Clarion launches New Full Digital Sound System

Clarion Co., Ltd. (Managing Director and COO: Hidetoshi Kawamoto/ hereinafter referred to as Clarion) has developed a new in-car full digital sound system made up of a digital processor and full digital speakers. The new Z3 system, comprises a processor, tweeter, and commander. The Z7 full digital speaker, and the Z25W full digital subwoofer will be released next spring in Japan, the United States, Europe, and Australia.

The new system has been developed with an emphasis on improving full digital sound playback quality. The system is highly versatile with connectivity options for a wide range of devices and also features an intuitive sound tuning function. Previously in 2012, Clarion released in Japan the world’s first in-car full digital speaker audio system (head unit/speakers) which allowed digital audio sources to be played back (digital to digital playback*) in their native form. For their latest system, they have achieved even higher quality audio playback based on full digital sound technology using LSI original in-car high output that can efficiently convert digital signals. By embedding a drive circuit to the speakers, an external amplifier is not needed, and it can provide advantages in cost, installation flexibility, and weight.

Furthermore, along with the full digital playback achieved with direct connection to external audio devices and high-resolution compatible smartphones (Android „¢), the versatile system can also be connected to a wide range of devices regardless of a car’s head unit (OEM and aftermarket systems), standards (1DIN, 2DIN), and specifications (digital output, analogue output). In terms of sound tuning, the system can create an optimal audio environment intuitively using smartphones and tablets. Currently, Clarion is also in the process of developing a digital output head unit that is compatible with this new system.
Clarion held a demo exhibition of this new system at the Clarion booth during the Frankfurt Motor Show (held in Frankfurt, Germany between September 17th to 27th).
*Trigence Semiconductor’s Dnote technology is used for digital signal processing.
Dnote is a registered trademark of Trigence Semiconductor, Inc.
Main Functions and Features
1. Full digital playback with digital-to-digital transmission
Utilising full digital transmission from digital audio sources to speakers, high-resolution sound sources can be input directly to speakers without worrying about sound deterioration. Unlike conventional amps, this new system performs oversampling and digital modulation to the digital signals, and by directly driving digital signals to speakers by converting multiple digital signals and outputting them from high output power multi-driven D-class drivers, high quality audio that is faithful to digital sounds can be achieved.


2. Equipped with originally developed in-car high output LSI
The in-car high output LSI, which is optimal for digital speakers, has been custom developed by Clarion. Direct input of 96kHz digital signals have become possible, and by combining 256x oversampling, the world’s first (*1) 24MHz ultra-high speed drive has been achieved that is over twice that of conventional full digital systems. In addition, by converting digital signals with even better efficiency, a high output power that is four times that of conventional full digital systems and half the power consumption of analogue systems (*2) has also been achieved.
*1: The world’s first as a multi-drive type D-class driver.
*2 Drive circuit of a general audio system
3. Compatible with high sound quality playback, including high-resolution playback.
By connecting a high-resolution compatible smartphone (Android „¢), you can directly playback high-resolution audio sources recorded onto audio files with full digital quality. Smartphones can also be easily connected to the digital processor using a USB cable. In addition to being able to directly input digital signals of a high-resolution audio source (up to 96kHz) with a USB connection, the analogue signals can also be converted to digital audio data with high precision 96kHz sampling. It is also possible to operate 96kHz sampling frequency waves through all channels ranging from DSP audio source signal processing to digital transmissions to speakers.
4. Speakers equipped with newly developed six-layer multi-voice coils
The speakers are equipped with six-layer multi-voice coils that let you use Dnote’s digital signal processing technology to transmit multiple digital signals directly to the voice coils. This enables precise cone strokes. By combining the six drive forces, a high power and high quality audio playback can be achieved.
5. High versatility achieved with a wide range of connectivity options
The system can be connected to a wide range of devices, including external audio devices such as smartphones/tablets, OEM systems, and aftermarket systems, regardless of standards (1DIN, 2DIN) and specifications (digital output, analogue output).
6. Intuitive tuning with smartphones and tablets
By installing and using an application compatible with smartphones and tablets, it is possible to perform precise tuning with intuitive controls. This allows easy control for smooth and precise tuning.
7. Compact processor
With its compact size (116mm x 180mm x 37mm), it is possible to mount the processor in any desired location.
8. Commander that can be operated with intuitive controls
The large-scale rotary volume lets you intuitively control the volume and a wide range of other functions
Clarion Co. Ltd, a member of the Hitachi Group, was founded in 1940 in Tokyo. Today it is classed as one of the 100 largest global OEM suppliers by Automotive News. A world leader in car audio and electronic equipment, Clarion is positioned as a major manufacturer of car audio systems, car navigation systems and camera systems. The company specialises in research, development, design engineering and manufacturing work. Clarion combines these fields of expertise to offer innovative products, in terms of both their ease of use and their performance.