebay.com:80/170067326068_W0QQfromZR40QQfviZ1

[AVI]

If you want an awesome SQ deck and or processor combo, look to older sony mobile es stuff such as the c910, c90, xdp210 processor, or the xdp4000, 4 20 bit Burr-Brown d/a converters, full copper chassis, external power supply, digital out and around $200 for the 910 if you can find it. Connected to the 210 thats 21 bands of eq. And dead silence at low levels due to the optical link. http://www.schalliol.com/property/cars/Camry/cdxc910lg.gif
My store sold the older ES stuff from Sony .... It was great sounding , but broke so often that we quit selling them. I must say , as good as they sounded , the DRZ is in a completely different class. I owned a C-90 before getting a 25th anniversary Alipne 7909 .... Went to a McIntosh MX-4000 , then to an Alpine CDA-7998 .... The DRZ puts all of them to shame ;)

[amator]

My store sold the older ES stuff from Sony .... It was great sounding , but broke so often that we quit selling them. I must say , as good as they sounded , the DRZ is in a completely different class. I owned a C-90 before getting a 25th anniversary Alipne 7909 .... Went to a McIntosh MX-4000 , then to an Alpine CDA-7998 .... The DRZ puts all of them to shame ;)

I see some other forums where people ask DRZ9255 owners to add a 701 as an upgrade!! :confused:
Mebbe the fact that the 5 band PEQ only puts pple off but i honestly think this Clarion is a great HU. ;)
Having said that, I do run my HP and LP sub "FC through" and using the dedicated subamp crossX where i think it sounds a tad more dynamic.

[ATB]

I have always had a bit of confusion over the DRZ's optical in/out abilities. Can you run optical in from any piece of equipment, or only from a clarion CD changer?

[yermolovd]

I have always had a bit of confusion over the DRZ's optical in/out abilities. Can you run optical in from any piece of equipment, or only from a clarion CD changer?
http://forum.elitecaraudio.com/showthread.php?threadid=109236&pagenumber=13

somewhere in there.

[yermolovd]

Hi guys, I have a question for drz owners.
Does your unit run hot? Mine's quite a bit more hot than a human body temperature judging from the touch test (around the face area, right under the screen too). Seems hotter than my last Alpine 9835.. :confused:

I just want to make sure I don't run it too hot and it goes out with time.

[evangelos K]

Hi guys, I have a question for drz owners.
Does your unit run hot? Mine's quite a bit more hot than a human body temperature judging from the touch test (around the face area, right under the screen too). Seems hotter than my last Alpine 9835.. :confused:

I just want to make sure I don't run it too hot and it goes out with time.

Yes, it does.

[yermolovd]

Alright, I'll go fry some eggs on it then. :D

Why would it run so hot? There's no internal amp or anything.

[quality_sound]

Mine never got warm that I've noticed. Are you guys using the outboard power supply?

[yermolovd]

Is there another supply to use? hehe, I think drz is meant to run this way with an external supply.

I suspect it's not exactly the deck that gets hot, it's the whole car and dash.

[WLDock]

Yeah that is what I am not getting??? With the BIG ASS external supply the deck still gets hot? I guess the output stage is still in the deck.....

[evangelos K]

It might be the all copper chassis letting the heat out. Meaning, the "rest" of HUs out ther get equally hot but the heat has no means to escape. Who knows. Also, keep in mind there is not removable face, meaning the front (where you feel the heat) will get much much hotter than HUs w/ removable faces.

yermolovd, nice avatar... looks familiar :)

[yermolovd]

on most other forum people keep asking me what the heck is that. ranges from security lock keypad to an mpc. :confused:
i like it.

[rutger j]

well, my deck gets close to smoking hot even when I use it indoors.
And for some reason it doesn´t play three cd´s, two of them being the car audio organisations cd I compete in...!!!

The other cd is Alicia Keys...

And, when I compared it to my newly bought Sony C90+xdp 4000 it got its a$$ kicked... :)
Now all I need to test (or should that be buy!! :) ) is a Pioneer P90+dsp to compare the three of the...

Sincerely
Rutger

[low]

^ do it!

[rutger j]

P9 + box have now been borrowed.

So, a Clarion DRZ9255, Sony C90+XDP400 & Pioneer P9+DEQ9 will undergo some testing/comparison in my livingroom...
Now if only the missus could stay way from home a few days so I can play in the livingroom...all by myself :)

Sincerely
Rutger

[low]

P9 + box have now been borrowed.

So, a Clarion DRZ9255, Sony C90+XDP400 & Pioneer P9+DEQ9 will undergo some testing/comparison in my livingroom...
Now if only the missus could stay way from home a few days so I can play in the livingroom...all by myself :)

Sincerely
Rutger
awesome cant wait to read your review..

[low]

any update on this?

[rutger j]

well....yes:)

Since english is only my second language, and therefore I don´t know so many fancy words, the explanations of how I percieved the sounds from these "machines" can sometimes be...well, simple.
So, please, bare with me on this...

Ok, here goes:

I started the comparison with the Pioneer and Sony combo hooked up beside each other, since these two was the main contenders to get into my own car.

Xo points was choosen to 4khz and 24db.
This due to the AWFUL XO on the Sony.
Ok, I must say this so that everbody knows it.
The Sony combo has some major flaws, and they´re big enough too make someone have second thought of a purchase.

First problem, you have too make changes in the dsp via a computer. XO, EQ and so on...
Second problem, the XO SUCKS.
Sure, it´s 4-way and it has some fancy slopes (72db) but that´s it.
For instance, the sub "section" has two freq to choose from, 78 and 99hz, with a slope of 36 or 72db.
And the low and mid sections are also limited in they´re choise of frequencys.
Hp freq are; 78, 99, 500, 793 and 1.25khz, slopes 24 or 72db.
Thats it.
For Lp you can choose 4khz, 5.03khz or 6.34khz, slope 24 or 72db.
Thats it.
As I said, the Sony XO sucks...

Ok, with that of my chest I can go on with the review :)

I set everything in the dsp´s for/too/on flat so that the machines could compete on equal terms, and I have listen to all sort of music, from Metallica too some sweet sounding female vocalists.

In third position:
Clarion DRZ 9255

I´ve had this machine a little over a year and have been very pleased with it when it comes to how it sounds.
Its "use-it-everyday" performance hasn´t been the best, the biggest concern being that it didn´t play the EMMA cd´s that´s being used when I compete.
It has also shut down two times without any reason or explanation.
However, it did work again after some "rest"...
Compared too the other two in this comparison it lacks details and it sounds as if there´s a thick blanket or something in front of the speakers.
I would say that the DRZ 9255 is a machine for those that don´t want to go "all out" and buy a cd+external dsp (Pioneer P9+DEQ9 for instance) but also feels that a Pioneer P88 is a litte bit to "simple" for them.
For these people the Clarion DRZ 9255 is a superb machine with its 4-way XO and simple 5 band EQ.
It´s a little better then the "simpler" Pioneer P88 and Alpine 9855, but not as good as the High-End machines such as Pioneer P9 combon.


Second place goes too:
Pioneer P9 + DEQ9

This machine sounds really good.
It should, however, be matched with a system that isn´t "bright".
Hooked up to my Thiel & Partner cheramic speakers and Genesis amps everything got a little bit too bright.
It even got so bright that some listening fatigue, no that´s not the right word...well, I don´t know what´s it called in in english but my ears got "tired" as we say in Sweden.
You know, when you keep turning the music down in the (rental) car because the sound "wears" your ears out.
I tried to rectify this with the EQ but I couldn´t get it sound as I wanted (naturally the EQ was used AFTER the comparison).
Details was however clearly audible with the Pioneer combo.
Better then the Clarion, but not as good as the Sony (but more on that later :) ).
When turned up high the Pioneer did "mess up" the sound.
It lost details and sounded...well, stressed.

Its biggest assets are its maneuverability.
It took me 30 seconds too understand it and I have never worked with a Pioneer before.
But to get the most out of it you need too be experienced when it comes to tuning.
And it needs to be matched with the right gear (ie nothing "bright" sounding).

And, for first place, the winner (with a BIG margin):
Sony C90 + XDP4000

Ten seconds in on the comparison this was clearly the winner.
Details, headroom, the ease of how it played the music without adding anything (the Pioneer added some "brightness") and just how...well sweatsounding my system sounded.
I´ve complained on my system before, that it got a little bright with the Sony hooked up, but after the this comparison test I´ve come to the conclusion that it´s my Thiel & Partner speakers, in conjunction with the Genesis amps, who sounds like this, because the Sony combo doesn´t add anything to the sound.
It just plays what´s on the disc I want to listen too.
And in my book that´s the highest praise I can give.

Now, if only I could get my hands on a XES combo :D

Sincerely
Rutger

Ps! feel free too ask me questions about the review/comparison test.

[rutger j]

more notes.

With the Sony combo hooked up the music didn´t come from the speakers, it sort of...well, you could almost see the venue the music portraited in front of you.

With the Pioneer and Clarion hooked up you could trace the music to the speakers, clearly hearing that the music wasn´t beside and "all around" the speakers.

Also, when I turned the volume up with the Sony, my speakers eventually said -"enough" :)
But up to that point it sounded awesome, not stressed or messed up as was the case with the Pioneer on high volumes.
No, the Sony just rocked on until something else said -"enough is enough" :)

Sincerely
Rutger

[AVI]

well....yes:)

Since english is only my second language, and therefore I don´t know so many fancy words, the explanations of how I percieved the sounds from these "machines" can sometimes be...well, simple.
So, please, bare with me on this...

Ok, here goes:

I started the comparison with the Pioneer and Sony combo hooked up beside each other, since these two was the main contenders to get into my own car.

Xo points was choosen to 4khz and 24db.
This due to the AWFUL XO on the Sony.
Ok, I must say this so that everbody knows it.
The Sony combo has some major flaws, and they´re big enough too make someone have second thought of a purchase.

First problem, you have too make changes in the dsp via a computer. XO, EQ and so on...
Second problem, the XO SUCKS.
Sure, it´s 4-way and it has some fancy slopes (72db) but that´s it.
For instance, the sub "section" has two freq to choose from, 78 and 99hz, with a slope of 36 or 72db.
And the low and mid sections are also limited in they´re choise of frequencys.
Hp freq are; 78, 99, 500, 793 and 1.25khz, slopes 24 or 72db.
Thats it.
For Lp you can choose 4khz, 5.03khz or 6.34khz, slope 24 or 72db.
Thats it.
As I said, the Sony XO sucks...

Ok, with that of my chest I can go on with the review :)

I set everything in the dsp´s for/too/on flat so that the machines could compete on equal terms, and I have listen to all sort of music, from Metallica too some sweet sounding female vocalists.

In third position:
Clarion DRZ 9255

I´ve had this machine a little over a year and have been very pleased with it when it comes to how it sounds.
Its "use-it-everyday" performance hasn´t been the best, the biggest concern being that it didn´t play the EMMA cd´s that´s being used when I compete.
It has also shut down two times without any reason or explanation.
However, it did work again after some "rest"...
Compared too the other two in this comparison it lacks details and it sounds as if there´s a thick blanket or something in front of the speakers.
I would say that the DRZ 9255 is a machine for those that don´t want to go "all out" and buy a cd+external dsp (Pioneer P9+DEQ9 for instance) but also feels that a Pioneer P88 is a litte bit to "simple" for them.
For these people the Clarion DRZ 9255 is a superb machine with its 4-way XO and simple 5 band EQ.
It´s a little better then the "simpler" Pioneer P88 and Alpine 9855, but not as good as the High-End machines such as Pioneer P9 combon.


Second place goes too:
Pioneer P9 + DEQ9

This machine sounds really good.
It should, however, be matched with a system that isn´t "bright".
Hooked up to my Thiel & Partner cheramic speakers and Genesis amps everything got a little bit too bright.
It even got so bright that some listening fatigue, no that´s not the right word...well, I don´t know what´s it called in in english but my ears got "tired" as we say in Sweden.
You know, when you keep turning the music down in the (rental) car because the sound "wears" your ears out.
I tried to rectify this with the EQ but I couldn´t get it sound as I wanted (naturally the EQ was used AFTER the comparison).
Details was however clearly audible with the Pioneer combo.
Better then the Clarion, but not as good as the Sony (but more on that later :) ).
When turned up high the Pioneer did "mess up" the sound.
It lost details and sounded...well, stressed.

Its biggest assets are its maneuverability.
It took me 30 seconds too understand it and I have never worked with a Pioneer before.
But to get the most out of it you need too be experienced when it comes to tuning.
And it needs to be matched with the right gear (ie nothing "bright" sounding).

And, for first place, the winner (with a BIG margin):
Sony C90 + XDP4000

Ten seconds in on the comparison this was clearly the winner.
Details, headroom, the ease of how it played the music without adding anything (the Pioneer added some "brightness") and just how...well sweatsounding my system sounded.
I´ve complained on my system before, that it got a little bright with the Sony hooked up, but after the this comparison test I´ve come to the conclusion that it´s my Thiel & Partner speakers, in conjunction with the Genesis amps, who sounds like this, because the Sony combo doesn´t add anything to the sound.
It just plays what´s on the disc I want to listen too.
And in my book that´s the highest praise I can give.

Now, if only I could get my hands on a XES combo :D

Sincerely
Rutger

Ps! feel free too ask me questions about the review/comparison test.

Thank you for your time Rutger .... Having owned ALL of the products you tested , I can say your review is " laughable " at best .... You need to seriously check your install , set-up , and choice of speakers ....
Cheers :D

[skylar112]

Thank you for your time Rutger .... Having owned ALL of the products you tested , I can say your review is " laughable " at best .... You need to seriously check your install , set-up , and choice of speakers ....
Cheers :D

I think that comment is laughable and rather unnecessary. Why thank him for his time if you plan on insulting him? :rolleyes: He's allowed to have an opinion. Thats pretty much what sound is. Not everyone perceives it the same way. What you hear may not be what he hears, not sure if you knew that or not.

I don't know, I have owned the Pioneer combo and the Sony combo and had extensive time with the DRZ. I would say I agree with him. I think the DRZ is a nice head unit, but certainly not the best as many would claim, but then again its all in the ears of the person listening.

But again, maybe I should be hearing the same things as everyone, I don't know.:rolleyes:

[chad]

I think that comment is laughable and rather unnecessary. Why thank him for his time if you plan on insulting him? :rolleyes: He's allowed to have an opinion. Thats pretty much what sound is. Not everyone perceives it the same way. What you hear may not be what he hears, not sure if you knew that or not.

I don't know, I have owned the Pioneer combo and the Sony combo and had extensive time with the DRZ. I would say I agree with him. I think the DRZ is a nice head unit, but certainly not the best as many would claim, but then again its all in the ears of the person listening.

But again, maybe I should be hearing the same things as everyone, I don't know.:rolleyes:

X2 I have no expierience with any of the units, but good gawd, the guy gave HIS review... it's not a multiple choice test, he's entitled to his opinion.

[skylar112]

X2 I have no expierience with any of the units, but good gawd, the guy gave HIS review... it's not a multiple choice test, he's entitled to his opinion.

It shows an absolute lack of respect for other members. No wonder why foreigners think americans are rude. Rutger thank you for your review. It was wonderful and insightful.

[low]

avi,
the guy was nice enough to get all the equipment, set it up and give his personal review...and yet you say its laughable? that sucks...if he goes and checks his install, you should check your attitude in return.

[Vestax]

Wow, a lot of bold statements in this thread.

The thing I dont' understand is how can the DRZ puts HU's like the NAK, the Mc, and the Denon to shame ..... when they don't have any processing? :confused:

[rutger j]

I´ll keep everything hooked up so that anyone who wants to can come and listen.
And make their own opinion.

And no offence taken, everyone is free to have their opinion.
I gave You mine and are willing to let anyone have a listen for themself.

Can´t do more then that I think..?

Sincerely
Rutger

[low]

^
hey rutger,
thanks for the review and for taking the time put all the equipment together to share amongst us.

cool beans!

[skylar112]

I´ll keep everything hooked up so that anyone who wants to can come and listen.
And make their own opinion.

And no offence taken, everyone is free to have their opinion.
I gave You mine and are willing to let anyone have a listen for themself.

Can´t do more then that I think..?

Sincerely
Rutger


Rutger, you are a gentleman. Thanks again for your honest review.

[AVI]

I thanked Rutger , because he took the time to do the test and write his review , and I sincerely thank him for that. But after reading his comments, I just as sincerely feel there is something wrong with his set-up , drivers , install , or perception of how music really sounds. I have my own opinion , the right to that opinion , and the right to express my opinion of HIS opinion.
Did I intentionally try to hurt Rutger's feelings ? Not at all.
Do I feel his opinion is truly laughable ? VERY , VERY much so.
When I owned my shop in Tx years ago , that Sony was considered VERY inferior to the McIntosh , Alpine 7909 Anniv model , and Clarion DRX that I sold then. The DRZ easily bests all of the above mentioned units.
The P9 ? Well , that is not good enough to be a boat anchor for my own tastes. Sterile , lifeless , bright , this , ect , ect ....
Sorry if I offended you sensitive types , but I will continue to reserve the right to express myself , especially when I have extensive experience with the subject.
Thank you :D

[johny_gudhel]

Hmmm, I'd change AVI to ASSHOLE in my opinion.:rolleyes:
Thanks for the review, there are some flaws, I am sure, but definitely there is an effort to contributre

[Autiophile]

I thanked Rutger , because he took the time to do the test and write his review , and I sincerely thank him for that. But after reading his comments, I just as sincerely feel there is something wrong with his set-up , drivers , install , or perception of how music really sounds. I have my own opinion , the right to that opinion , and the right to express my opinion of HIS opinion.
Did I intentionally try to hurt Rutger's feelings ? Not at all.
Do I feel his opinion is truly laughable ? VERY , VERY much so.
When I owned my shop in Tx years ago , that Sony was considered VERY inferior to the McIntosh , Alpine 7909 Anniv model , and Clarion DRX that I sold then. The DRZ easily bests all of the above mentioned units.
The P9 ? Well , that is not good enough to be a boat anchor for my own tastes. Sterile , lifeless , bright , this , ect , ect ....
Sorry if I offended you sensitive types , but I will continue to reserve the right to express myself , especially when I have extensive experience with the subject.
Thank you :D

Express your opinion with regard to the equipment. Don't be an asshole to the guy who put in the time to write a review in order to share his own opinion and then defend yourself by saying you have the right to express yours. Write another review of the DRZ or say "I disagree" and then explain why. No need to call the effort "laughable".

The fact that you owned a shop (which you repeat often apparently in case someone missed it) doesn't make your opinion any more valid than the OP's, regardless of your experiences.

[AVI]

Express your opinion with regard to the equipment. Don't be an asshole to the guy who put in the time to write a review in order to share his own opinion and then defend yourself by saying you have the right to express yours. Write another review of the DRZ or say "I disagree" and then explain why. No need to call the effort "laughable".

The fact that you owned a shop (which you repeat often apparently in case someone missed it) doesn't make your opinion any more valid than the OP's, regardless of your experiences.

No thanks , I stick to my guns. Live with it.

[AVI]

Let me put this another way :

I read it ; I laughed.

Next , I wondered to myself exactly WHAT could be wrong with Rutger's test. :D

[Dan]

well, my deck gets close to smoking hot even when I use it indoors.
And for some reason it doesn´t play three cd´s, two of them being the car audio organisations cd I compete in...!!!

The other cd is Alicia Keys...

And, when I compared it to my newly bought Sony C90+xdp 4000 it got its a$$ kicked... :)
Now all I need to test (or should that be buy!! :) ) is a Pioneer P90+dsp to compare the three of the...

Sincerely
Rutger


I really think that there is a strong possibility that your unit could be malfunctioning somehow. This could explain why your review of the DRZ is the odd one out of the bunch.

[skylar112]

AVI,

I'm known for being confrontational and a outspoken asshole on ECA. Though I've been very good here, I will have to start by saying I've pretty much have enough of your shit.

You go around bashing others for expressing their views, if they are not what you'd like to hear. If anything I think you are the sensitive one. Who are you that people should listen to you?

You owned a shop? Tell me something I haven't heard this hour. No one cares you worked at a shop or owned 10 of them. That doesn't mean that you know what you are talking about. I've worked and installed at quite a few high end shops and guess what, they couldn't hear well, or tune. I put you in that catagory.

Another thing I've been following your threads on caraudio years ago. Pretty much saying you've tested and owned everything under the sun. The sad thing is I've heard from the people that sold some of these things to the shop you were at the time, and they can't even show records that you or your shop ever owned the specific product that you've tested. So back to my question. Who are you? That people should listen to you? When half of the "heartfelt reviews" from you are false and full of shit!!! You have lost all credibility on anything you have said. I don't believe a fuckng word you have said and say. As you might have never ever even seen the real product in real life. Its quite pathetic that you have to lie about something like that. And then speak up obnoxiously just to make it seem like you know it all. When in reality it has only branded you as a needy, insecure, lying idiot.

And if you are going to a know it all, you have to provide a solution. Thats how a real know it all does it. You can't say this is wrong and that is wrong without providing a solution. Another fact that proves you ARE a fraud.

Your lack is respect is absurd. Oh you've used Nakamichi, Denon, etc all these brands? Whatever please stop dragging these high end names out of your mouth. The more they come out of your mouth the more they will be associated with you. So please stop ruining brands by keeping them out of your mouth.:rolleyes:

I don't have to prove how much how an asshole you are to this forum. I think you are doing a phenominal job as it is. All I can say is quit while you are ahead. You are a "high end" douche, and your opinions don't mean shit.

I don't hate you, and I don't have problems with you at all. I barely know you. However the little bit that I wish I don't know about you is that you are a piece of shit human being as far as the forum goes. So please if you have nothing REAL from your true experiances to say, or positive to contribute

SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!!!!!!

[Dan]

Damn I can see the vein on your forehead through my computer screen

[Autiophile]

No thanks , I stick to my guns. Live with it.

Most conceited egotists do stick to their guns, no matter how wrong they are, and unfortunately we all are forced to live with it.

[skylar112]

Damn I can see the vein on your forehead through my computer screen

haha, Im not angry. I just need to let everyone know that this guy is false on the things that he says and then he bashes others for disagreeing with him:rolleyes: Im not angry at all. Im at work I would do anything to keep myself busy. This was a perfect opportunity to call someone out on a few things. I hope for all you guys that are going to Marvs meet this sat that meets this guy. I hope he's not nearly as much as a douchebag as he is on here.

[NaamanF]

I´ll keep everything hooked up so that anyone who wants to can come and listen.
And make their own opinion.

And no offence taken, everyone is free to have their opinion.
I gave You mine and are willing to let anyone have a listen for themself.

Can´t do more then that I think..?

Sincerely
Rutger

Having owned and loved the CDX-C90/XDP4000X combo I would agree with you 100%.

[alphakenny1]

Although I do disagree with AVI on A LOT of things I've had the opportunity to actually meet him at the mini bay area meet we had about a month ago and he is actually a very cool guy. Very enthusiastic about car audio and thats always a plus.

But I'm in the same boat as skylar, autiophile, etc. He could have stated it a bit differently and just simply stated that he disagrees and should have asked politely how he setup everything. instead of being very rude and just said it was "laughable." The funny thing he speaks as if his word is the truth and thats my problem.

[SteveLPfreak]

I've used all (3) combos listed, however, I only got the use the Sony combo for a couple of days. I'd have to agree with AVI's assessment, just maybe not his delivery.

I thought the all three sounded about the same when properly setup. I'd give the nod to the DRZ-9255 just 'cause it's so easy to use and flexible. I've never had any trouble playing any CD's and mine has never shut down. The DRZ-9255 can get quite hot. I wonder if your's (rutger) has been shutting down due to excessive heat? I have a big dash with a lot of air space around the deck and PS.

[VaVroom1]

more notes.

With the Sony combo hooked up the music didn´t come from the speakers, it sort of...well, you could almost see the venue the music portraited in front of you.

With the Pioneer and Clarion hooked up you could trace the music to the speakers, clearly hearing that the music wasn´t beside and "all around" the speakers.

Also, when I turned the volume up with the Sony, my speakers eventually said -"enough" :)
But up to that point it sounded awesome, not stressed or messed up as was the case with the Pioneer on high volumes.
No, the Sony just rocked on until something else said -"enough is enough" :)

Sincerely
Rutger

Thank you for taking the time for the review. I own the C90/XDP4000 comb0. To add on to the review, besides the XO limitations, the display is too dim to be read under daylight. some units is susceptible to missing pixels but nothing close to as bad as the alpine 7990 display.
and yeah, the DRZ runs hot.

[AVI]

AVI,

I'm known for being confrontational and a outspoken asshole on ECA. Though I've been very good here, I will have to start by saying I've pretty much have enough of your shit.

You go around bashing others for expressing their views, if they are not what you'd like to hear. If anything I think you are the sensitive one. Who are you that people should listen to you?

You owned a shop? Tell me something I haven't heard this hour. No one cares you worked at a shop or owned 10 of them. That doesn't mean that you know what you are talking about. I've worked and installed at quite a few high end shops and guess what, they couldn't hear well, or tune. I put you in that catagory.

Another thing I've been following your threads on caraudio years ago. Pretty much saying you've tested and owned everything under the sun. The sad thing is I've heard from the people that sold some of these things to the shop you were at the time, and they can't even show records that you or your shop ever owned the specific product that you've tested. So back to my question. Who are you? That people should listen to you? When half of the "heartfelt reviews" from you are false and full of shit!!! You have lost all credibility on anything you have said. I don't believe a fuckng word you have said and say. As you might have never ever even seen the real product in real life. Its quite pathetic that you have to lie about something like that. And then speak up obnoxiously just to make it seem like you know it all. When in reality it has only branded you as a needy, insecure, lying idiot.

And if you are going to a know it all, you have to provide a solution. Thats how a real know it all does it. You can't say this is wrong and that is wrong without providing a solution. Another fact that proves you ARE a fraud.

Your lack is respect is absurd. Oh you've used Nakamichi, Denon, etc all these brands? Whatever please stop dragging these high end names out of your mouth. The more they come out of your mouth the more they will be associated with you. So please stop ruining brands by keeping them out of your mouth.:rolleyes:

I don't have to prove how much how an asshole you are to this forum. I think you are doing a phenominal job as it is. All I can say is quit while you are ahead. You are a "high end" douche, and your opinions don't mean shit.

I don't hate you, and I don't have problems with you at all. I barely know you. However the little bit that I wish I don't know about you is that you are a piece of shit human being as far as the forum goes. So please if you have nothing REAL from your true experiances to say, or positive to contribute

SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!!!!!!
What ? You don't know me child ? I am your father .... I am God. :D
It's just hell when you can't get the other guy upset , huh ? ;)

[AVI]

To all of you who have your panties in a huge wad ....

Go back , and carefully read what I said ....
I meant every damned word of it.
It was not rude , it was sincere. I did NOT bash Rutger personally, nor try and insult him. I stated my straight forward feelings , in a straight forward way.
I did indeed laugh at his findings. I did indeed question what was possibly wrong. I will indeed do so again if I feel that way.
I challenge you ... READ IT AGAIN.
Then take your Midol , check your pad , and go to bed. You are being waaaay over sensitive , waaaay argumentative , and just plain silly.
I still stick by exactly what I said , and wonder how Rutger didn't seem to be offended , but YOU obviously were. My opinion , and the way it was stated , is just fine. I sleep well tonight ... Cheers ;)

[dbphelps]

Ok, if we can get back to the topic at hand here, how do these 'reference' setups compare to say my favorite, the Alpine CDA-7949/PXA-H600 combo?

I personally feel, compared to the P9 combo, it sounds quite a bit better, and having compared it side-by-side with the DRZ, I would still choose the Alpine 7949/H600 due to a much more 'lifelike' sound (the DRZ had a 'sterile' sound to it, as if it was processed too much, like they went for more noise removal, more like trying to make things more dynamic/dramatic and not puristic signal replay)... I will note that you *really* need to do a/b comparisons to determine such 'audible' differences, as in if you listened to one in one car, then went and listened to the other in another car, you would be hard pressed to tell much of a difference as they are both head and shoulders above the majority of the headunits out there...

I have not heard the Sony setup mentioned, but I have had a chance to a/b the 7949/h600 combo against a 7909 and I still prefer the 7949/H600 for not only puristic and subjective sound quality, but also for some of the processing it is able to due in regards to auto-equalization of the bass in a mobile environment (something I feel is way misunderstood/not really accepted/valued by most as it sets up a puristic flatline in the most difficult to obtain area of the listening spectrum in an automotive environment as it not only deals with EQ'ing the output, but also dealing with reflections, time alignment and phase. thus taking cabin-specific nuances out of the equation)...

[Rbsarve]

As I happen to know Rutger and has had him as co-judge on some events I do have a fair amound of regard for his ears.

But I also know that everyone hears differently.

What you guys have to realize is that this test was done indoors with some of the most merciless speakers around, the Thiel& Partners (also known as Accuton) ceramics. With an amp that is really good.

It would be interresting to do it in a blind test, I do suspect that the troubles he has had with the DRZ colors his opinion a bit. Haven't used one enough to have one myself.

Agree with him fully on the P9´s sound. That´s why I usually sticks with the PXA-H701. Fuller sound and very good units if you get a working one.

[skylar112]

To all of you who have your panties in a huge wad ....

Go back , and carefully read what I said ....
I meant every damned word of it.
It was not rude , it was sincere. I did NOT bash Rutger personally, nor try and insult him. I stated my straight forward feelings , in a straight forward way.
I did indeed laugh at his findings. I did indeed question what was possibly wrong. I will indeed do so again if I feel that way.
I challenge you ... READ IT AGAIN.
Then take your Midol , check your pad , and go to bed. You are being waaaay over sensitive , waaaay argumentative , and just plain silly.
I still stick by exactly what I said , and wonder how Rutger didn't seem to be offended , but YOU obviously were. My opinion , and the way it was stated , is just fine. I sleep well tonight ... Cheers ;)


No one is going to go back to read what you said. No one cares. I guess much of the forum has their panties in a bunch huh? Since many many and many forum members can't stand you to begin with. I know, I've gotten many emails about you being retarded. You can stick by your guns all you want.

NO ONE CARES ABOUT YOU!
NO ONE LIKES YOU!

Keep being a keyboard jockey. Keep making outrageous claims like the Boston oval sub is the greatest blah blah blah!! That was laughable :D :D . Yeah guys, this is the guy to take advise from, I really take his opinions seriously :rolleyes: . Probably saw it in a review and took it as his own and fabricated an opinion. You've been a canker sore in this forum. No one is upset, you're insignificant enough to not generate any emotions, certainly not from me. So please do us all a favor, stop polluting our beloved forum with your presence. Please take your outrageous claims, and unnecessary counterproductive attitude to another forum. No one needs it here, and certainly no one cares. So please gracefully bowout and stop de-evolutionizing our forum. We're all here to learn, not to hear you talk about nonsense.

[gentlejax2]

this was a review on the 9255...wasnt it....? .....

I have to say...everyone has their opinion but it doesnt mean only yours is right and theirs is wrong..thats why its called an opinion...its yours not the worlds...

thats fine...

but the guy did go out of his way to do this which is more than I can afford to do and I thank him ....

calling his review/opinion "laughable" is rude....its not a complimentary term...

should have worded it right but you didnt..

Least you could do now is appologize for your lack of respect..you can have your opinion ...thats not what makes you wrong...its you lack of respect to the other guy for his efforts and not recognizing your mistake and owning up to it.

[WLDock]

Come On guys....this is DIY Mobile Audio not CarAudioForum....
What's up with the silliness? Why must AVI assume that something MUST be wrong with his setup because he likes the DRZ the least?

You guys realize we are in the year 2007, right?

Those decks have been out for a bit now and we all know that you can talk to a hundred guys and get complete opposite opinions about them. This is nothing new. The P9 vs. DRZ for sound debate is such a personal debate that there is really no need to talk about it anymore. And the legendary C90 combo will always be though of as a great sounding.....it just lacked solid usable options. Many have moved pass it because something like the P9 Combo offers MUCH better tuning options. Still, the SONY diehards will never let their C90's go.

Unless we all show up at the same place and compare these decks at the same time under the same circumstances lets stop this debate over the sound of decks because it just really is not worth it. I think any of those deck have enough going on that they can get the listener involved in the music and all are already LOCKS for the top 20 decks/combos of the 80's, 90's, 00's.

So what the fuss?

NO ONE MAN has enough years and knowledge in audio to tell another man what deck he should or should not like or what his ears should hear or should not hear! We Like What We Like and We Hear What We Hear! So what if one guy runs a DRZ and another guy runs a C90 and another guy runs a P9???
They are at the head of the pack....At least they are not running a DUAL or a Legacy....

The DRZ is a great deck. Let's stop the fighting and keep the good natured open attitude alive here at DIYMA.

THE SPIRIT OF DIYMA LIVES!!!

[skylar112]

I don't think there is any bickering about how people perceive these headunits. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and thought. At least according to everyone else on this forum but one. The bickering is more about the lack of respect for others from a wanna be . That is all. Lack of respect can't go unnoticed. And yes I agree lets go back to the good nature open attitude of DIYMA of the yesteryears. However when there is such blatant ignorant rude offender ruining the flow of things. I will be there speaking my mind as well. I have very little tolerance for retards. So yes may the spirit of diyma live on.

[FoxPro5]

As far as my experience with AVI, he's a nice guy and has some great experience to show. Rude? Yes. I'll intentions? No, just honest. He's made his mind up that the DRZ is the best. When someone say's it's not, he laughs.

I like anyone's experince with anything. It always has value to me. So thanks for the thoughts on the DRZ, Ruger.

I only have experience with the P9 and I do tend to agree with the 'coldness' and 'metallic' type sound. Not sure if that's just the Pioneer sound or if it's coloration. But that's definitely splitting hairs cause I have this thing called an EQ and I can change the sound any way I want!! :rolleyes:

[truejoker]

well....yes:)

Since english is only my second language, and therefore I don´t know so many fancy words, the explanations of how I percieved the sounds from these "machines" can sometimes be...well, simple.
So, please, bare with me on this...
so do i so please bare wite me too
Ok, here goes:

I started the comparison with the Pioneer and Sony combo hooked up beside each other, since these two was the main contenders to get into my own car.

Xo points was choosen to 4khz and 24db.
This due to the AWFUL XO on the Sony.
Ok, I must say this so that everbody knows it.
The Sony combo has some major flaws, and they´re big enough too make someone have second thought of a purchase. did this machin seles right now as a new one ?

In third position:
Clarion DRZ 9255

I´ve had this machine a little over a year and have been very pleased with it when it comes to how it sounds.
Its "use-it-everyday" performance hasn´t been the best, the biggest concern being that it didn´t play the EMMA cd´s that´s being used when I compete what is the problem with that cd in particular ? other cd it read good ? or any now and then it don't read ? .
It has also shut down two times without any reason or explanation.
However, it did work again after some "rest"...
Compared too the other two in this comparison it lacks details and it sounds as if there´s a thick blanket or something in front of the speakers.
I would say that the DRZ 9255 is a machine for those that don´t want to go "all out" and buy a cd+external dsp (Pioneer P9+DEQ9 for instance) but also feels that a Pioneer P88 is a litte bit to "simple" for them.
For these people the Clarion DRZ 9255 is a superb machine with its 4-way XO and simple 5 band EQ.
It´s a little better then the "simpler" Pioneer P88 and Alpine 9855, but not as good as the High-End machines such as Pioneer P9 combon.
Ps! feel free too ask me questions about the review/comparison test.
first of all thank's very mach on the informativ review ' i glad i see it .
but i have somthing i don't understand . you said that the difrence between the 88 and the drz is not mach . i heard the 88 . and it seem to me that this is way to long to put them in the same category . is there a a way that there is problem with the install of the drz ? beacose it seem that you have problem with him , maby this is the problem ? did you here it in another install ?
i don't want that it will look like somthing ' i jast want to know for myself , and in my location i can't comper them . so any input will appriciate .
thanks in advance

[zky]

AVI,

I'm known for being confrontational and a outspoken asshole on ECA. Though I've been very good here, I will have to start by saying I've pretty much have enough of your shit.

You go around bashing others for expressing their views, if they are not what you'd like to hear. If anything I think you are the sensitive one. Who are you that people should listen to you?

You owned a shop? Tell me something I haven't heard this hour. No one cares you worked at a shop or owned 10 of them. That doesn't mean that you know what you are talking about. I've worked and installed at quite a few high end shops and guess what, they couldn't hear well, or tune. I put you in that catagory.

Another thing I've been following your threads on caraudio years ago. Pretty much saying you've tested and owned everything under the sun. The sad thing is I've heard from the people that sold some of these things to the shop you were at the time, and they can't even show records that you or your shop ever owned the specific product that you've tested. So back to my question. Who are you? That people should listen to you? When half of the "heartfelt reviews" from you are false and full of shit!!! You have lost all credibility on anything you have said. I don't believe a fuckng word you have said and say. As you might have never ever even seen the real product in real life. Its quite pathetic that you have to lie about something like that. And then speak up obnoxiously just to make it seem like you know it all. When in reality it has only branded you as a needy, insecure, lying idiot.

And if you are going to a know it all, you have to provide a solution. Thats how a real know it all does it. You can't say this is wrong and that is wrong without providing a solution. Another fact that proves you ARE a fraud.

Your lack is respect is absurd. Oh you've used Nakamichi, Denon, etc all these brands? Whatever please stop dragging these high end names out of your mouth. The more they come out of your mouth the more they will be associated with you. So please stop ruining brands by keeping them out of your mouth.:rolleyes:

I don't have to prove how much how an asshole you are to this forum. I think you are doing a phenominal job as it is. All I can say is quit while you are ahead. You are a "high end" douche, and your opinions don't mean shit.

I don't hate you, and I don't have problems with you at all. I barely know you. However the little bit that I wish I don't know about you is that you are a piece of shit human being as far as the forum goes. So please if you have nothing REAL from your true experiances to say, or positive to contribute

SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!!!!!!

No one is going to go back to read what you said. No one cares. I guess much of the forum has their panties in a bunch huh? Since many many and many forum members can't stand you to begin with. I know, I've gotten many emails about you being retarded. You can stick by your guns all you want.

NO ONE CARES ABOUT YOU!
NO ONE LIKES YOU!

Keep being a keyboard jockey. Keep making outrageous claims like the Boston oval sub is the greatest blah blah blah!! That was laughable :D :D . Yeah guys, this is the guy to take advise from, I really take his opinions seriously :rolleyes: . Probably saw it in a review and took it as his own and fabricated an opinion. You've been a canker sore in this forum. No one is upset, you're insignificant enough to not generate any emotions, certainly not from me. So please do us all a favor, stop polluting our beloved forum with your presence. Please take your outrageous claims, and unnecessary counterproductive attitude to another forum. No one needs it here, and certainly no one cares. So please gracefully bowout and stop de-evolutionizing our forum. We're all here to learn, not to hear you talk about nonsense.


I just read this thread found some very interesting reviews and seen some very eye itching comments..First off i think AVI expressed his opinions maybe in a too straight forward way and should have been more sensitive, but apart from that i dont think hes mean in anyway. But you skylar on the otherhand been swearing constantly and saying pretty offensive words as highlighted. You're trying to saying how insensitive AVI was but take a good look at your previous posts...even worse. I dont see the author of the review saying anything about AVI comments all i see I you and yours offensive words keep coming out of your mouth...

...you are false and full of shit
I don't believe a fuckng word you have said and say
you ARE a fraud.
you as a needy, insecure, lying idiot.
SHUT THE FUCK UP

some very "good" bold statements there, a little bit more insentive then laughable dont you think?


NO ONE CARES ABOUT YOU!
NO ONE LIKES YOU!

How do you know that no one likes & cares abt him? i've been in this forum abt 20 mins and i already like him more than you. Thats again a very stupid and insensitive comment.

Keeping in mind that no other members expressed their opinion against AVI like you did.


...your opinions don't mean shit.

If it doesnt mean anything then why you made sush a big scene about it, again love the way you put the words together..top quality english there!

..and I was going to say something but you've already said it so i guess i wont have to.
I'm known for being confrontational and a outspoken asshole on ECA

[6spdcoupe]

You just joined today and your one post of contribution is in a month old thread and doesnt even cary relevance to the thread? Instead a ton of searching of one mans posts and only the ones directed towards another member, a little crush perhaps?

[skylar112]

I just read this thread found some very interesting reviews and seen some very eye itching comments..First off i think AVI expressed his opinions maybe in a too straight forward way and should have been more sensitive, but apart from that i dont think hes mean in anyway. But you skylar on the otherhand been swearing constantly and saying pretty offensive words as highlighted. You're trying to saying how insensitive AVI was but take a good look at your previous posts...even worse. I dont see the author of the review saying anything about AVI comments all i see I you and yours offensive words keep coming out of your mouth...



some very "good" bold statements there, a little bit more insentive then laughable dont you think?



How do you know that no one likes & cares abt him? i've been in this forum abt 20 mins and i already like him more than you. Thats again a very stupid and insensitive comment.

Keeping in mind that no other members expressed their opinion against AVI like you did.


If it doesnt mean anything then why you made sush a big scene about it, again love the way you put the words together..top quality english there!

..and I was going to say something but you've already said it so i guess i wont have to.



Hey Nancy, unless you jumped in on time, your opinions are worthless.

[zky]

You just joined today and your one post of contribution is in a month old thread and doesnt even cary relevance to the thread? Instead a ton of searching of one mans posts and only the ones directed towards another member, a little crush perhaps?

i know that i might sound like what you've said and if my first post doesnt make much of a good impression then its too bad. Even though i said tons of stuff about skylar posts it doesnt mean i hate him its just that he could have been more polite towards other members...anyway i think this is a great site in general and review particular and Im here to learn a thing or two about audio.

Bottom line is im not here to judge anyone and to skylar if you feel offended by my post the i guess appology are in order...but please do consider your own posts to others. I dunno maybe alittle politeness toward others could greatly enhance the atmosphere.

If you think my posts is a bunch of crap then by all means ignore it :)

[skylar112]

Bottom line is im not here to judge anyone and to skylar if you feel offended by my post the i guess appology are in order

First and foremost welcome to the forum. I'm not offended at all. Its just peculiar that first post on a forum someone comes out guns blazing.



...but please do consider your own posts to others. I dunno maybe alittle politeness toward others could greatly enhance the atmosphere.

I'm very well aware of my actions. Much thought has been given before I go on my "rants." I always have data to back my rants up. I am very well aware that I can express myself rather heavy handedly. Though I have little tolerance for rudeness from people and people giving false information. Though it is hypocritical that I act out because it can be viewed as being rude too, but like you said too bad.

i know that i might sound like what you've said and if my first post doesnt make much of a good impression then its too bad.

And if thats your attitude you have zero room to talk. It just the internet people will get over it. I can't promise that I will change my behavior, but I will say that I've had blessing from the moderators for my actions on all the forums that I've had disagreements on. So say what you will.


If you think my posts is a bunch of crap then by all means ignore it :)

Trust me I'm not losing a wink of sleep over it.

[zky]

When i said "its too bad" i meant for me...Anyway now thats every is settled. I have a question :)

well i have the eclipse E7703AVX (http://www.eclipse-web.com.au/avx/index.html) but im thinking of changing it to the clarion hx-d2. Im fully aware that it doesnt play mp3s and vcd or dvd but im thinking of going pure, rich quality sound and man i love the classic looking x2 among other things... well what im asking is: is it worth it???

[zky]

When i said "its too bad" i meant for me...Anyway now thats every is settled. I have a question :)

well i have the eclipse E7703AVX but im thinking of changing it to the clarion hx-d2. Im fully aware that it doesnt play mp3s and vcd or dvd but im thinking of going pure, rich quality sound and man i love the classic looking x2 among other things... well what im asking is: is it worth upgrading the eclipse to the clarion???

[skylar112]

When i said "its too bad" i meant for me...Anyway now thats every is settled. I have a question :)

well i have the eclipse E7703AVX but im thinking of changing it to the clarion hx-d2. Im fully aware that it doesnt play mp3s and vcd or dvd but im thinking of going pure, rich quality sound and man i love the classic looking x2 among other things... well what im asking is: is it worth upgrading the eclipse to the clarion???

First what does the rest of your equipment consist?

I think you have to consider how bad do you want the SQ? I don't think the SQ gained is worth the practicality lost. Meaning that unless you plan to compete regularly the extra SQ gained isn't worth losing the ability to play vcd, mp3 or any other format. When you are driving so much road noise, engine noise, and not to mention your attention divided that the SQ gained is neglible. In my humble opinion I don't think its worth losing the ability to play numerous formats at the gaining SQ in a car. However if you are reaching for sonic nirvana then you should go for the HX-D2. It depends on you.

[zky]

hrms...ur absolutely right. But I was thinking of buying the clarion vcz625 as well and the clarion tb581p too. Again Im not sure If that whole package is worth upgrading from the eclipse *sight* I dun wanna shed out like 4 grand for something that could end up sound like my good old eclipse...

btw its gay how i cant post links yet otherwise i would have post the links to make it easier.


First what does the rest of your equipment consist?


well right now i only have the eclipse as my main player with 4 spks and 2 tweeters..if i upgrade to the clarions i would prbly buy the hx, vcz and the tb as well as a new soundstream 1200w 5 channel amp...maybe some new spks and tweeters. come to think of it i think its gonna cost me more than 4 grand.

[Locke]

hrms...ur absolutely right. But I was thinking of buying the clarion vcz625 as well and the clarion tb581p too. Again Im not sure If that whole package is worth upgrading from the eclipse *sight* I dun wanna shed out like 4 grand for something that could end up sound like my good old eclipse...

btw its gay how i cant post links yet otherwise i would have post the links to make it easier.



well right now i only have the eclipse as my main player with 4 spks and 2 tweeters..if i upgrade to the clarions i would prbly buy the hx, vcz and the tb as well as a new soundstream 1200w 5 channel amp...maybe some new spks and tweeters. come to think of it i think its gonna cost me more than 4 grand.


maybe you can get a deal on som F1 gear if your going to spend that much

[zky]

um...i tried searching around but couldnt find any :(

[Locke]

post a WTB ad in the FS section, there were some around

[quality_sound]

The 9255 will work with Clarion's iPod adapter so you can still have mp3 capability. Let me know if you're looking for a 9255, I'm selling mine.

[zky]

got it!!!!

i was thinking of using one of my house amp in the car (it has digital in). I"ll be using the digital out from the clarion...will I be able to adjust that time alignments still? and you guy think i should use the preouts or the digital out?

cheers

edit: by the way thanks quality_sound saw ur post right after i bought mine...

[rutger j]

first of all thank's very mach on the informativ review ' i glad i see it .
but i have somthing i don't understand . you said that the difrence between the 88 and the drz is not mach . i heard the 88 . and it seem to me that this is way to long to put them in the same category . is there a a way that there is problem with the install of the drz ? beacose it seem that you have problem with him , maby this is the problem ? did you here it in another install ?
i don't want that it will look like somthing ' i jast want to know for myself , and in my location i can't comper them . so any input will appriciate .
thanks in advance

sorry for my really late answer.

The HU´s were all "installed" in my livingroom when I auditioned them.
They all had the same condition to work with, one battery charged with a charger, driving two Genesis Dual Mono Xtreme amps providing amplification for two Thiel & Partner C²92-2x6 and two Theil & Partner C²12-6.
No EQ were used and the XO point was 4khz.

The DRZ 9255 was installed in my former competition car, a VW Corrado, when it had all the problems I mentioned.
At the moment it is "installed" in my livingroom, and the problems remain.
When I insert a cd I have too tap, quite hard, on top of the cd-player.
When I do this I can clearly hear that something sort of "grab on to" the cd.
I can hear a "klick", and soon thereafter the cd begins to play.
If I´m lucky that is.....sometimes the cd doesn´t "klick" and therefore it can´t be played...

Unfortunatly I had too give the Pioneer P9 back to its owner, so the latest test was between the Sony and the Clarion.

And my "verdict" stands.
1. Sony
2. Pioneer
3. Clarion

The Clarion lacks dynamics and is far less detailed. It sounds...well, sort of muted.
But its biggest drawback is its lack of dynamics...
On the plus side the soundstage isn´t as big as it is with Sony.
You get a more cosy feeling with the Clarion compared to the Sony.
The recording that was played as if it was a live concert at Wembley on the Sony, sounds like a small and cosy jam session in a small bar or something with the Clarion.
And, thanks to its lack of details, you don´t hear the small deviations and backgrounds sounds (that you can clearly hear with the Sony), hence You can focus on the really good midrange (= ie voices).

More questions? :D

Sincerely
Rutger

[ocuriel]

I agree completely with your above statement. It does hold back a little on the top end without any eq adjustments. It comes alive with some eq though. Great wide & big soundstage. Imo, I think this head unit is perefect for metal tweeters.

[truejoker]

sorry for my really late answer.


Unfortunatly I had too give the Pioneer P9 back to its owner, so the latest test was between the Sony and the Clarion.

And my "verdict" stands.
1. Sony
2. Pioneer
3. Clarion

The Clarion lacks dynamics and is far less detailed. It sounds...well, sort of muted.
But its biggest drawback is its lack of dynamics...
On the plus side the soundstage isn´t as big as it is with Sony.
You get a more cosy feeling with the Clarion compared to the Sony.
The recording that was played as if it was a live concert at Wembley on the Sony, sounds like a small and cosy jam session in a small bar or something with the Clarion.
And, thanks to its lack of details, you don´t hear the small deviations and backgrounds sounds (that you can clearly hear with the Sony), hence You can focus on the really good midrange (= ie voices).

More questions? :D

Sincerely
Rutger

thanks a lot for the answer . my bud lack that in the mean time i bought the HX2 (European version ). but the truth is , that i can't get hold on the sony , and i don't like the pioneer . so when i will install it i will hope that i will like it more then you .
but thanks very match anyhow

[rutger j]

well, I had the Clarion when I got 15 points (out of 15) for "listening pleasure" on a competition, so it´s not a bad HU :)

With some EQ, and equipment that suits the Clarions sound, you can ge