Satellite Radio System
LA
Audio File's sister publication LA CAR has reviewed a number of cars factory-fitted
with satellite radio systems, and they have all been enjoyable. Most recently,
it was an XM Radio-equipped Cadillac Escalade ESV that the reviewers had the pleasure
to listen to. The clean, distortion-free CD-like sound quality, coupled with the
vast selection of stations (100 - ranging from comedy to news to television programs
to just about every kind of music genre you can think of) always makes the ride
just that much more enjoyable with satellite radio. The reviewers always wanted
to try an aftermarket satellite radio system, but were put off by all the nickel
and dime parts needed to assemble it, and ultimately by its total price.
Delphi
has introduced an aftermarket system that addresses both concerns. It's called
the XM Roady, and comes fully-equipped will the parts one needs to enjoy satellite
radio: XM receiver, cassette adaptor, cigarette lighter power adaptor, and micro-antenna.
Best of all, the whole package sells for only $119.99. This was enough for us
to take the initiative to acquire one for long-term use.
Driver's
Log, Day 1
The micro-antenna is magnetic, so it secures itself to the
trunk of our long-term Passat without the need for adhesives or drilling. The
antenna wire is easy to feed trough the trunk pass, into the back seat seams,
under the floor mats, and under the front seat. The Roady comes with an assortment
of mounting paraphernalia. The receiver fits conveniently into the slot in the
dashboard, with the aid of a coin purse. After hooking up the cables, we plug
in the power adaptor. Total installation time: 30 minutes(!).
Driver's
Log, Day 14
There are seven display colors, and only now do we realize
that one of the colors - night blue - is a perfect match to the Volkswagen blue
that lights up the instruments of Passats, Jettas, New Beetles, et al. We use
a cloth glove to hide the unit, since the Roady's gleaming silver visual presence
is otherwise too tempting for would-be thieves.
Driver's Log,
Day 28
The Roady doesn't have quite
the same sound quality that we've experienced with dedicated satellite radio systems,
like that in the aforementioned Cadillac Escalade ESV. It lacks the delicate treble
detail of the latter. However, it still has a CD-like quality to it - no crosstalk,
no static, and no fading signal (except under bridges and in buildings). Regular
FM radio and CDs get played less-and-less. Every now and then, we switch to AM
radio to hear the traffic report.
Driver's Log, Conclusion
We predict that the Roady's all-in-one approach
will impact satellite radio in a big way. First, it will force manufacturer to
bring the price of hardware down. Second, it will spawn a number of all-in-one
copy cats. We are all for it. Finally, satellite radio comes to the masses.
For
more information on XM radio, go to the XM Radio
homepage.
For the definitive
XM sateliite radio forum, go to XMFan.com.
For the definitive Sirius satellite radio forum, go to Sirius
Backstage.
To visit our sister publication, go to LA
CAR.
- Roy Nakano