Just thought I'd share a couple of photos. A couple of months back I installed a Clarion M502 marine head unit, which I think is probably the best match I've seen for the Crossfire's dash, aesthetically speaking. It's mechless, with Bluetooth and USB. I find the Bluetooth is really the most useful anyway, since it lets me use the voice control on my phone. The mic on the Clarion could be better, but it's passable.


No issues whatsoever with the install, probably 10-20 minutes top. Now I just need a day off with good weather so I can separate the front and rear speakers

 

Nice. What all did you need to complete this?

 

Nice job. I have had good luck with clarions in the past.
I been looking at marine head units since they are silver but to bad they do not have the options other car units have

 

Can you hookup a external mic?
Can you awanser phone with remote?
Work for droid or iPhone only?
Is display to bright during night?

 

Search on M303 and you should find everything you need to know. I have one of those in the XF, a CZ-702 in the Reatta (color match on instruments), and a CZ302 going in the Judge (hidden). Is a bit longer than the 502 but I like all the buttons in the same place.


The radio install thread lists everything you are going to need. I recommend soldering all connections.


The 303 did not come with a remote but the other two did and works fine. (is so close in the XF and Reatta that the remote is pointless unless you want to Velcro it on and say you have steering wheel controls...)


Am slowly bringing all my cars into this century.


There is a remote mike available and I will use one in the Judge. They talk a lot about iPhones but works just fine with my Android Samsung phone.

 

Tom/Speedy - pretty much what Padgett said, and works pretty well with my Windows Phone, I can't speak for the others for certain. You do have to push the ****/rocker to the side to answer though, no hands-free answer AFAIK. There's a remote mic available for the M502 as well. I don't find the display obnoxious at night, maybe I can try to take a photo tonight. Pretty much needed a Scosche radio harness for an 86+ VW, a euro radio key, and a euro antenna adapter. I didn't do any soldering, but I did have to swap a few connections around on the wiring harness.

 

And +1 on a remote being pretty useless in the Crossfire... I barely even pull my hand off the shift **** to adjust the radio.

 

Actually I have yet to own a vehicle I couldn't reach the stereo from the drivers seat..

 

I'm just thrilled my trunk passengers can finally adjust the stereo. And it's all thanks to my M502 by Clarion. Thanks Clarion!

 

Oh I've got 3 vehicles with that remote in the consol.. I just pull it out and tease those in back..

 

Last 2 clarion pro audio head units I bough I had to hang a hat over them at night due to the bright *** display. How is the 502 at night?

 

That's just cruel :P

 

I hadn't really noticed. I'm going to take a photo for you later, and pay attention to the brightness next time I'm driving in the dark

 

the old 2007 Alpine I have dims at night, I'll be surprised if the Clarion doesn't.

 

JVC also has a auto dimming

 

Took a couple of photos when I pulled into the garage, it does dim when the headlights are turned on, and I don't find it particularly distracting, even before it dims.

 

Thanks xme.
Screen brightness is important for me since I drive 2-4 hours twice a week.
I want good and dim for all the night driving.

 

Good choice! Clarion all the way!

 

Anyone use this (or other Clarion units) with an Android phone? Will it charge VIA the USB port? Does Pandora work or just do everything VIA Bluetooth?

 

I just purchased a Clarion M502 eagerly awaiting my package from Amazon. Hope to install this weekend. Taken loads of screen shots of all the wiring diagrams etc, also purchased the Scosche wiring harness. Need to get a Euro adapter for the aerial connector, do i need a male or female?
Will post pictures of the install once completed