I have a Clarion DRZ9255 and I love it, couldn't get this unit from me at gun point (not really, but you get the point).
I have tried the CD7000 in my car, just to see how it was (for the shop I work for, I like to get to know certain products).
These units are NOT in the same category. To me, the difference is like comparing a $3500 Denon home receiver to a $8000 McIntosh Pre/Pro. The Denon does sound great, has TONS of features, and all at a good price. But the McIntosh, well, simplicity sometimes just has its perks.
The Clarion DRZ9255 is the kind of HU that can sound great without having to do anything to it (adjustments). I was satisfied with the CD7000 sound wise after I played with it a little. Only thing I didn't like, and I have noticed this about Eclipse HU's that I have used in the past, they do something to make the highs sound harsher. I can cut the high frequencies via the EQ obviously, but cutting too much mucks up the sound. I didn't have to do anything to the Clarion to get the highs sounding just right, thats the biggest difference I have noticed.
For $700, the CD7000 is a great HU. I really wish Eclipse would have kept it an 8volt deck, if anything, just for marketing purposes. The iPod interface was great, the Nav part was plain gimmicky and shouldn't be a reason for buying the deck. All the sound features are there, like in the past. The knob is kind of huge and a little on the ugly side, but its functionality is great, I actually like the way it works. The display is also one of the nicest I have seen when compared to Alpine and Pioneer. All in all, nice unit with great features, plain and simple.
P.S. My Clarion DRZ9255 is the best though
