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I can't believe how much I like. After much consideration I finally broke down and bought into satellite ratio. It looks really nice and is very easy to use. I ended up purchasing the Sportster 5 because you can get the best of XM added to your Sirius package. So far the radio is great. Reception is very good. I ended up having it professionally installed for a cleaner look and added the FM direct connection.
Perhaps I just got a bad receiver, but I've had problems with this receiver since about a month after purchase.It's never remembered my presets. Finally, very weak FM signal unless you have the direct connect or whatever its called. It frequently gets stuck/hung up while updating channels, which was usually fixed by Sirius sending a reset signal to my receiver; however, this fix failed most recently, and the radio has been unusable for about a month now. It also started taking 15-30 seconds to start playing audio after start up saying it was "Acquiring Signal". I've heard Sirius sent out a product notice about this issue and perhaps its been fixed in newer versions.Please note that the during all of this, the satellite receiver continually indicated full signal, so I don't think it was a problem with bad install or bad signal.I run out of patience dealing with Sirius's customer service system, so I guess I'll just buy a new receiver. The strange this is: I'll probably buy this one again in hopes I just got a faulty unit.
This radio is incredible. The connections are easy; I use the direct connection through my car's tape deck. I like the little remote, as well. The only real complaint I have is that, without the remote, it takes several steps to adjust the volume on the radio itself. When my favorites play anywhere on the dial, a little beep lets me know on what channel, and gives me an option to go to the song in a single click. I haven't really used the record option yet. This is my second Sirius Satellite radio; my first is a Stratus 4. The sound is clear, and the volume control via the remote is very useful.
Radio Margaritaville, Springsteen, the Dead, all have dedicated channels, and terrestrial radio has far, far too many commercials for my tastes any more. I understand that there may be many problems with the FM option. There's plenty of national news and talk from all over the political spectrum, and some good stations for more obscure classical rock music, as well. I might just be lucky in that regard. The display is large and clear, and the 30 presets are more than I'll ever need.Probably my favorite option on this radio is the "memo," which allows me to save up to 30 songs or artists. I wish that were easier.
it makes for really easy switching between channels.Unlike many, many other customers here, I've had nothing but pleasant experiences with customer service in the two or three times I've had to contact them. Or, it could be that the customer service is improving--who knows. But that's a small issue, really.I love Sirius, even though I'm not a Stern fan. I really am enjoying my subscription.
my husband really likes this radio. the face is really neat with all the colors. he says it's a bit static-y at times but for the price of the radio, he says it's not worth complaining about. he loves the idea that he can rewind radio time so he doesnt miss anything.
I bought an FM relay ($15), a little box that plugs directly in between the external antenna and the car radio and connects to the Sirius. Installation was easy using the enclosed Vehicle Kit, but the FM reception was lousy. I bought this for my wife's Civic when her favorite local station changed formats. That means that her radio now receives an FM modulation signal from the Sportster with absolutely no interference. There was no direct plug in option on our 2004 car. But, here is the secret. Voila, great reception. Sirius, should simply provide this accessory at no charge, but it is cheap enough to buy and worth it.
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