Best XM Audio System I've Found
Written: May 14 '08 (Updated May 14 '08)
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Pros: Excellent sound, MaxxBass ensures full sound at all volume levels, nice design, clever antenna storage
Cons: none
The Bottom Line: The Delphi Premium Audio System truly offers premium sound and reception. Can pay for itself, letting you take XM with you wherever you go, eliminating the need for additional receivers.
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| cowboyind's Full Review: Delphi SA10221 Radio Boombox |
The Delphi Premium Sound System is well-named -- it offers premium sound, portability, play-anywhere AC or battery options, and clear, concise documentation. Having tried several different audio systems for home XM use, I have discovered that this one is clearly the best.
It is compatible with several XM radios
- Roady XT (the radio I use it with)
- MyFi
- SkyFi3
- XpressRC
- Xpress
- XpressEZ
- Inno (w/adapter sold separately)
- Helix (w/adapter sold separately)
Setup
Setting up the Delphi Premium Audio system is pretty easy: Install the appropriate plastic guide for the receiver you're going to use, dock the receiver on the audio system, plug the unit in, and power it up. If this is the first time you're using a particular XM radio, it will also have to be activated by XM customer service -- instructions supplied with your radio explain how to do this.
A caution: Be careful when seating your radio in the dock. You're dealing with thin "wafer" circuit boards and tiny electrical contacts that are easy to damage. If the radio does not slide easily into the dock, check to make sure you're putting it in at the correct angle -- because of the backward tilt of this unit, the radio will probably need to be tilted back slightly, as well.
Controls
The front panel controls on the Delphi unit are sparse, which gives it an appealing, clean look. There is no need for a lot of controls, because most will be on your radio or its remote.
The radio's three front panel controls consist of two volume buttons (up and down), plus a "MaxxBass" button. The volume controls electronically access your radio's on-board volume function, while the MaxxBass adds some extra fullness to the sound of your radio, especially at low volumes.
Sound Quality
Excellent. The bass is full and free of distortion, plus there is abundant, clear treble. Also significant, the amplifier has enough power to get the volume pleasingly loud. This is a big issue, because some XM audio systems designed for indoor/outdoor use really do not get loud enough to be reasonably used outside, except in cases where the listener is very close to the unit. In contrast, I can set this unit on my deck while I'm washing my vehicle or working in the yard and hear music at a good distance from the radio. As stated above, the MaxxBass feature really gives the sound a boost, and you'll probably find yourself leaving it on all the time. Standard bass and treble controls are also provided through your radio's control panel. This unit is an impressive performer in terms of sound quality -- this is its biggest and most important strength.
Battery Life
On eight "C"-sized batteries, Delphi says the batteries will last six to eight hours at moderate volume levels. Battery life also depends on which radio is being used and whether or not the radio's power saving features (such as using an intermittent rather than continuous display backlight) are being used. Because this audio system has quite a bit of audio power, you have to anticipate pretty high battery drain at high volumes: I loaded a set of alkalines in mine soon after getting it, then took it outside one Saturday afternoon. By the end of the day, playing it maybe 4 to 5 hours at fairly high volumes, the batteries were showing signs of weakness (audio distortion at high volumes).
For this reason, I'd suggest a set of NiMH or NiCd rechargeables for anyone who plans to use battery power often. In high power drain situations like this, a set of good, high-capacity rechargeables will not only save you a lot of money over throw-away alkaline batteries, but the rechargeables create less waste, and they'll play longer on a single charge than a set of brand new alkalines will last.
I usually have an outlet available somewhere outside the house when I use this unit outdoors, so normally I just plug it in and save having to mess with batteries at all.
Battery Switch
Nearly all XM radio boombox players I've tried and read about have an interesting quirk -- they can drain down your batteries even when they're turned off. I believe this occurs because the radio itself provides the on/off control, so the amplifier unit remains "on" in a low power state even when the radio is off. This problem is addressed in this product with a "battery on/off" switch on the back of the unit. Switching this off protects the batteries from being drained when the radio is not being used, or when it's being used on AC power.
XM reception
Again, a very strong area of this unit: It comes with an XM antenna that stores hidden under the top cover. In most areas, this hidden location is sufficient for good XM reception. If the radio itself cannot be located for good reception (in my area, near a south of west facing wall or window), no problem -- just open the top cover, take out the XM antenna, unwind up to 20 feet of its cord, and place the antenna wherever it gets a good signal. It's a clever, well-designed, effective setup.
Input/Output Capabilities
Because this audio unit produces such good sound, you may want to use it to listen to other things besides XM, such as your iPod or MP3 player, or your computer. An "auxiliary in" jack makes this easy to do. There is also a headphone jack.
XM Programming
Of course, you can't completely separate this unit from the service it's "married" to -- XM satellite radio. I subscribed to XM over Sirius because in sampling both services on other people's radios, I found more channels I liked on XM. I am happy with it: There is a tremendous amount of good programming from which to choose. If you like listening to the radio, I'd suggest getting XM -- today, if not yesterday. I held out way too long before getting on-board. This is what radio should be.
General Design/Appearance
I think this is a nice looking unit that has a clean, simple design. There is a handle very well integrated to the top of the unit that folds down to be invisible when using it on a table.
Overall Impression
I'm very happy to have this product -- it makes XM radio sound good anywhere I want to listen to it, and it's not really that expensive, considering how good it is.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 129.00
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Epinions.com ID:
cowboyind
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Location: Indiana
Reviews written: 45
Trusted by: 35 members
About Me:
If you need more information on any of my articles, write me at kenjw@aol.com.
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