Sony CMTHP7 Executive Microsystem Review

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(More customer reviews)I chose this system over the Panasonic SC-PM18/28 models because you can upgrade the speakers later on if necessary; the Panasonic speakers are bi-amped so you can't put normal speakers in, and of course the speakers are where these minisystems really cut a lot of corners, almost as bad as factory car speakers. Phillips used to make some really nice microsystems (MC-50 and MC-70) but for some reason they discontinued them and now they just make these gimmicky, hideous eyesores that look like they were designed by 13 year old crackheads (MC-570, and especially the FWC series). This Sony was the only one I found that not only looks clean/simple/elegant but also has decent sound-clarity for my musical needs (jazz, classical, vocal/accoustic rock), though of course not quite audiophile-quality.
Two days later, am quite happy with my purchase. The Sony was really easy to set up out of the box, and sounds good at high volumes, as long as you keep the EQ on "Flat" or anything except "Rock"---that setting always creates an audible hiss/buzz. The "Groove" setting gives you a nice bass boost at low to moderate volumes but distorts the highs and mids as soon as you turn it up. The "Surround" setting doesn't seem to make that much of a difference for most music, but it's a nice option just to have. I should add that these sound settings are not retained in memory each time you switch music sources or turn the system off/on. The FM tuner gets good reception, especially with the included plug-in antenna, and has far more presets than I would ever actually need.
I like the fact that the cassette has auto-reverse although no music search; the sliding door is a nice feature, since push-button-pop-up doors often have mechanical problems later on. Just wished it could read my chrome and metal tapes too; also, there is no tape counter.
The only thing that worries me about this system is the slide-into-slot 5-CD player. This mechanism is not only slow but probably has a lot more moving parts than the usual slide-out-tray or carousel mechanisms. Probably should've bought the extended service warranty on this, but will keep my fingers crossed.
Something else that could be improved is the remote, which is pretty comprehensive but not intuitively laid out at all. I also wish this system had a subwoofer output and an aux output so I could connect my PC to it.
Other than that, it's a beautiful-looking stereo with quality sound.

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SIRIUS Stiletto SL100 Portable Satellite Radio Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)I have been a satellite radio customer for four years. I started with XM and moved to Sirius about a year ago (no, Howard Stern had nothing to do with my move). I mention this so that you will understand that I am familiar with satellite radio and its occasional downsides.
There is no doubt that the Stiletto is a really cool satellite receiver. Its interface, while not as intuitive as the iPod, is about as close as you can get. Some serious (pun intended) thought went into the hardware and software design on this unit and the graphics are top-notch.
Using the Stiletto in a car or home (with the home or car kits) is a dream. The sound is great and it works just like a satellite radio should.
It also works well over an 802.11b WiFi network, even connecting to a WEP-protected wireless router. On the downside, Sirius really should have included 802.11g so that the Stiletto doesn't bring down the speed of the rest of the network (in case you don't know, if you have a 802.11g network and put a 802.11b device onto it, everything else on the network slows down to 802.11b speeds). Some people have complained that you have to spend more ($1.99 per month) for higher quality internet audio. What bothered me the most is the fact that only some of the channels are available via internet radio.
Where the Stiletto really falls flat on its face is as a portable radio. I'm a cyclist and so I purchased it to use on my daily training rides. I took it yesterday on a short 25-mile ride and was extremely disappointed with its performance. I was able to receive a consistent signal for about 1/4 of the ride, a choppy signal for about 1/4 of the ride, and no signal for 1/2 the ride. I live in the Los Angeles area where there should be plenty of terrestrial repeaters and I was riding in areas where there were no buildings or where the majority of the buildings were single-story homes. Curiously, I had the best reception on some tree-lined streets, but I suspect that's just because I was closer to the repeaters.
Of course, for the best portable reception Sirius will tell you to use the included antenna headphones. Who are they kidding? Not only do these things
look like something from a bad sci-fi movie, they are also the least comfortable headphones I have ever tried. No wait, let me rephrase that . . . these things must have been designed by Torquemada as some sort of torture device. They will make your head and ears hurt after about 5 seconds.
Oh, and by the way, Sirius must not think that Mac users would want this radio since it only comes with Windows software. Duh!
Bottom line: While I really like the design, features, software and graphics of the Stiletto, I will be heading back to Best Buy to return it and the car kit. Since I can't really use it as a portable radio, I might as well spend WAY less on a StarMate 4. If, however, you don't care about consistent portable reception, you want the best satellite receiver I've seen, AND you want to spend 3-4 times more for it than other devices that can capably be used in your home or car, then this might just be the radio for you.

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Ultra-portable, the Sirius Stiletto SL100 satellite radio receiver features a built-in antenna that allows reception of the Sirius signal without the need for an external car or home docking station. Best of all, this receiver offers up to 100 hours of storage capacity and can handle MP3 and WMA files, enabling you to mix Sirius content with your own personal music collection. It provides up to 800 MB of storage for personal digital audio files, and it provides compatibility for most internet music subscription services and music stores (Windows Media 10 or later).
For added convenience, the SL100 has Wi-Fi capabilities (802.11b), so you can stream Sirius content from your Internet connection when within a Wi-Fi hotspot. It offers support for WEP and WPA password protected Wi-Fi networks and remembers previously accessed Wi-Fi networks for quick access. And when coupled with an optional vehicle or home docking kit, you can broadcast both Sirius radio and digital audio files over any FM stereo via the built-in transmitter (dock required).
The sleek and stylish SL100 has a removable battery and built-in antenna, and it comes with a headset with an integrated antenna for improved signal reception. The 2.2-inch TFT screen is brightly colorful and offers a QVGA resolution. The Aurora graphic user interface and a six-way navigation control provide easy one handed access to all features and content. Other features include:
30 channel presets
Sirius Replay allows you to pause, rewind and replay 60 minutes of live radio
Game Alert prompts you when favorite games are being broadcast and alerts when scores change
Game Zone lists all of your favorite teams in one virtual category
Color screen displays channel logos, song title, and artist information
Save up to 10 hours of individual songs from live Sirius programming broadcasts by a single press of the "Love" button
Schedule recordings up to 6 hours in length
Parental controls and channel lockout

This package includes Yahoo! Music Jukebox software, which enables you to bookmark songs you hear on the radio. The song is then moved to a favorites list on the Stiletto 100, which can be accessed by a PC application when the unit is connected to your computer. The application allows you to look up and purchase songs, full albums, or explore artists' other offerings through the Yahoo! Music Jukebox software or other compatible online music download or subscription services. Once the song is purchased or rented, it can be transferred onto the Stiletto 100.
You can easily switch between the two included batteries when circumstances change. The standard battery provides power for 4 hours of satellite radio, 12 hours of Internet radio, 24 hours of playback from your MP3 and WMA files, and 24 hours of radio replays. The more lightweight slim battery is great when you're out and about, and it provides 2 hours of satellite radio play, 6 hours of Internet radio, and 12 hours for your digital library (either MP3/WMA or radio replays).
What's in the Box SL100 radio, earbuds, antenna headphone for expanded live signal reception, standard and slim batteries, PC cable (USB compatible), AC adapter, and My Sirius Studio software with Yahoo! Music Engine.

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Audiovox Car XMH10A Xpress Home Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)I wanted an XM radio for the longest time. I opted for the Audiovox Xpress RC model with the home dock. It was well worth the extra money I spent on the Xpress and the Home dock. Now I have XM at my disposal in the car and in my home. It's so easy to transfer from the home to the car. I LOVE IT!!!

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The Audiovox Xpress WMH10A home dock offers everything you need to enjoy your Xpress plug-and-play satellite radio through your home stereo speakers. The kit starts with a tabletop docking station that cradles your Xpress at an easy-to-access angle, along with an AC power adapter that powers and charges your Xpress while you listen. The weather-resistant home antenna, meanwhile, comes with a 21-foot cable, so you can install the antenna on an outdoor windowsill to receive the best possible reception. Finally, the kit's RCA audio cables run from the docking station's output to one of the unused inputs on your home stereo receiver. The kit, which is designed exclusively for the Audiovox Xpress, carries a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
What's in the Box Docking station, home antenna with 21-foot cable, AC adapter, RCA audio cables, user's manual.

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