33 replies to this topic

[~Spyne~]

muzzy66, on 12 January 2012 - 09:29 PM, said:

Only thing I'd want for on the Clarion is the addition of steeper crossover options (24db and maybe 36dB), along with perhaps another band or two on the EQ (would be nice, but not necessary). If Clarion added these in, it would be far and away the best pure SQ unit on the market IMHO. As it is, it's still my top choice!

Nope, IMO it would need to play wav files from a USB/HDD and have independent L/R EQ to be on the same playing field as the P99.

[syd-monster]

~Spyne~, on 13 January 2012 - 05:25 AM, said:

IMO it would need to have independent L/R EQ .

hxd2 already does spyneless

[~Spyne~]

fair enough.

[muzzy66]

syd-monster, on 13 January 2012 - 05:44 AM, said:

hxd2 already does spyneless

Beat me to it!

5 Band parametric EQ with individual L/R adjustment, 1/3 octave (from memory) selectable frequency centres, Q values selectable from 0.5 to 12.0 (in steps of 0.5), gain levels adjustable from -12dB to +12dB (also in 0.5dB steps) and the complete freedom to overlap bands to your hearts content if you so desire. It's this type of flexibility which IMO separates the HX-D2 from all other all-in-one head unit on the market. The only real restriction imposed by the EQ is that you can only use three of those 5 bands on lower frequencies - the last two bands can only be used on frequencies fom 630hz and upwards. A small limitation, but something I can live with because I still feel the EQ us the most useful on the market in a unit of it's type.

The time alignment (0cm - 520cm in 0.7cm steps) is also one of the - if not the - most comprehensive of any such unit on the market. Then you have the 0.5dB stepped volume adjustment, which I don't think any other head unit has (though I could be wrong).

The crossover is really the only part of the unit I find restrictive, with only 6dB/12dB/18dB slopes available. I personally like to use the steepest slope available 90% of the time, and the lack of a 24dB slope option is really a step behind considering every other brand (Alpine, Eclipse, Pioneer) offers this on their high end units. It's something I can definately live with, but it could definately use an upgrade.

All of this is why I've fallen so much in love with the HX-D2, and no matter what other units I try (Alpine CDA-9813, Eclipse CD8455, Clarion DXZ756USB) I always end up going back in the end. 0.5 increment adjustments on everything, 24 possible Q levels and the freedom to do whatever you want with EQ bands are things you tend to take it for granted, but then as soon as you switch to another head unit you realise how much difference all of those little things made. It's the combination of all of these little things that makes the HX such an impressive package to me.

I have to agree though, abiltity to play WAV files from USB would be nice. That said though when you consider the size of WAV files (~40MB average) the ~800 song storage still wouldn't be enough and it would be sucky to navitage with a test based interface like the Clarion's. I wouldn't say no to the option though

Edited by muzzy66, 13 January 2012 - 08:38 PM.