Performance
With the iPod snug and secure behind the faceplate, the Fusion CA-IP500 is actually quite easy to use. Twisting the search knob, we were able to quickly fly through long lists of songs, artists, albums, and playlists. We were also able to push the knob in four directions like a joystick. Selecting a song or category is accomplished by pressing the center of the knob like a button.
During our on-the-road testing, we discovered a few minor annoyances with the CA-IP500's interface. Firstly, the search knob feels very loose, thanks to the addition of the joystick feature, and must be pressed at its absolute center when making a selection. More often than we would have liked, we found ourselves nudging the knob up or down and accidentally selecting the song or album above or below the intended one.
Secondly, the Fusion CA-IP500 doesn't remember your place as you search for songs. So if you accidentally select the wrong song, the unit punishes you by making you start your search over from the beginning. We'd like a unit that is designed to be used while driving to be a bit more easy to use in this respect.
Audio quality is good. The internal amplifier pushes a maximum of 50 watts into four channels. While continuous power levels aren't published, from our experience we'd estimate that the CA-IP500 outputs a real-world 16 to 18 watts RMS. Those desiring more power can add external amplifiers with the four preamp outputs and the dedicated subwoofer preamp channel.
Users wanting to tweak the CA-IP500's audio can do so with the 14 EQ curves (11 preset and 3 user-defined) or the SRS WOW audio processing.
In sum
While in theory, an internal iPod dock answers the question, "Where do I put my iPod while driving?" and eliminates cables and USB dongles, it creates a new problem of carrying around adapter sleeves or being unable to use different size iPods. We also factored in the cheap-feeling build quality when determining our design score. Audio quality and ease of use is just average and we rated the unit's performance as such.
When all is said and done, we conclude that while it is possible to have an enjoyable in-car iPod experience with the Fusion CA-IP500--particularly if you are a single-iPod user--there are much more elegant solutions from the more-established competition that are more future-proof, have better build quality, and easier-to-use interfaces.
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Where to buy
Fusion CA-IP500 iPod receiver:
$159.97 - $176.86
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
|---|---|---|---|
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$176.86 | Yes |
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Amazon.com Marketplace
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$159.97 | Yes |
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