DelphiXM Roady XT Satellite Radio Receiver

this model radio offers best functionality for XM Radio​Functionality:​Why did you pick this product vs others?:Better FM Transmitter than other models

I have no problems with the sound quality or the quality of XM overall, although I am a bit ticked off that they have started adding commercials to some of the stations. I do have a problem with what seems like a major design flaw in the XT, as compared to the Roady2. With the Roady2, you can scroll through your presets with either the scroll wheel on the unit, or the remote control. You cannot do this with the Roady XT - when you try to go up or down while in one of the preset bands, it behaves as if it is in the direct select mode and goes to the next station up or down from the preset's station number - not the next preset button. This is incredibly frustrating to me, as I'm very used to using this feature on the Roady2. While I like the look of this model, I much prefer my Roady2 over this one. Other than this problem, the receiver works fine - I got the boombox that goes with this model, and have no problems with reception in my home.

The Roady XT is a well needed update to the previous model because it seamlessly goes back and forth between satellite and conventional AM/FM settings with a simple push of your preset button. The antenna is strong enough that I have mine inside my car and I seem to be enjoying strong enough reception. You may want your antenna outside your car as prescribed by the owner's manual, but I was concerned that the antenna would be too easy to steal or simply vandalize, so based on my installer's recommendation I had my antenna placed on the upper right windshield, inside the car.The radio's interface is easy to use. You can scan, digitally enter desired station or use presets. The ticker feature is nice and easy to read. Also my professional installer (I recommend professional installation even though this is supposedly a "plug-and-play") said he has installed many satellite radios and he thought this one was the best he has seen.Bear in mind all satellite radio is not a perfect technology. It's got great content but remember it's vulnerable to reception glitches in the same way that a cell phone is. Going under tunnels, bridges, for example; or driving up in the mountains or by the beach with lots of overhanging structures; even heavy cloud cover can compromise your signal. But even with its similar cell phone weaknesses, I think on balance satellite radio is a good buy, especially for long drives when you don't want to be faced with "cow pasture" radio stations.In conclusion, the XM Roady XT, with its effortless transition between satellite and FM/AM radio, represents the best technology for this type of radio.Post Script: Contrary to my installer's advice, the radio works better with the antenna mounted on the dash than it does in the upper right window.Update 8/20/06: If I could do it over again, I'd only get satellite radio if it was pre-installed in the car because my installer, as a result of moving a car panel, has made a rattling sound in the side car panel, which he removed to put in the radio. Don't get one installed, only pre-installed.Final Update on 12-15-07: I did not renew my XM subscription. As I said, the installation resulted in car rattles and vibration noise. The actual satellite sound was unacceptable: loud hissing, static, sometimes outright lack of reception, compromised fidelity even in best conditions. Living in LA, I have so many terrestial radio choices plus "radio" websites such as Pandora leave me with no desire for satellite radio.

It's small, it's inexpensive (the price keeps dropping), it works, and I installed it in 10 minutes. It's in my wife's company car, and she loves it.The sound quality is really quite good for running the output through the FM receiver. And I love being able to listen to XM selections on my computer by virtue of an XM subscription.If you want, you can also buy a home adapter so that you can play it through your stereo or home theater. But I've heard tell that you have to get the antenna really close to a window to ensure decent reception. It works fine in a car, though.Me likee.

[...]No annoying DJs or commercials or the same crappy six songs played every hour like on most commercial airwaves radio stations. XM brings deeper cuts and much longer playlists. We're discovering songs and artists we'd never hear in the marketing driven soulless commercial world monopolized by Cox and Clearchannel owning most the markets ramming the same stupid songs only a troglodyte would enjoy.But hey, this is a review of the actual Delphi roady. First Amazon's end of things was seemless and perfect as ever, that's why Amazon is far and away the best shopping experience of any online store, hands down. When we got the unit we couldn't believe something so small (easily fits in my hand) could be that feature packed. Setting it up, as others have mentioned, is a bit frustrating through XM's automated system but 15 minutes later we were activated and listening to many channels of great varied music.It should be noted we bought the home kit for the stereo, which was the first experience, that sounds great and made our tuner obsolete instantly, other than NPR there's nothing to listen to on conventional radio anyways. The car set up was rather effortless but like others point out mouting the antenna is a pain. It's not as big a deal as some reviewers made out though. We simply ran the wire down to the floorboards, under the seats to the back, up the rear piller and put the little manget end on the roof closing the wire in the rubber gasket to the liftgate to the RAV4. Viola. Music to go!At first it's a bit intoxicating with all the channels making it hard to drive trying to see "oh, who's this, wow they're good" but over time you get better at glancing from the road to the display. It's a small unit so the buttons are a bit small but very easy to press and use even with bigger fingers. The only gripe, and it's not worth removing a star at all, is the display can't show you the station, the artist, and the song all at the same time. Your only options are artist and song, station and song, or station and artist. So if you're on a station and want to find out what great song you're listening to you have to reach over and hit the "Disp"(lay) button, it's an extra step. Other than that it's a very readable display with a bunch of choices in color illumination.This is a great unit, highly recommended, as is XM. Ditch your normal radio and open your ears, XM rules!