Clarion DXZ555MP CD Player

Pros: Decent price, good sound quality, aux input
Cons: Small buttons, aux input in the rear, different to control by feel

Intro I purchased this to add CD/MP3 capabilities to my car at a low cost. I wanted the best bang for my buck, so I didn't go with the cheapest player in existence. I hope to point out why I chose this particular unit and how well it lived up to ...

Pros: Great Clarion sound, plenty loud, nice sensitive FM radio. Looks expensive.
Cons: Some buttons are real tiny so use remote. No brightness adjustment on display.

The DXZ555MP came with the car. It's a very nice Clarion unit, with clear sound, fairly loud (too loud maybe), and some nice features. It plays regular and MP3 CDs. You access the CD by pressing a button on the upper left hand corner of the DXZ555MP, ...

Pros: Loud, MP3 decoder works well, good remote (simple)
Cons: Volume control failed, random function forgotten on startup ). Awkward faceplate installation and removal.

Bought this unit 3 years ago and installed in 1999 Pontiac Transport myself. Decoded MP3 CDs with ease, reasonable reception of AM/FM (the van always had reception problems with factory radio). Blue background lighting neat but I couldn't make it dimmable, might be me or the van wiring harness. Trouble began when faceplate had to be reseated to make volume control work, eventually volume control knob failed completely. Tried contact cleaner on pins that connect faceplate to deck, no go. Have settled for using the included remote to control volume up and down but cannot set the time or adjust the bass/treble as this was only done through volume knob. Overall, not a deck I would recommend.

Pros: Allows connection to iPod/mp3 player with Aux, good looking
Cons: Radio reception is very much below average

I have had this car stereo for 1 year now. I purchased it to use with my iPod. When it was installed I had them put in a cable which allows the iPod to plug in directly to the stereo). I am happy with it in every way except that the radio reception is very poor. Compared to other car stereos, even the stock one that came with my car, the reception is terrible. Even in the city I can barely get a clear signal.
It is easy to learn to use and looks sleek in your car dash. Other people have mentioned that the buttons are small but I didn't have this problem.