xm411.com - Audiovox XR9 Review

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Thread

Ziggy
XM Freak!

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

Audiovox XR9 Review

At the XMas in August press event, I had the opportunity to play with the upcoming Audiovox XR9 XM Satellite Radio receiver.

The unit feels quite solid when picking it up but at the same time it is very light. No scales were available to measure the weight, but I would guess it comes in as about 4-5 oz. without its cradle. The quality of the unit is right up there with the Roady and Skyfi receivers.

The Audiovox XR9 features a built in FM Modulator, and a remote control, just like the Skyfi. The Stock Quote feature will also be included and it will scroll up to 20 stock across the screen.

A clock is also integreted into the unit, but not only that, but it has an ALARM clock so you can wake up listening to your favorite XM channel. What better way to start the day?

The display is crisp and clear and the deep blue really stands out among all the other XM receivers. Buttons are responsive and well organized. They have a familiar litlle "click" to them to let you know by touch when you have made the selection.

Picture of the rear home cradle:

In the future, a portable boombox will be available for this unit. Its retail price will be $99 for the receiver and $69 for the home and car kits.

The only gripe I have with this product is its remote control. The remote is a total opposite in design and quality from the receiver. Its a very plain looking rectangular box that simply does not match the slick look of the XR9 itself.
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Last edited by Ziggy on Tue Jan 04, 2005 10:57 pm; edited 1 time in total

Thu Aug 19, 2004 6:01 pm

pike
XM411 Community Leader

Joined: 08 Feb 2004
Posts: 1725
Location: Cleveland, OH
Primary Radio: Pioneer Inno

Thanks for the review, Zig. I am looking forward to this receiver if only to finally see something new from a mfgr other thank Delphi Smile

I can't wait to hold it in my hands and see it for myself. In the past I have not been very impressed with the quality of anything made by Audiovox, but I will admit I havn't looked at their product line in years.

-Mike
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Thu Aug 19, 2004 8:25 pm

Chuck
XM Rules my life

Joined: 09 Feb 2004
Posts: 545

Ziggy-

What are the 2 connections just to the right of the DC in? It looks like "XM out" and "Aux". They appear to be covered up. What are they for?
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Chuck

Thu Aug 19, 2004 9:05 pm

Ziggy
XM Freak!

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

Good question. They were blocked off and no user manual was around. Confused
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Thu Aug 19, 2004 9:34 pm

wirenut624
XM411 Community Leader

Joined: 07 Feb 2004
Posts: 37267

Primary Radio: SKIFi2

quote:
Originally posted by Ziggy:
Good question. They were blocked off and no user manual was around.

Looks like they are blocked by part of the home cradle.

Thu Aug 19, 2004 9:46 pm

roscoryan
I live Here

Joined: 08 Feb 2004
Posts: 363
Location: Burnsville, MN
Primary Radio: Inno

How about the size...is it closer to a Roady 2 or a SKYFi?

Looks like a beauty to me! Very Happy
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Thu Aug 19, 2004 9:51 pm

Ziggy
XM Freak!

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

Its somewhere in between. Next time I will bring my trusty tape measure... crap! Another thing to lug around to these events.
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Thu Aug 19, 2004 9:52 pm

DesertRat
XM411 Community Leader

Joined: 07 Feb 2004
Posts: 2044

Primary Radio: SkyFi2

Thanks for the great preview. Did you check if AudioVox has the "2-0-7" diagnostic mode?

The additional jack on the back of the unit, is it labled "XM" or "FM" out? I think AudioVox makes a in-line FM modulator for their Sirius receivers. It would make sense if they use the same kit with the XR9. The AUX jack is interesting. Possibly a AUX input so you can use the built-in FM mod with another source?

Thu Aug 19, 2004 11:30 pm

Ziggy
XM Freak!

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

The 207XM combo did not work on this unit, and we could not find anyone who knew the hideen menu on this one at the time.

The labels say FM OUT and AUX, but they were completely blocked off.
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Thu Aug 19, 2004 11:36 pm

DesertRat
XM411 Community Leader

Joined: 07 Feb 2004
Posts: 2044

Primary Radio: SkyFi2

Sort of guessed that AudioVox wasn't clued in to coding a diagnostic mode. Maybe someone at XM will drop a hint to AudioVox.

Having those jacks blocked off on the home adapter would make sense. Well, it would make more sense if they weren't there at all. Perhaps this was pre-production equipment. Also wondering why there's a AMPS mount on the home cradle.

Edit: Looking at that picture of the back of the XR9, it looks like a car cradle on a small base. A tab on that base covers up the "FM out" and "AUX" jacks.

Thu Aug 19, 2004 11:49 pm

lbd-ct
Supreme Postwhore

Joined: 07 Feb 2004
Posts: 40976
Location: New Milford - Lower Merryall - CT
Primary Radio: Sky-Fi III

Dear Santa......

I apologize, but this is going to be a long list...

etc etc.

Thanks Ziggy. That's a good looking device and certainly worth looking at. I notice that the display board on the 1st picture mentions a boom box coming out for this in the future. More good news.
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Fri Aug 20, 2004 5:19 am

wirenut624
XM411 Community Leader

Joined: 07 Feb 2004
Posts: 37267

Primary Radio: SKIFi2

quote:
Originally posted by Ziggy:
The 207XM combo did not work on this unit, and we could not find anyone who knew the hideen menu on this one at the time.

The labels say FM OUT and AUX, but they were completely blocked off.

I guess they could be for the upcoming Boombox. Maybe when it's in the box, you wil control FM through the R9

Looking at the front again....It does have an FM button on it

Fri Aug 20, 2004 6:30 am

KTMC
XM411 Community Leader

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

did audiovox give a time schedule for the
boombox release and fetures for the boombox ?
_________________
SLACKER

Fri Aug 20, 2004 8:13 am

JJS
XM411 Nut!

Joined: 20 Mar 2004
Posts: 208

quote:
Originally posted by Ziggy:
Its somewhere in between. Next time I will bring my trusty tape measure... crap! Another thing to lug around to these events.

Now wouldn't it be splendid if this unit fit the same cradle as the Audiovox SIRPNP? Ziggy, if you get a chance to compare raw form factor, the SIRPNP by my measure is 3.6125x5 inches. With a cradle-catch opening about .75 from the top, and a 16-flat-pin jack between two coax antenna connectors about 2.75" down. Of course you never know if those pin-outs are the same, but it would be nice to know if compatibilty is even possible.

JJS

Fri Aug 20, 2004 10:52 am

DesertRat
XM411 Community Leader

Joined: 07 Feb 2004
Posts: 2044

Primary Radio: SkyFi2

quote:
Originally posted by JJS:
Now wouldn't it be splendid if this unit fit the same cradle as the Audiovox SIRPNP? Ziggy, if you get a chance to compare raw form factor, the SIRPNP by my measure is 3.6125x5 inches.

The new AudioVox PnP appears to be just slightly bigger than the SkyFi. The XR9 is sized between the SkyFi and Roady. Besides possible connector differences, the size dissimilarities would appear to preclude cradle compatibility with Sirius units.

Still a bit strange that Audiovox is using a car cradle in their home kit. Possibly they haven't had time to build a production version of the home base. This could be a hack job used for this event.

Fri Aug 20, 2004 12:05 pm

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		Author	Thread
		Ziggy XM Freak! Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 7409 Location: New York, NY Primary Radio: Pioneer Inno	Audiovox XR9 Review At the XMas in August press event, I had the opportunity to play with the upcoming Audiovox XR9 XM Satellite Radio receiver. The unit feels quite solid when picking it up but at the same time it is very light. No scales were available to measure the weight, but I would guess it comes in as about 4-5 oz. without its cradle. The quality of the unit is right up there with the Roady and Skyfi receivers. The Audiovox XR9 features a built in FM Modulator, and a remote control, just like the Skyfi. The Stock Quote feature will also be included and it will scroll up to 20 stock across the screen. A clock is also integreted into the unit, but not only that, but it has an ALARM clock so you can wake up listening to your favorite XM channel. What better way to start the day? The display is crisp and clear and the deep blue really stands out among all the other XM receivers. Buttons are responsive and well organized. They have a familiar litlle "click" to them to let you know by touch when you have made the selection. Picture of the rear home cradle: In the future, a portable boombox will be available for this unit. Its retail price will be $99 for the receiver and $69 for the home and car kits. The only gripe I have with this product is its remote control. The remote is a total opposite in design and quality from the receiver. Its a very plain looking rectangular box that simply does not match the slick look of the XR9 itself. _________________ 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 Tue Jan 04, 2005 10:57 pm; edited 1 time in total
		Thu Aug 19, 2004 6:01 pm
		pike XM411 Community Leader Joined: 08 Feb 2004 Posts: 1725 Location: Cleveland, OH Primary Radio: Pioneer Inno	Thanks for the review, Zig. I am looking forward to this receiver if only to finally see something new from a mfgr other thank Delphi I can't wait to hold it in my hands and see it for myself. In the past I have not been very impressed with the quality of anything made by Audiovox, but I will admit I havn't looked at their product line in years. -Mike _________________
		Thu Aug 19, 2004 8:25 pm
		Chuck XM Rules my life Joined: 09 Feb 2004 Posts: 545	Ziggy- What are the 2 connections just to the right of the DC in? It looks like "XM out" and "Aux". They appear to be covered up. What are they for? _________________ Chuck
		Thu Aug 19, 2004 9:05 pm
		Ziggy XM Freak! Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 7409 Location: New York, NY Primary Radio: Pioneer Inno	Good question. They were blocked off and no user manual was around. _________________ www.MyRadioStore.com - XM Radio & Opie & Anthony Hats/Shirts. The latest XM Hardware and ALL Accessories! Pioneer Inno, Skyfi 3, Samsung Helix, and More!
		Thu Aug 19, 2004 9:34 pm
		wirenut624 XM411 Community Leader Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 37267 Primary Radio: SKIFi2	quote: Originally posted by Ziggy: Good question. They were blocked off and no user manual was around. Looks like they are blocked by part of the home cradle.
		Thu Aug 19, 2004 9:46 pm
		roscoryan I live Here Joined: 08 Feb 2004 Posts: 363 Location: Burnsville, MN Primary Radio: Inno	How about the size...is it closer to a Roady 2 or a SKYFi? Looks like a beauty to me! _________________
		Thu Aug 19, 2004 9:51 pm
		Ziggy XM Freak! Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 7409 Location: New York, NY Primary Radio: Pioneer Inno	Its somewhere in between. Next time I will bring my trusty tape measure... crap! Another thing to lug around to these events. _________________ www.MyRadioStore.com - XM Radio & Opie & Anthony Hats/Shirts. The latest XM Hardware and ALL Accessories! Pioneer Inno, Skyfi 3, Samsung Helix, and More!
		Thu Aug 19, 2004 9:52 pm
		DesertRat XM411 Community Leader Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 2044 Primary Radio: SkyFi2	Thanks for the great preview. Did you check if AudioVox has the "2-0-7" diagnostic mode? The additional jack on the back of the unit, is it labled "XM" or "FM" out? I think AudioVox makes a in-line FM modulator for their Sirius receivers. It would make sense if they use the same kit with the XR9. The AUX jack is interesting. Possibly a AUX input so you can use the built-in FM mod with another source?
		Thu Aug 19, 2004 11:30 pm
		Ziggy XM Freak! Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 7409 Location: New York, NY Primary Radio: Pioneer Inno	The 207XM combo did not work on this unit, and we could not find anyone who knew the hideen menu on this one at the time. The labels say FM OUT and AUX, but they were completely blocked off. _________________ www.MyRadioStore.com - XM Radio & Opie & Anthony Hats/Shirts. The latest XM Hardware and ALL Accessories! Pioneer Inno, Skyfi 3, Samsung Helix, and More!
		Thu Aug 19, 2004 11:36 pm
		DesertRat XM411 Community Leader Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 2044 Primary Radio: SkyFi2	Sort of guessed that AudioVox wasn't clued in to coding a diagnostic mode. Maybe someone at XM will drop a hint to AudioVox. Having those jacks blocked off on the home adapter would make sense. Well, it would make more sense if they weren't there at all. Perhaps this was pre-production equipment. Also wondering why there's a AMPS mount on the home cradle. Edit: Looking at that picture of the back of the XR9, it looks like a car cradle on a small base. A tab on that base covers up the "FM out" and "AUX" jacks.
		Thu Aug 19, 2004 11:49 pm
		lbd-ct Supreme Postwhore Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 40976 Location: New Milford - Lower Merryall - CT Primary Radio: Sky-Fi III	Dear Santa...... I apologize, but this is going to be a long list... etc etc. Thanks Ziggy. That's a good looking device and certainly worth looking at. I notice that the display board on the 1st picture mentions a boom box coming out for this in the future. More good news. _________________ FRPWHB Support XM411. Buy your XM gear at
		Fri Aug 20, 2004 5:19 am
		wirenut624 XM411 Community Leader Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 37267 Primary Radio: SKIFi2	quote: Originally posted by Ziggy: The 207XM combo did not work on this unit, and we could not find anyone who knew the hideen menu on this one at the time. The labels say FM OUT and AUX, but they were completely blocked off. I guess they could be for the upcoming Boombox. Maybe when it's in the box, you wil control FM through the R9 Looking at the front again....It does have an FM button on it
		Fri Aug 20, 2004 6:30 am
		KTMC XM411 Community Leader Joined: 08 Feb 2004 Posts: 5653 Location: ALBUQERQUE NM Primary Radio: SKYFI2/BOOMBOX HELIX SL100	did audiovox give a time schedule for the boombox release and fetures for the boombox ? _________________ SLACKER
		Fri Aug 20, 2004 8:13 am
		JJS XM411 Nut! Joined: 20 Mar 2004 Posts: 208	quote: Originally posted by Ziggy: Its somewhere in between. Next time I will bring my trusty tape measure... crap! Another thing to lug around to these events. Now wouldn't it be splendid if this unit fit the same cradle as the Audiovox SIRPNP? Ziggy, if you get a chance to compare raw form factor, the SIRPNP by my measure is 3.6125x5 inches. With a cradle-catch opening about .75 from the top, and a 16-flat-pin jack between two coax antenna connectors about 2.75" down. Of course you never know if those pin-outs are the same, but it would be nice to know if compatibilty is even possible. JJS
		Fri Aug 20, 2004 10:52 am
		DesertRat XM411 Community Leader Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 2044 Primary Radio: SkyFi2	quote: Originally posted by JJS: Now wouldn't it be splendid if this unit fit the same cradle as the Audiovox SIRPNP? Ziggy, if you get a chance to compare raw form factor, the SIRPNP by my measure is 3.6125x5 inches. The new AudioVox PnP appears to be just slightly bigger than the SkyFi. The XR9 is sized between the SkyFi and Roady. Besides possible connector differences, the size dissimilarities would appear to preclude cradle compatibility with Sirius units. Still a bit strange that Audiovox is using a car cradle in their home kit. Possibly they haven't had time to build a production version of the home base. This could be a hack job used for this event.
		Fri Aug 20, 2004 12:05 pm