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Clarion’s DVS9755z DVD/CD Player/Surround Processor |
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Clarion’s DVD player offers home theater-quality performance for the mobile environment. |
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by David Navone |
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In a vehicle where size is always a consideration, assembling the largest number of features and benefits into the smallest package is of paramount importance. Clarion’s new DVS9755z DVD/CD Player/Surround Processor (MSRP: $1499.95) has managed to jam a number of incredible features into a single DIN package, including: a DVD video player, multi-angle and slow motion display capability, a built-in 5.1-channel decoder for DTS and Dolby Digital; selectable high quality sound system with pre-programmed digital sound field memories, an independent parametric equalizer, 50-, 80-, 120-Hz high pass filter for front/rear/center channel and low pass Filter for subwoofer, and speaker configuration for time delay, 24-Bit D/A converters with 24-Bit data width and 24-bit A/D converters, 4-volt, 6-channel RCA line level output for 5.1-channel multiple channels, CeNET with balanced audio line reception and dynamic noise canceling; and a single DIN size chassis and controller with multicolor LC Display and IR Remote. Upon opening the box, we were surprised that Clarion’s DVS9755z is a single chassis unit that measures only 7- x 2- x 6-5/8-inches and was designed to be installed under a seat, in a console, inside a glove box, or in the trunk of a car. The main chassis of the 9755z connects to the colorful control unit via a small DIN cable that’s supplied with the unit. This player is a single CD/DVD unit with a video in, video out, stereo audio inputs, front and rear preamp outputs, a preamp subwoofer output, and a preamp center channel output. One cool feature of the 9755z is that it accepts both digital and analog Aux inputs. The DVS9755z is basically the centerpiece for surround peripherals, including Clarion’s VMA8582 Monitor. By including the DRX9675z central processing component, a regular audio CD changer, such as the Clarion CDC655Tz, and mobile TV tuner such as the TTX7501z, can be fed into the 9755z. The digital feed requires a fiber-optical digital cable, which is sold separately. The 9755z has a built-in parametric equalizer, which can easily be custom adjusted through the remote control. Parametric EQ effects include on/off, pink noise or music, speaker select front, center, or surround, frequency band, Q for EQ curve, and gain for the output level. The DFS (digital soundfield) setting includes the following pre-programmed fields: large concert hall, vaulted ceiling church, large open stadium, live performance hall, intimate jazz club, and an average-size movie theater. The DTS, Dolby Digital, or CD playback functions are automatic. Although the 9755z is not specified to play CD-R, we played several without incident. For our tests, we chose several sources from Dolby Digital and DTS. The Clarion 9755z was first placed on the test bench and then relocated to the home theater for listening and operating tests. The video was fed into a 15-inch LCD wide-aspect monitor and the analog audio was routed via Monster Cable’s new XLN-PRO multi-channel cables. The system was powered by a 120-volt AC-to-13.8-volt DC regulated supply. We were certainly pleased with the video monitor menu displays that included a typical DVD multi-sound mode, multi-viewing angles, subtitles, and the multi-story feature. The Menu screens were layered and easy to step through. The pre-programmed soundfields were interesting and could be activated by holding the DSF button. The action of the insert/eject mechanism is incredibly smooth and graceful. Set-up amounted to playing the pink noise through each of the surround channels. The subwoofer level was increased as needed for mobile operation. After carefully setting the audio playback for 5.1 channels, we auditioned the surround features of the 9755z. Clarion’s DVS9755z surround playback for both DTS and Dolby Digital was incredible. The dynamic range was as good, if not better, than any top-ranked home theater player. The remote control was well designed and easy to use. For instance, in a typical car situation, the road noise can wipe out low-level music and spoken word. To get around this problem, the 9755z’s D-Range function compresses the signal for better intelligibility. This function worked great! Overall, the DVS9755z proved to be a very high quality DVD Player and processor — all in a single DIN package. It is easy to use, compact in size, and filled with all the features and benefits of a top-of-the-line home theater surround processor. |
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For more information, contact Clarion at 800-GO-CLARION, or visit them on the Web at www.clarion.com. |
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