Which Clarion HU to buy? 645, 745 or the 845 series?

[Mike 91 318ic]

I need amber illumination, MP3 play back, 4 volt pre-outs and dual 24 bit d/a converters. I'd also like to be able to turn off the internal amp if possible since I have external amps. Please post any installed pics of these units in your E30 if possible.


tks
Mike

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d828b3127cce9a43b61a81e100000016108AbsnDhi1aNj

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d828b3127cce9a43b60681fd00000016108AbsnDhi1aNj

[Mike 91 318ic]

From the reseach I've done the 745 seems to be the one to get, and it's only 200 or so... Are these specs accurate?

Plays CD-R and CD-RWs
Plays MP3- and WMA-Encoded CDs
Motorized Detachable Face Is it slow and noisy?
Dual 24-Bit DACs
CD Text, CD Titling, Station Titling
2-Band Parametric EQ (Z Enhancer Plus)
Sirius Satellite Radio Ready
Subwoofer Volume Control I can use this feature instead of the Rockford Fosgate remote bass control?
CeNET Control of Optional TV Tuner, Sirius Satellite Radio Receiver, Dolby Digital/DTS 5.1 Processor, DVD Changer and 6-Disc CD Changer
Built-In Low-Pass Crossovers (off/50Hz /80Hz/120Hz)
2 Zone Control With Dedicated RCA Line Level Outputs what's this?
4-Volt / 6-Channel Gold-Plated RCA Line Level Output
Magna Bass EX
Adjustable Display Contrast
2-Channel Aux. Input can I use this for an ipod?
Radio Tuner With 18FM/6AM Presets
728 Variable Color LCD and Control Buttons (12 presets and 3 users)
Screen Saver With User-Programmable Message Information
Retractable Rotary Volume Control what is this for?
212-Watt (53W x 4)
Full-Dot (65x15) Matrix Display
Aluminum Faceplate
Built-In Amplifier Bypass Circuit I can turn off the internal amp?)
Blinking LED for Anti-Theft
IR Remote Control

[KenC]

Motorized Detachable Face Is it slow and noisy?
Subwoofer Volume Control I can use this feature instead of the Rockford Fosgate remote bass control?
2 Zone Control With Dedicated RCA Line Level Outputs what's this?
2-Channel Aux. Input can I use this for an ipod?
Retractable Rotary Volume Control what is this for?
Built-In Amplifier Bypass Circuit I can turn off the internal amp?)

I have the 745 and dig it (the only thing i would change is to make the display brighter during the day... and night it's perfect though and perfectly matches the amber bmw illumination)

Answers in order:
1. It's pretty fast for a motorized one, and yes you can hear it. I wouldn't say it's loud though.
2. The sub level control is just the ability to control the volume levels of the 3rd preamp outputs. Yes, you'd be able to use it instead of the RF one.
3. The two zone thing is so people in the rear can be watching a dvd with the audio while people in the front can listen to music separately. It's for mobile entertainment systems.
4. I use the aux input for my iPod right now. It's sweet.
5. You can push the volume nob in and it'll sit flush with the faceplate. Then you push it again and it comes out so you can turn it. Pretty worthless.
6. I'm not sure about the bypass circuit... I don't use the internal amplifier, however.

[Mike 91 318ic]

Thanks Ken!! You always have the audio answers I need :)

So the only thing I'm unclear on is the bypass circuit. So you're not using your internal amp, but did you turn it off or just capped off the speaker wires? If I understand this correctly the amp can be turned off which suits my needs perfectly. Over all are you happy with the HU? Do you happen to have a pic of it installed in your car?

tks a million
M

[KenC]

I've been very happy with it overall. Especially since it was only $250.

Here is a picture of it installed. The flash was a little harsh on the iPod.

[92 mtechnic cabrio]

Ken, you got the wrong one if you were looking to match interiors.

It's the 2004 model DXZ735MP that you want to get, it has a brushed face and perfect mandarin illumination. And it is only $130 on ebay.

[KenC]

Ken, you got the wrong one if you were looking to match interiors.

It's the 2004 model DXZ735MP that you want to get, it has a brushed face and perfect mandarin illumination. And it is only $130 on ebay.

Actually I didn't get the wrong one. It matches perfectly (you can choose between 700+ colors). Plus the 735 lacks the higher quality components that the 745 has.

[92 mtechnic cabrio]

Ken, you got the wrong one if you were looking to match interiors.

It's the 2004 model DXZ735MP that you want to get, it has a brushed face and perfect mandarin illumination. And it is only $130 on ebay.

Actually I didn't get the wrong one. It matches perfectly (you can choose between 700+ colors). Plus the 735 lacks the higher quality components that the 745 has.

I was talking about the kind of material the face plate is made of. I guessed I was looking at it at more of a cosmetic angle.

Anyways, guys, here's a picture of how well the Clarion DXZ645MP matches in the E30. (Not mine, but its the important feature is expressed)