XM onyX Satellite Radio Reviewed
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When I originally wrote this review, I was unhappy with it. I've since grown to love the XM-Sirius service. I also got over my fussiness about the Home Kit to play the onyX in my home. So ignore the negativity in the review below, as I've done a complete 180 on how I feel about the XM onyX radio!
I really wanted to like the little XM onyX satellite radio, I really did. My typical routine of "wanting something" entails looking at all of the models available for a couple of weeks, and then deciding on one that has a good price, the best features, and if necessary, a good customer service background.
The XM Onyx radio does just fine with all three of those needs, but I left out one particular item that is coming back to bite me on purchasing the XM Onyx: the need for accessories. I'll tell you more about why I'm not happy with my purchase in a bit, but first for the good bits about the XM Onyx!
XM onyX Satellite Radios for Sale at Amazon
The XM Onyx satellite radio is a car-specific radio with options (read as more accessories to buy) to use the radio practically anywhere you want! The radio itself is the first item you see when opening the box. The antennae with a ridiculously long cable, and aux in cable for connecting to compatible car stereos. Lastly, there's the "Powerconnect" dock which holds the Onyx, and allows the antennae, aux in cable, and speakers to be connected, while simultaneously powering the Onyx.
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XM Onyx Car Satellite Radio Receiver - Used but working great!
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NEW XM Onyx Sattelite Radio + Vehicle Kit (missing mount*)
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XM RADIO OEM POWERCONNECT ADAPTOR & CRADLE.FITS ONYX, XPRESS,XPRESS R, AND RC
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ONYX XM RADIO NEW CRADLE & OVAL SWIVLE,NEW UNOPENED
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ONYX XM RADIO NEW CRADLE & OVAL SWIVLE & VENT BRACKET 3 PIECES
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XM RADIO ANTENNA AND CRADLE FOR ONYX AND XPRESS XM RADIOS
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Sirius XM OnyX Receiver Dock & Play Satellite Radio with Car Kit XDNX1V1
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SIRIUS/XM ONYX MODEL XDXN1 SATELLITE RADIO RECEIVER WITH CAR KIT IN ORIGINAL BOX
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XM XDNX1V1 Onyx Satellite Radio Receiver With Car Kit NEW
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The XM Onyx features presets on the front of the radio, for instant retrieval of 10 of the more than 180 channels available on XM+Sirius. Pressing the large round button to the right of the display brings up a list of channels in the genre you are currently in, and you'll use the left-right arrow keys to move to different genres. The up and down keys scroll through the stations or channels in each genre.
The display lists the channel number, channel name, and the program, song, or show currently playing. You also have the strength meter in the bottom left of the screen. You can customize the display with a few different color combinations to help match your car's dashboard. The XM Onyx starts up with a blue blackground, but press the menu button, locate the display options, and choose between blue, green, red, purple, or amber. The dial is also customizable. A tool is included to pull the black insert and can be replaced with the included silver or blue circular insert.
As far as service goes, the XM Onyx provides a great sound, not unlike HD radio, provided that the strength meter is displaying 3 bars. When I installed the XM Onyx, it requested that I tune to station 97.9. I did so, the meter displayed 3 bars, and I have heard no interference, even though there is a local station sitting at 97.5.
I wanted to use the XM Onyx satellite radio to listen to CNBC, mainly because I don't have cable or satellite television, but with 180 channels, one could find just about anything they wanted to be happy with the content provided by Sirius and XM via the Onyx radio.
So service is great, the XM Onyx is easy to install, and there's plenty of content, so what's not to like? Well, I personally don't want to spend another $60 outfitting the XM Onyx with accessories to make it a viable option inside my home. It works absolutely perfect in the car as-is, and if that's all you want it for, then the Onyx typically found in stores will work great! But I also want it for home use, and thought it probably came with an AC adapter to where I could configure using it inside the home. But unlike previous XM radios, it does not, so I have to purchase the additional equipment.
After a quick price check, the "Dock and Play Home Kit" for the XM Onyx radio is $38.86 at Amazon, so that still gets my car and home outfitted for just a bit less than $100. So, once I get over my annoyance of having to purchase yet more equipment to make the XM Onyx work, I'll probably go back to being happy with the purchase again.
If you are also looking for a cheap way to try and even return to XM and Sirius satellite radio, the XM Onyx satellite radio is a good choice for those needing the radio specifically for the car. For those of you wanting to use it in your homes, be prepared to pay a little bit more for accessories, but in the end, the XM Onyx is still probably the best deal in satellite radio consoles.
XM onyX Satellite Radio Photos
XM Onyx Satellite Radio Specs
* Model / ASIN: XDNX1V1 / B002Q0W80C
* Dimensions: 4 1/2" x 2 1/5" x 7/10" (W x H x D) and weighs only 1.6 ounces (console only; excluding dock)
* Release Date(s): October 2009
Reference
XM - OnyX Satellite Radio Receiver with Home Kit - XDNX1H1
XM OnyX Satellite Radio Receiver with Home Kit: For listening to Satelli...
XM OnyX - Satellite Radio Tuners - CNET Archive
Manufacturer description The easy-to-use XM onyX boasts an elegant desig...
XM Onyx Satellite Radio - Youtube Video Review
Sirius XM Onyx
8 May 2012 at 10:35pm
B. Daniels is the lead review expert with Find Cheap Bargains. B. was more than likely the person responsible for the hands-on review of every product on the site. He also spends time searching for sale bargains when not conducting and writing the reviews.
Follow-up: I still like and use the little XM Onyx satellite radio on a daily basis, but there are a couple of issues. The first is in the car power adapter. The cord has been losing power pretty regularly for a couple of weeks, but now it has completely stopped working. So, I have to purchase a new one. It’s only $8 from Amazon, so that’s not too bad.
The 1st pre-set also seems to have some kind of issue. Not the button itself, but if I leave the radio turned on to the first pre-set when I turn the car off, it will not work when I turn the car back on. Or if I bring it inside and put it in the home dock, it will not work. I have to change to another preset then come back to the first one. Just a little weird, but not that big a deal.
Second Update: The power cable used in the car has played out, so I’ve had to order a new one. Options were to purchase another car kit (for $49) at my local Best Buy, or to just purchase a second power cord from Amazon for $8. Yep, I chose the second option, although I could have used the second kit for our second car (albeit with having to switch the power cord several times).
The problem with the power cord resides in the large fuse cylinder right at the end of it. This coupled with the flimsy wire has caused the cable to break somewhere within the power outlet. I’m no mechanic, so an $8 fee for a new one is the best idea of me.
On the Onyx’s new power cord, I’m going to take the advice of others who have had a similar problem and tape the fuse cylinder to the power unit to keep it from putting too much weight on the cable.
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