With around 50% of all cars on the road capable of housing a double DIN headunit, consumers continue to be spoilt for choice by Clarion, global leaders of in-car audio, multimedia and satellite navigation solutions.

New for 2009, Clarion has launched the CX609E double DIN Bluetooth CD/USB/MP3/WMA/AAC audio receiver, to add to the iconic WXZ468RMP already catering for fans of the full sized headunit.

With more and more technology being used in-car, having double the room for electronics means manufacturers are given freer rein, and ultimately creates a more exciting experience for the consumer.

The CX609E boasts built-in Bluetooth for wireless connection with mobile phones, PDAs and MP3 players, supporting A2DP/AVRCP for audio streaming and HFP/OPP for safe, hands-free operation of phone functions, whilst direct iPod control is possible via a rear USB input.

Long enjoyed by ICE aficionados, double DIN allows greater customisation of sound features, and the CX609E does just that, with subwoofer volume control, BBE MP for enhancement of compressed music formats, built-in high pass and low pass filters and a 4 x 50 Watt internal amplifier.

Double DIN is not solely reserved for in-car experts, renowned audio expert Adam Rayner, of www.talkaudio.co.uk – the authoritative voice on in-car entertainment – points out, “double DIN is no longer seen as a Japan-only oddity, but a desirable and effective upgrade to allow access to full multimedia navigation, all within the confines of a single unit.”

Launched in 2006, the Clarion WXZ468RMP continues to turn heads, with the bold, brushed metal fascia housing five distinct sound zones to personalise the output to suit, whilst each choice you make is dynamically displayed on the VF screen with a 23-band spectrum analyser.

With CD changers increasingly a thing of the past, this powerful unit takes six CD’s on its own, is CD-R/RW ready and offers MP3/WMA playback, whilst hammering out 4-channel x 50 watts of MOS-FET amplification to deliver plenty of power but with less distortion, and none of the switching on/off noise.

The Clarion CX609E is available from all Clarion appointed specialists across the UK, priced at RRP £289.00, whilst the WXZ468RMP is available from RRP £339.00.  For more details call Clarion (GB) Ltd, on 01793 870400, or visit www.clarion.co.uk.