Nice XM Radio, Opinion From Professional Installer
Written: Feb 19 '08 (Updated Feb 29 '08)
Product Rating:
Pros: Nice looking unit and the features are nice. Smartly designed with no obvious bugs yet.
Cons: Viewing angle of the display is not great, and needs higher line-level output voltage.
The Bottom Line: Recommended for those who don't desire the color RC model or need substantial recording time or .MP3 features. Split-screen features makes channel-surfing easier.
martymcleod's Full Review: Audiovox XpressR XMCK-20KC Satellite Radio Receive...
I've installed almost all Sirius & XM satellite "dockable" units, including the Audiovox Xpress R unit.
Note: I now own an XPress RC (color unit).
In a side installation job for someone (note: I'm an electrical engineer by day) I had the opportunity to install the XPress R in a late model Toyota.
General Layout:
Overall, the unit is somewhat "standardized" similiarly to other XM radios, in that the majority of the typical functions can be operated using the dial controls or presets (for both recalling your preset channels or direct channel # entry). The smaller brothers to the XPress RC, the XPress R offers split-screen functionality, preset recall & display while your viewing/listening to another channel, and more! The central dial is called the "XM" button.
Display Quality:
The display seems to be pretty good, and provides contrast controls, but needs (as others) to be aimed generally at as small an angle as possible from the driver. I liked it better than the original XPress and the customer liked it as well. Of course, the viewing angle is critical.
Note: The unit has a dimmer control that substantially changes the backlighting brightness if you need it.
FM Modulator Functionality:
The FM modulator functionality while pretty easy to use (again, frequencies are selectable using the setup menus & the rotary controller) have mixed results. I generally recommend against using FM modulation vs. hardwired AUX-input adapter. The XPress R allows you to use FM modulation "presets" that you pick, unlike the XPress and other radios.
In this case we used the SureConnect due to the customer's wishes and it's somewhat harder to find AUX-input adapters for Toyotas with OEM navigation/premium sound systems.
The SureConnect works pretty well but as with all FM-modulated sources, distortion is clearly present to those with good hearing and probably will drive 'audiophiles' crazy!
Audio-out Quality:
The sound quality is that of a typical XM radio (since the majority use the same chipsets or variations thereof): Fairly clear sound, with adequate bass reproduction but lacking in treble (higher frequency) sound, with the exception of channels #76 & #110 (higher quality channels).
The audio line-out signal level is (as is typical with most Sirius/XM radios) a bit low. Hence users of AUX-input adapters may find the need to increase volume of the in-dash stereo when the XM radio source is selected.
Mounting accessories:
Unfortunately, almost all dockable XM/Sirius units come with somewhat flimsy mounting clips, a base, and various accessories such as double-sided tape.
However, the XM XPress,XPress R, & XPress RC provide a better swivel-type mounting base (which provides vertical or horizontal base options) and two mounting holes which can accomodate up to #8 screws if you like.
For those reasons I normally custom-install the radios in a fashion to avoid permanent damage to the vehicle, using custom made brackets & various parts.
As an added bonus, the XPress shares the same mounting dock with the XPress RC & XPRess...so you can pick one up for less on eBay.
Note!:
This review is applicable to general applications for the radio. A poor quality installation will lead to lots of frustration & poor reception, if not worse for any make/model of radio. Also I recommend against using double-sided tape due to climate changes/sunlight causing the tape to fail.
I highly recommend a professional installation and avoiding the use of FM modulated-adapters/SureConnect if possible.
I've had excellent results using AUX input adapters for radios in almost all factory stereos!
Bottom Line:
THE GOOD:
Overall, nice radio, cool splitscreen feature for seeing other channel programming or your presets, easy to use. Also, the unit is lightweight and looks good. Haven't had any customer complaints yet. May be a higher retail price though.
THE BAD:
Icons in menus/setup are kind of small, viewing angle of the display, and the unit was pretty tight in the dock. Swivel range of the mounting base was limited.
In comparison to the XPress & XPress RC, the XPress R gives you a slightly better display & split screen vs. the XPress, however is not quite as nice looking as RC (although it has pretty much all the same features as the RC).
If you don't require a color screen, and don't want to spend the extra money on the RC, I'd recommend this as a step above the XPress.
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