xm411.com - SKYBOX Review From AudioPhase

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Thread

Ziggy
XM Freak!

Joined: 06 Feb 2004
Posts: 7409
Location: New York, NY
Primary Radio: Pioneer Inno

SKYBOX Review From AudioPhase

Introducing the XM SKYBOX from AudioPhase.

The XM Skybox from AudioPhase is another industry first. It’s a totally self-contained and integrated XM Satellite Radio tuner with XM/AM/FM/CD/MP3/AUX playback capabilities.

The display on the unit is similar to that of the XM Commander, with a few software modifications tossed in to accommodate the different display modes of the other functions. The Skybox has 30 presets, a SCAN feature, TuneSelect, and a built in XM antenna in the CD lid. Tone controls are included through a six-preset equalizer, providing the user with many sound quality-enhancing options. I was quite satisfied with the sound quality of this unit.

The Skybox has a solid feel to it and a great handle allowing you to easily transport it from place to place. The unit’s styling is very sleek and fluid. There is a stereo mini jack on the front center of the unit to allow headphones to be plugged in as well as use as a line out to connect the Skybox to other stereo components.

On the rear of the unit there are four connections, all of which are quite useful and smartly placed. There is a DC and separate AC power input so you can use the unit at home or on the go in your car or camper. The next one is a separate antenna jack. Yes, an antenna is integrated into the top of the unit and is very effective when using the Skybox outdoors. But when using the Skybox inside, you may not always be able to place it in an ideal location for its built-in antenna to get a good signal. Any possible indoor reception issues are solved by allowing you to connect an external XM antenna that can be left on a south-facing windowsill or placed outdoors for perfect XM reception.

Another great little add-on that is incorporated into this fine product is an AUX input. If you have other components that you still need to listen to on the go, The Skybox also includes a stereo mini-jack auxiliary input on the rear. A source selection button on top of the unit cycles through the various input modes. This makes the Skybox one of the most versatile boom boxes on the market.

Last but certainly not least the Skybox uses 6 “C” type cells that can be inserted into the base of the unit.

Available now:
http://www.myradiostore.us/skyfi-boomboxes/audiophase-skybox.html
_________________
www.MyRadioStore.com - XM Radio & Opie & Anthony Hats/Shirts. The latest XM Hardware and ALL Accessories! Pioneer Inno, Skyfi 3, Samsung Helix, and More!

Last edited by Ziggy on Sun Mar 06, 2005 10:53 am; edited 2 times in total

Thu Aug 19, 2004 7:55 am

KTMC
XM411 Community Leader

Joined: 08 Feb 2004
Posts: 5653
Location: ALBUQERQUE NM
Primary Radio: SKYFI2/BOOMBOX HELIX SL100

do you have the specs for this unit
like total watts per channel etc
_________________
SLACKER

Thu Aug 19, 2004 8:38 am

KTMC
XM411 Community Leader

Joined: 08 Feb 2004
Posts: 5653
Location: ALBUQERQUE NM
Primary Radio: SKYFI2/BOOMBOX HELIX SL100

whats the battery life like for this boombox?
_________________
SLACKER

Thu Aug 19, 2004 10:42 am

DesertRat
XM411 Community Leader

Joined: 07 Feb 2004
Posts: 2044

Primary Radio: SkyFi2

Very well thought out design! I really like the idea of the built-in AC adapter as well as a DC input. Did you notice what the DC input voltage was? Hopefully it's 12V. Also, did you notice if there was a sleep time menu? XM/AM/FM/CD/MP3/AUX and a external antenna input covers all my needs. The SkyBox is a natural for my cabin, jeep camping as well as portable use around my home. Don't know if I can resist this one. Would also make a fantastic birthday or Christmas gift.

Thu Aug 19, 2004 12:06 pm

scott1xm
XM411 Community Leader

Joined: 07 Feb 2004
Posts: 3042
Location: Bradford, MA
Primary Radio: Inno

I think I just found my 13 yr olds November Birthday present!

She's been begging for her own stereo and XM since I got my 15 yr old a SKYFi for XMas.
_________________
scott1xm
XM music lab - Accessing your Recessive Progressive Gene!

Thu Aug 19, 2004 12:30 pm

coloradoxmfan
XM411 Community Leader

Joined: 07 Feb 2004
Posts: 6509
Location: Where it's freezing
Primary Radio: Slacker / Fly Cast / Pandora

How would you compare the sound quality (volume, etc.) of this unit to the Delphi SkyFi/CD Boombox?

Thu Aug 19, 2004 12:36 pm

KTMC
XM411 Community Leader

Joined: 08 Feb 2004
Posts: 5653
Location: ALBUQERQUE NM
Primary Radio: SKYFI2/BOOMBOX HELIX SL100

i see there no cassette feature
how would a person record songs
does the unit have a cdrw feature ?
_________________
SLACKER

Thu Aug 19, 2004 1:13 pm

MNXMFan
I sleep here

Joined: 07 Feb 2004
Posts: 6262
Location: Twin Cities MN
Primary Radio: MyFi

quote:
Originally posted by KTMC:
i see there no cassette feature
how would a person record songs
does the unit have a cdrw feature ?

Technically speaking, Recording XM violates your TOS that you agreed to when you got the service. They havent made a big deal about it up to this point, but I doubt they want to mass-market a device that makes it so easy that the average Joe could do it and pass the tapes on to his or her friends.

Just an opinion....
_________________
XM Addict since 10/2002
Disgruntled XM listener since 11/12/2008
http://blog.mnxmfan.com - Blog
Slacker Radio, with Plus since 11/12/2008

Thu Aug 19, 2004 1:53 pm

jolt1978
XM411 Regular

Joined: 14 Apr 2004
Posts: 98

Oh, hell yeah! I want this thing so bad!

Thu Aug 19, 2004 2:53 pm

s25843
XM411 Regular

Joined: 07 Feb 2004
Posts: 53

quote:
Originally posted by KTMC:
i see there no cassette feature
how would a person record songs
does the unit have a cdrw feature ?

Slow Down Killer!
Jeesh

Thu Aug 19, 2004 9:02 pm

LifeIsABeach
XM411 Regular

Joined: 08 Jun 2004
Posts: 72

Now this looks like a nice, sturdy boombox. I wish Delphi would make one like this instead of the two flimsy-looking boomboxes they have come out with so far.

Fri Aug 20, 2004 2:18 pm

reddice
XM411 Nut!

Joined: 11 Feb 2004
Posts: 187
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Primary Radio: Pioneer Inno. Gave my Myfi to my uncle.

Finally XM is playing catchup and comming out will some cool new devices. I like the boombox but instead of including a cassette, why not have a cd writer in it so you can record songs to cd but that will be against the tos. Now only if they will come out with a walkman device.

Sun Aug 22, 2004 8:52 am

scott1xm
XM411 Community Leader

Joined: 07 Feb 2004
Posts: 3042
Location: Bradford, MA
Primary Radio: Inno

quote:
Originally posted by LifeIsABeach:
Now this looks like a nice, sturdy boombox. I wish Delphi would make one like this instead of the two flimsy-looking boomboxes they have come out with so far.

The first boombox is VERY sturdy. I have 2 of them and they have held up well to daily use for over a year now. Think of it more as a table radio than a boombox. I belive that is more it's intended use. The main problem is an uncomfortable handle. But again I think it was designed to look good in any room not to carry around all the time. Remember, we call it a boombox, Delphi does not.

The boombox 2 is another story. All I'll say is that I would never own one.
_________________
scott1xm

XM music lab - Accessing your Recessive Progressive Gene!

Sun Aug 22, 2004 8:59 am

Mr. Furious
XM Rules my life

Joined: 09 Feb 2004
Posts: 634

Primary Radio: Toyota OEM Tuner

I'm somewhat alarmed by Delphi's inability to engineer a functioning volume knob.
_________________

Sun Aug 22, 2004 9:18 am

BewareOfPenguin
XM Rules my life

Joined: 10 Feb 2004
Posts: 771
Location: Killeen, Texas
Primary Radio: Just Got An Inno...Woot!

"C" cells??? I didn't think ANYTHING used "C" cells anymore. I wasn't even sure they still made them. Laughing

Although I appreciate XM's efforts to get as many products out in the market as possible, I will be definitely be staying away from this one. And oddly enough, it has nothing to do with the fact that I already have a boombox. It's the Audiophase brand I have beef with. A year or so ago, I received an Audiophase portable CD/MP3 player as a gift. After about a month of using it, I noticed that it wouldn't play MP3's anymore. After another week, it stopped playing CD's altogether. I took the thing back to Best Buy and replaced it with a new one. Call it coincidence, bad luck, or crappy product, but not even a month later, the new unit did the exact same thing. What the hell! I've had problems with electronic gizmos in the past, but I've never had that kind of bad luck on two different units like that. So I've decided to stay away from Audiophase products.

I'm also not real crazy about how they recycled the XM Commander's control unit screen. It smacks of a lack of effort on someone's part.
_________________

Sun Aug 22, 2004 9:43 am

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		Author	Thread
		Ziggy XM Freak! Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 7409 Location: New York, NY Primary Radio: Pioneer Inno	SKYBOX Review From AudioPhase Introducing the XM SKYBOX from AudioPhase. The XM Skybox from AudioPhase is another industry first. It’s a totally self-contained and integrated XM Satellite Radio tuner with XM/AM/FM/CD/MP3/AUX playback capabilities. The display on the unit is similar to that of the XM Commander, with a few software modifications tossed in to accommodate the different display modes of the other functions. The Skybox has 30 presets, a SCAN feature, TuneSelect, and a built in XM antenna in the CD lid. Tone controls are included through a six-preset equalizer, providing the user with many sound quality-enhancing options. I was quite satisfied with the sound quality of this unit. The Skybox has a solid feel to it and a great handle allowing you to easily transport it from place to place. The unit’s styling is very sleek and fluid. There is a stereo mini jack on the front center of the unit to allow headphones to be plugged in as well as use as a line out to connect the Skybox to other stereo components. On the rear of the unit there are four connections, all of which are quite useful and smartly placed. There is a DC and separate AC power input so you can use the unit at home or on the go in your car or camper. The next one is a separate antenna jack. Yes, an antenna is integrated into the top of the unit and is very effective when using the Skybox outdoors. But when using the Skybox inside, you may not always be able to place it in an ideal location for its built-in antenna to get a good signal. Any possible indoor reception issues are solved by allowing you to connect an external XM antenna that can be left on a south-facing windowsill or placed outdoors for perfect XM reception. Another great little add-on that is incorporated into this fine product is an AUX input. If you have other components that you still need to listen to on the go, The Skybox also includes a stereo mini-jack auxiliary input on the rear. A source selection button on top of the unit cycles through the various input modes. This makes the Skybox one of the most versatile boom boxes on the market. Last but certainly not least the Skybox uses 6 “C” type cells that can be inserted into the base of the unit. Available now: http://www.myradiostore.us/skyfi-boomboxes/audiophase-skybox.html _________________ www.MyRadioStore.com - XM Radio & Opie & Anthony Hats/Shirts. The latest XM Hardware and ALL Accessories! Pioneer Inno, Skyfi 3, Samsung Helix, and More! Last edited by Ziggy on Sun Mar 06, 2005 10:53 am; edited 2 times in total
		Thu Aug 19, 2004 7:55 am
		KTMC XM411 Community Leader Joined: 08 Feb 2004 Posts: 5653 Location: ALBUQERQUE NM Primary Radio: SKYFI2/BOOMBOX HELIX SL100	do you have the specs for this unit like total watts per channel etc _________________ SLACKER
		Thu Aug 19, 2004 8:38 am
		KTMC XM411 Community Leader Joined: 08 Feb 2004 Posts: 5653 Location: ALBUQERQUE NM Primary Radio: SKYFI2/BOOMBOX HELIX SL100	whats the battery life like for this boombox? _________________ SLACKER
		Thu Aug 19, 2004 10:42 am
		DesertRat XM411 Community Leader Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 2044 Primary Radio: SkyFi2	Very well thought out design! I really like the idea of the built-in AC adapter as well as a DC input. Did you notice what the DC input voltage was? Hopefully it's 12V. Also, did you notice if there was a sleep time menu? XM/AM/FM/CD/MP3/AUX and a external antenna input covers all my needs. The SkyBox is a natural for my cabin, jeep camping as well as portable use around my home. Don't know if I can resist this one. Would also make a fantastic birthday or Christmas gift.
		Thu Aug 19, 2004 12:06 pm
		scott1xm XM411 Community Leader Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 3042 Location: Bradford, MA Primary Radio: Inno	I think I just found my 13 yr olds November Birthday present! She's been begging for her own stereo and XM since I got my 15 yr old a SKYFi for XMas. _________________ scott1xm XM music lab - Accessing your Recessive Progressive Gene!
		Thu Aug 19, 2004 12:30 pm
		coloradoxmfan XM411 Community Leader Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 6509 Location: Where it's freezing Primary Radio: Slacker / Fly Cast / Pandora	How would you compare the sound quality (volume, etc.) of this unit to the Delphi SkyFi/CD Boombox?
		Thu Aug 19, 2004 12:36 pm
		KTMC XM411 Community Leader Joined: 08 Feb 2004 Posts: 5653 Location: ALBUQERQUE NM Primary Radio: SKYFI2/BOOMBOX HELIX SL100	i see there no cassette feature how would a person record songs does the unit have a cdrw feature ? _________________ SLACKER
		Thu Aug 19, 2004 1:13 pm
		MNXMFan I sleep here Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 6262 Location: Twin Cities MN Primary Radio: MyFi	quote: Originally posted by KTMC: i see there no cassette feature how would a person record songs does the unit have a cdrw feature ? Technically speaking, Recording XM violates your TOS that you agreed to when you got the service. They havent made a big deal about it up to this point, but I doubt they want to mass-market a device that makes it so easy that the average Joe could do it and pass the tapes on to his or her friends. Just an opinion.... _________________ XM Addict since 10/2002 Disgruntled XM listener since 11/12/2008 http://blog.mnxmfan.com - Blog Slacker Radio, with Plus since 11/12/2008
		Thu Aug 19, 2004 1:53 pm
		jolt1978 XM411 Regular Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 98	Oh, hell yeah! I want this thing so bad!
		Thu Aug 19, 2004 2:53 pm
		s25843 XM411 Regular Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 53	quote: Originally posted by KTMC: i see there no cassette feature how would a person record songs does the unit have a cdrw feature ? Slow Down Killer! Jeesh
		Thu Aug 19, 2004 9:02 pm
		LifeIsABeach XM411 Regular Joined: 08 Jun 2004 Posts: 72	Now this looks like a nice, sturdy boombox. I wish Delphi would make one like this instead of the two flimsy-looking boomboxes they have come out with so far.
		Fri Aug 20, 2004 2:18 pm
		reddice XM411 Nut! Joined: 11 Feb 2004 Posts: 187 Location: Brooklyn, NY Primary Radio: Pioneer Inno. Gave my Myfi to my uncle.	Finally XM is playing catchup and comming out will some cool new devices. I like the boombox but instead of including a cassette, why not have a cd writer in it so you can record songs to cd but that will be against the tos. Now only if they will come out with a walkman device.
		Sun Aug 22, 2004 8:52 am
		scott1xm XM411 Community Leader Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 3042 Location: Bradford, MA Primary Radio: Inno	quote: Originally posted by LifeIsABeach: Now this looks like a nice, sturdy boombox. I wish Delphi would make one like this instead of the two flimsy-looking boomboxes they have come out with so far. The first boombox is VERY sturdy. I have 2 of them and they have held up well to daily use for over a year now. Think of it more as a table radio than a boombox. I belive that is more it's intended use. The main problem is an uncomfortable handle. But again I think it was designed to look good in any room not to carry around all the time. Remember, we call it a boombox, Delphi does not. The boombox 2 is another story. All I'll say is that I would never own one. _________________ scott1xm XM music lab - Accessing your Recessive Progressive Gene!
		Sun Aug 22, 2004 8:59 am
		Mr. Furious XM Rules my life Joined: 09 Feb 2004 Posts: 634 Primary Radio: Toyota OEM Tuner	I'm somewhat alarmed by Delphi's inability to engineer a functioning volume knob. _________________
		Sun Aug 22, 2004 9:18 am
		BewareOfPenguin XM Rules my life Joined: 10 Feb 2004 Posts: 771 Location: Killeen, Texas Primary Radio: Just Got An Inno...Woot!	"C" cells??? I didn't think ANYTHING used "C" cells anymore. I wasn't even sure they still made them. Although I appreciate XM's efforts to get as many products out in the market as possible, I will be definitely be staying away from this one. And oddly enough, it has nothing to do with the fact that I already have a boombox. It's the Audiophase brand I have beef with. A year or so ago, I received an Audiophase portable CD/MP3 player as a gift. After about a month of using it, I noticed that it wouldn't play MP3's anymore. After another week, it stopped playing CD's altogether. I took the thing back to Best Buy and replaced it with a new one. Call it coincidence, bad luck, or crappy product, but not even a month later, the new unit did the exact same thing. What the hell! I've had problems with electronic gizmos in the past, but I've never had that kind of bad luck on two different units like that. So I've decided to stay away from Audiophase products. I'm also not real crazy about how they recycled the XM Commander's control unit screen. It smacks of a lack of effort on someone's part. _________________
		Sun Aug 22, 2004 9:43 am