Audiovox Sirius SUBX2 Speaker Dock Portable Sound System (Black) Review
Audiovox Sirius SUBX2 Speaker Dock Portable Sound System (Black) Feature
- SUBX2 compatible with SP5, ST5/4/3, SV5/4/3 (not compatible with SP4/3)
Audiovox Sirius SUBX2 Speaker Dock Portable Sound System (Black) Review
Audiovox SIR-BB1 Sirius Satellite Radio Portable Boombox for SIR-PNP2 Receiver Review
Setup for the system is amazingly simple: snap the receiver into its bay, plug in the AC/DC power adapter, attach the supplied 20-foot Sirius radio antenna, position the antenna near a window, fire up the boombox, and select one of the service's 100-plus stations. There's a volume/on/off knob and a switch to engage the unit's auxiliary audio input--and that's it for controls. Plug in headphones or an audio "Y" adapter cable (not included) to channel sound to your integrated amplifier or surround receiver for listening through external loudspeakers.
For their part, the 2 speakers built into the SIR-BB1 are pretty decent. They're not strong in the bass department, but we wouldn't call their sound thin, either. Overall the unit's sound is even-keeled and extremely listenable, much better than the sound from systems that try to squeeze more bass out of their speakers than the electronics can credibly handle. To that end, we were impressed with how loudly the boombox plays, and with minimal distortion--even on a seemingly meager 5 watts per channel (x 2).
Use of the headphone jack disables the speakers, but an auxiliary audio output would have permitted integrating the boombox with a powered subwoofer. At this price, though, it's hard to justify a complaint about the absence of an output.
You'll need to position the boombox in a place where it can readily lock to a satellite transmission, which we found easily. Several spots worked fine, and even a west-facing window obstructed by a large cherry tree proved sufficient.
When reception gets hazy due to weather conditions or satellite positions, the audio program mutes briefly rather than getting fuzzy or more distant-sounding, as it would with an analog FM-radio signal. This can prove annoying, but in our lengthy evaluation, brief lost-signal mutes were infrequent at most (to the tune of 1 or fewer mutes per hour).
There's no remote control for the boombox. The receiver comes with one, but it doesn't control audio level, so while you can still change stations and browse genres from the receiver's remote, you can't turn the boombox volume up or down. For additional Sirius radio and subscription details, please visit www.sirius.com. --Michael Mikesell
Pros:
Cons:
What's in the Box
SIR-BB1 portable boombox, high-gain antenna with 20-foot cable, AC power cord, and printed instruction booklet
Portable Boom Box docking kit for Audiovox SIRPNP1 or SIRPNP2 Sirius tuners.
Audiovox XM XDRC2V1 XpressRCi Dock and Play Satellite Radio with Vehicle Kit Review
With the XM XpressRCi, it's easy to enjoy satellite radio in any vehicle. Do-it-yourself installation with PowerConnect is quick and effortless, and the large split-screen color display and other advanced features let you get the most from your satellite radio. You can pause, rewind, and replay up to 60 minutes of live radio; get alerts when your favorite artists, songs, and sport teams are playing on live radio; and use the real-time program guide to browse programs and artists playing on other channels without having to change the channel. Note: SIRIUS|XM Satellite Radio is a subscription service, see below for details.
With the XM XpressRCi, it's easy to enjoy satellite radio in any vehicle. Click to enlarge. |
Split the screen to simultaneously view what's playing on the current channel and up to three other channels. |
Hardware is included for dash or vent mounting. |
The color-coded vehicle dock makes it simple to connect. |
Hear More of What You Love ... Effortlessly
SIRIUS|XM Radio delivers subscribers over 170 channels of commercial-free music, premier sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic, and weather, covering the entire continental U.S. via seamless satellite transmission.
Please note that XM Radio is a paid subscription service, and a plan is not included with this radio. You will need to select and purchase an XM subscription plan to activate the radio before use.
Complete PowerConnect Vehicle Kit Included
The revolutionary SIRIUS|XM PowerConnect FM Transmitter works through your vehicle's radio--all mounting accessories are included; just plug it into your vehicle's power adapter socket and you're good to go. The color-coded vehicle dock makes it simple to connect, and if your vehicle features a standard 3.5-mm auxiliary input, you've got a wired option rather than using the FM radio route. As for mounting, both vent and dash mounts are provided to suit your preference/requirements.
Vibrant Color Display
View artist name, song title, and channel information on a display with stylish color backgrounds and graphics.
Split Screen Display Mode
Split the screen to simultaneously view what's playing on the current channel and up to three other channels, or view what's playing on the current channel and the last channel you were listening to at the same time.
Enhanced Real-time Channel Guide
Browse programs, artists, and songs playing on other channels without having to change the channel you are on.
Pause and Replay
Want to hear a song again? Miss a detail on a newscast, or have to leave the car on an errand? The XpressRCi lets you pause, rewind, and replay up to 60 minutes of live radio, so you never miss a beat.
Don't Miss Your Favorite Teams and Artists
TuneSelect and GameSelect alert you whenever your favorite artists, songs, or sports teams are playing on any XM channel.
When a match is found for an entry in your TuneSelect or GameSelect list, you'll be prompted with audio and a displayed alert. From there, you can immediately tune the channel on which the song or game is playing.
Save That Song
The unit's SongSaver feature lets you store up to 10 songs so you can listen to them later.
Stock Ticker
Track the price and daily movement of your favorite stocks.
Universal Docking Capability
The XpressRCi features universal docking capability, allowing you to add accessories to use it in your home, office, additional vehicles, or even outdoors.
Audiovox XMBB1 XM Compact Sound System Review
The AudioVox XM Compact Sound System features a sleek black case and black grille cloth, ensuring that it looks as good as it sounds. |
Works with a Number of Providers
The XMBB1 is compatible with the RoadyXT and SKYFi 3, as well as with the Xpress Family of Radios. The system also can be used with the inno or Helix, with the help of an XM2go Boombox adapter (sold separately).
Its efficient, compact design means that the XMBB1 will provide you great sound, even in tight spaces. |
The sleek aluminum case and black grille cloth of the AudioVox XMBB1 XM Compact Sound System is allows you to enjoy satellite radio in style.
Audiovox XMAS100 XM Compact Sound System Review
The XMAS100 features a sleek aluminum case, black grille cloth, and remote control. |
Works with a Number of Providers
The XMAS100 is compatible with the RoadyXT and SKYFi 3, as well as with the Xpress Family of Radios. The system also can be used with the inno or Helix, with the help of an XM2go Boombox adapter (sold separately).
Its efficient, compact design means that the XMAS100 will provide you great sound, even in tight spaces. |
What's in the Box
Audiovox XMAS100 XM Compact sound system, home antenna, home power adapter, remote control, four radio-specific dock adapters, user guide
The exceptionally small Audiovox XM Satellite Radio Compact Sound System offers dynamic sound and is a sleek, tabletop unit with an aluminum surface and black grille cloth design that fits smaller spaces like a night table, kitchen counter, or desk. The system features four full-range speakers, a four-channel enhanced digital audio processor, bass boost, and a 16 watts RMS amplifier to deliver dynamic sound. And includes an Audio In jack for playing an iPod/MP3 or CD player.
AudioVox Sirius SXABB1 Dual Mode Speaker Dock Boombox Review