Dual XHD7720 4X50 Watt AM/FM/CD Radio with Motorized Built-in HD and Bluetooth - Ready Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)For the price this is the best car radio I could find.It has HD radio, bluetooth (adapter is only $29 to $40 - much cheaper than many), and Iphone/ipod control/display. Works great.Radio must be below driver when mounted in car to see information when in open position (no problem in my Saturn).Install was like any other car radio (it takes time).

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Product Description:
Enrich the audio of your car's stereo system with this pair of Dual XS6533 speakers, which install conveniently in a door or rear deck. Each speaker, which measures 6.5 inches in diameter, boasts an anodized polypropylene cone woofer with a foam surround, along with a 0.5-inch swivel tweeter and a 0.5-inch piezoelectric tweeter on a swivel array. The three-way design produces a frequency response of 60 Hz to 20 kHz--far wider than the default speakers that come with most cars. Meanwhile, the dual swivels let users pinpoint the best listening angle for the high frequencies, which creates a more pleasing audio profile depending on where you install the speakers. Listeners can also boost the bass by adding a subwoofer to the mix.
An added bonus stems from the speakers' "red satin" interior color, which is framed by a black ABS metal mesh grille. The vibrant hue adds a touch of smokin'-hot style to your car's insides, especially those with black seats and detail. Installation is relatively straightforward thanks to the included instructions, although owners with limited experience making car cutouts should consider hiring an audio technician. In addition, Dual recommends connecting the speakers to an amp with a power range between 2 and 50 watts (with a peak power handling of 120 watts), so car owners with extra-powerful amps should look elsewhere.
The Dual XS6533 speakers come with a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
What's in the Box
Two car speakers, mounting hardware, user's manual.

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CB BASE ANTENNA Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Solarcon A-99 vertical antenna...

Easy to assemble, lightweight, all hardware and instruction manual included in package.

10 minutes from delivery to "on-the-air."

I get greatly improved signal reports versus my old antenna (Radio Shack "Crossbow" vertical).

I use it for CB and 10 Meter ham radio.

(Ignore the "9.9dBi" gain number. No vertical is going to deliver that kind of performance, but for its intended use, it works well.)

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Product Description:
Solarcon A-99 17' Omni-Directional Fiberglass Base Station Antenna - 2000 Watts (1 Each)

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PYLE PLDV6K 6.5-Inch 240 Watt 2-Way Component System Review

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(More customer reviews)PYLE 6.5-inch Component Speakers has a superb sound. I would highly recomend these speakers to any one who wants a upgrade for their current sound system.

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Product Description:
The Pyle Dryver series has been specially designed from the bottom up to provide quality sound in a sturdy form factor. You'll be blasting your tunes and rocking the block with this component speaker kit. It includes one pair of 6.5" mid-bass speakers, one pair of 1" tweeters, one pair of passive crossover devices, a wiring kit, grills, and installation hardware - it's a perfect way to upgrade and expand the range of your factory system. The mid-bass speakers pump with 240 watts of power and fit in most OEM locations. The 100-watt, 1" silk dome tweeters have three mounting options and a frequency response from 1.4 to 24 kHz. Use the passive crossover networks to separate the signal from your headunit between the mid-bass and tweeter speakers for a fuller, richer sound. Your music will sound clearer, crisper, and louder with this Pyle Dryver kit.

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USA-Spec PA15-HON2 Honda to iPod Interface Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I ordered a USA Spec PA15HON2Y to use my iPhone 3G in my 2005 Accord.I looked at multiple products including a parrot MKi9100 and DICE.Ended up choosing going with a USA Spec and a separate Parrot bluetooth unit (MK3000) since it 1) was price right and 2) offered integration with the factory radio.

My Accord has built in Navigation so I wanted something that would play nice.The USA Spec unit does integrate with my nav and radio.You can set up the USA Spec to display using text of what is playing (Artist, name, category).This will scroll through the upper radio display on the Accord as well as on the Audio menu on the navigation screen.If you want text, it will put the iPod menu on the iPhone into accessory mode and will not allow you to select specific songs directly from the iPhone.You will need to use the stereo controls or the steering wheel controls to scroll.There is the option to give you direct access to the iPod screen (you adjust modes by the pre programmed XM stations ie XM station 1 would be Artist, 2 would be by Category, 3, all songs, 6 is direct ipod).If you do choose to toggle to the direct iPod control, you lose the text - it'll just show as iPod.

The USA Spec unit will also allow you to keep XM functionality in the Accord.The XM stations show up on XM2 mode.... I don't subscribe to XM but can still hear their barker/preview stations.

One concern I had was that I definitely did not want to lose my navigation controls... safe to say it all still works... the Nav still shows maps, etc as well as provides voice directions.It will continue to mute (like it normally does) XM, FM, and iPod music when it gives you directions.

Installation wasn't too bad - took awhile to get everything out (and yes you have to take out the factory navigation to get to the right plug). After you pull out the nav unit, it's plug and play (unplug the blue plug from the back of the Honda Nav, plug in the male end of the cable that attaches to the USA Spec unit, plug in the additional adapter, then plug in the original Honda Nav plug right into the additional adapter (the adapter allows you to keep your XM).

I used some heavy duty auto tape to secure the litte USA spec box on top of the nav DVD drive and ran the ipod cable through the empty slot below (had to cut a small opening). I put everything back together and everything is hidden and seamless (except the adapter cord that plugs right into the iPhone).It does charge the iPhone too!

It sounds great.... (at least the same quality of the CD player).A couple of other great things about the USA Spec - it has another set of audio inputs.I plan on using these eventually when I add video through my navigation to get sound in since all of the video adapters still require another sound adapter.Also, it works great with Pandora or streaming podcasts through itunes (if you're in an area that has good AT&T coverage).I added the Parrot CK3000 bluetooth since I didn't want to have to unplug the iphone to answer it... the iPhone plays nice with both at the same time... if I'm listening to my podcasts and get a phone call, the music gradually softens and the phone rings.

The new DICE silverline units looks like it performs the same way but it was $40 more than the cheapest price I could find with the USA Spec.

Overall, I give this 4 stars and would recommend it.... only thing I wish it would do is also show song text even if it was in direct mode.... maybe this is a limitation on apple's part where it doesn't send text data if your using it as an accessory. Also, each time you plug your iPhone in, you get a nag screen about it isn't made for the iPhone and if you want to turn on Airplane mode to minimize interference... I hit no and it works fine.

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Product Description:
New model includes the new #G Cable enables full charging of all ipods including new 3G iPhone, New Nano and new 2nd Gen iTouch

Selected model years of Acura TL, TSX, RDX, and Honda Element, Accord, Civic, CRV, Ridgeline, S2000

Easy Installation - All Cables are Plug and Play for Easy Installation Adds Additional Aux Input Direct Mode Allows You to Control Everything via the iPod Superior Sound Quality - True Digital Quality Sound through Factory Radio Uses CD Changer Function - Operate an iPod Just Like a CD Changer Auto Maintain and Auto Memory Auto Playlist Select - Selects the First 5 Play Lists On Your iPod Other Features, Track Forward/Back/Select Playlist/Shuffle/Random Play Auto Skip - Skip 10+ Songs In Each Playlist Auto Charge - Charges iPod Battery and Auto Stops after 1 Hour of Non-Use

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Kenwood KFC-1682IE 6.5-Inch 240-Watt Max Power Three-Way Speaker System Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased these to replace stock speakers in a Honda Civic. This car has considerable rode noise, and if the volume was turned up on the speakers, the sound quality became so bad it was worse than the noise. I purchased these speakers in the hope that I could drown out the road noise at high speeds so I could still listen to music while driving. I drive to Utah (about 5 hours) twice a month. In this my primary goal, I have been extremely pleased. These seem like a very nice speaker.

The radio in this car is not a high quality unit, so I cannot accurately rate the quality reproduction of the highs and the lows, but my overall impression of the sound that comes from these speakers seems very clean. My last speakers I could barely hear the base, and now I can hear it and even feel it (these speakers are in the panel down by my legs). Voices come out much crisper than the old speakers. I would definitely recommend these speakers. I will update this review after I replace the stereo.

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Product Description:
6.5-Inch 3-way speaker system.

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Zune Car Pack Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)*TAKE NOTE: Don't turn your radio on UNTIL you have found a clear FM station with the Zune Car Pack 2. Turning your radio on FIRST seems to prevent the device from finding any clear FM station.

*Some people have had luck tuning with the radio on. The important thing to remember is you are tuning a radio and just like a real radio it may take a little effort to tune it.

None of the harsh negative reviews are accurate IMHO and with respect to these people. It really makes me wonder of their validity in every single claim. The reviews greatly differ from the excellent and flawless product I just received and used. It could be that these well meaning people simply missing something on how to use this very simple and EXTREMELY effective device. My experience was a 100% POSITIVE with ZERO trouble! The Zune Car Pack 2 actually shocked the hell out of me because of the negative above reviews (I was already prepared to send it back). Like most everyone I read the user comments before I buy anything.I called Amazon to verify I could send this product back before I bought because of the horrid reviews above. Sometimes I will gamble anyway with a product purchase like this and this time and it paid off BIG. I got exactly what was advertised and what I wanted in my car.

1) I live in a VERY URBAN area. Nearly every single radio frequency is occupied. I plugged in the adapter hooked up the Zune used the auto-tune to find a clear station. Turned on the radio, tuned it to match the clear frequency and the sound was flawless. I honestly could not tell any significant difference from direct input. No kidding it works that well and that easy. There are also online resources that can locate some good clear FM frequencies by zip code if you should need extra help. The Zune Car Pack 2 finds the clearest stations for me everytime.

2) No static at all! Believe me I tried to get it. I shook my Zune like a nut, I shook the transmitter like an ape, I even placed metal objects on the cord and put the transmitter in every weird place I could think of. Perfect no static. I could not make static no matter how I tried (Man, I forgot to wrap everything in aluminum foil...now that may have a chance)! I tried my hardest to make this accessory sound bad and hear the static claims in the previous posted reviews. But the Zune Car Park v2 remained superb.

3) The Zune pad the is designed to hold the Zune on the dash or somewhere flat. Now I had my doubts about this set-up because I drive rather aggressively. I dusted off my dash and place the Zune on the pad. The thing is rock solid and I would trust it in almost all driving circumstances with confidence except for a hard hitting accident. A fender bender won't move that Zune a bit.

Try it out for yourself. You can always send it back to Amazon if you do not like the way it functions.

Plug in the adapter in the cigarette lighter, plug in the Zune, use auto-tune to find a clear station, turn on the radio, tune it to match the clear fequency and WOW!

The Zune Car Pack 2 is easy, static free, and movement DOES NOT effect the sound at all. As I said before I TRIED my hardest to get static but could not (with the exception of wrapping everything in aluminum foil).

The Zune Car Pack 2 is an excellent product in every respect.

That is what my real-world URBAN experience PROVED to me. I also learned you cannot always trust the reviews you read. Though I would not like to shop without them.

Give it a try as there is really nothing to loose----

I think that the problem is the device is so simple that people are not following the correct process for the device work properly (and the instructions could be better).

Remember to get the clear station tuned with the Zune Car Pack 1st and then turn on your radio and tune to the clear frequency.

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Product Description:
If you're taking a road trip, the Zune Car Pack gives you everything you need to be your own DJ, listening to your music through your car stereo while keeping your Zune charged. This device transmits music from your Zune into an FM frequency that can be picked up by your radio tuner. You can automatically select an optimal station for broadcast using the auto-tuning Zune FM Transmitter. It often takes more than one station to stay tuned in if you drive between different regions with different stations, that's why the Zune FM Transmitter has two presets so you can easily swap back and forth between your most commonly used broadcast stations. To keep up with a long road trip, you can charge your Zune while listening to music in the car. The magnetic storage clip allows you to keep wires out of your way, and the dashboard grip pad provides a great place to rest your device in the car. It is compatible with all Zunes.
What's in the Box:
FM transmitter/charger, dashboard grip pad, product quick start guide, product manual.

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Uniden Bearcat PC68XL 40-Channel CB Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This unit looks and works great.Installation was easy and the performance has been great.Has all the adjustments that I was looking for plus the weather channels.I didn't really want the weather channels at the time of purchase, but I'm glad I have them now.
The cosmetics are great -- chrome dials, silver face, green back-lighting, analog signal meter.
The unit is not a compact unit, but I was able to fit it under the radio in my '96 Ford Ranger without too much trouble.The 9' microphone cord seemed really long to me when I saw that on the spec sheet, but it is actually about perfect.
There are a couple of downsides: The Dynamic Squelch Control is completely useless.As far as I can tell, it just automatically sets the squelch to a higher-than-appropriate level.With DSC on, you miss all low-powered transmissions and some high-powered ones.DSC works great if you're only interested in a ~300' radius.I never turn mine on.
The other downside is that it's nearly impossible to determine the knob positions by sight.That is, you can't easily look down and see that the volume is at 1/2 and squelch is at 1/8, etc.
Neither of these downsides are that big of a deal, though.
BTW, I use the RF Gain control much more than squelch to fine tune my reception.Don't buy a CB radio without RF Gain.

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Product Description:
Classically styled but equipped with all the modern features, the Uniden Bearcat PC68XL CB radio is a must for truckers, boaters, and other CB enthusiasts. The radio is housed in a stylish silver chassis with chrome control knobs--an enduring look that's sure to satisfy longtime CB fans. More importantly, the radio operates on any of the 40 AM frequencies, giving users plenty of communication options. It even offers instant access to channel 9 should an emergency arise.
Perhaps the PC68XL's most satisfying feature, however, is Uniden's dynamic squelch control, which delivers a clear signal with less noise so that all your channels sound crisp and legible. The squelch control even reduces noise when the CB user on the other end doesn't have it, an advantage that few other squelch enhancers enjoy. The front-positioned microphone, meanwhile, is easy to access and versatile thanks to its extra-long coiled cord.
Additional features include an adjustable LED channel display and transmit/receive indicators for monitoring activity at a glance; adjustable RF and mic gain controls; a PA/CB switch; and an analog S/RF meter. The unit, which measures 6.29 by 2.16 by 8.54 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 3 pounds, is backed by a two-year warranty on parts and labor.
What's in the Box
PC68XL CB radio, microphone, mounting bracket kit, DC power cord, reference guide, FCC rules, product registration card, user's manual.

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Cobra 75WXST 40-Channel CB Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Cobra 75 WX ST Weatherband CB provides an incredible amount of functionality in a very small package.Installation is fast and easy - with a couple tools, your antenna mounted, and little skill, you can have this radio up and running in an hour or two.
CB radios are limited to low-power broadcasting at 4 watts or less.This radio provides maximum power allowed by law and is capable of some pretty incredible range under the right conditions.With a properly tuned, high-quality antenna, I have had coversations with others using the same radio up to 9 miles away.Under normal circumstances, 1-2 miles is more realistic.
As for features, this one has several:
- Scan (all 40 channels in sequence)
- Dual Scan (two channels of your choice)
- Memory
- Lock (so the hand controls don't get reset by accident)
- Weatherband (10 NOAA frequencies)
- Last 3 channels
- SoundTracker (like Dolby noise reduction)
I use mine in a 1999 Jeep Wrangler where there is little extra space for another device.It fits perfectly on my console with the small box hidden away inside.
I can listen to truckers while I am on the highway, talk to my friends when we go off-highway, or scan the channels for both when driving to and from the trails.In the two years I have used mine, it has never given me any problems.It is very sturdy and should stand up to hard use.
I purchased the optional external speaker so that it would be easier to hear but many people find the unit works well right out of the box!
There might be bigger, badder CB's out there, but this one is a peach!

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Product Description:
This sleek, compact mobile CB radio can quickly and accurately scan through all 40 CR channels. The easy-to-read LCD display shows the channel number, incoming signal strength, and RE power output in digital or normal CB channel readout. The radio can pick up 10 NOAA Weather Radio channels so you always have up-to-the-minute weather news. Its Dual Watch function allows simultaneous monitoring of 2 channels. The unique design unifies microphone and radio into one piece, so the entire CB radio can fit easily into your hand orcan be nicely tucked away under a dashboard. The Cobra 25 WX ST also provides instant access to emergency channel 9 for emergency announcements.

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Scosche IU3.5RC 3.5mm Retractable Cable Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm fairly pleased with this little retractable cable.Fortunately, I had read the other reviews, so I was not surprised by the short length and it works for me.Some things you should know:

* As other reviewers mention, this is not a 6' cable.The technical details have the correct 2.5' length, but the description is incorrect.
* The retractor mechanism is a little cheap and I've gotten it tangled a couple of times.That being said, I've always been able to untangle it and it has recovered.
* The rubber around the plug ends is a good size for iPods and most stereo inputs, but it is too wide for the audio jack in an iPhone.I took a sharp knife to one end of the cable and shaved down the sides, then it worked fine even for the recessed iPhone jack.This wasn't too hard to do, though that cable end doesn't look too pretty now.

In spite of these reservations, the cable works well, the audio quality seems fine, and it is small, convenient, and nicely functional.

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Product Description:
Connect your iPod to multimedia speakers, car stereos, and a host of other audio products with this retractable cable. The cord, which includes a single 3.5 mm male connector on each end, measures 2.5 feet long when fully extended. More importantly, the cord offers a fast and easy way to extend your audio player connection beyond a few inches. Simply plug one end into your iPod's 3.5 mm headphone jack and the other into the auxiliary input of your preferred audio device, such as a car stereo or boombox. Once connected, you'll enjoy a full range of audio options. Plus, when you're not using the cord, it retracts into its slim housing for storage. The cable is backed by a 90-day warranty.

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SIRIUS Sportster 5 Satellite Radio Receiver with Vehicle Kit Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)OK.

So after all of the hype surrounding satellite radio I decided to "pimp out" my Sebring by adding SIRIUS to it.In order not to look ghetto as well as match my existing deck I decided to pick one of these up and subscribe.

First, I'll review the device.Then, I'll review the service.Basically, good news then bad news.

The device itself has a very small form factor which I found very appealing.It comes with a mini dock which essentially powers the device and routes its audio and antenna signal.Know that you'll be doing quite a bit of wiring if you do this yourself - I would recommend professional installation unless you're comfortable doing your own car installation stuff.There are 3, possibly 4, wires that you'll be dealing with:

- The CLA (cigarette lighter adapter)
- The satellite antenna
- The FM antenna extender (only needed if you choose that option)
- The line out (only needed if you choose that option)

Now, if all of these ports were in the back of the dock next to each other this wouldn't be so bad, but instead they're on either side.That's a lot of cables to have hanging out, which is why I recommend professional install if you're not comfortable. I decided to do it myself and, to get set up with the "basic" quality which is wireless FM (it's decent, but nothing to write home about) with neat wiring took me about 45 minutes, give or take.That's including mounting (which I'll get to in a moment).

SIRIUS recommends using line out/line in if at all possible.Newer decks have this jack, but some older pre-2004 likely do not, or if they do, it's a proprietary connector that might not work with the Sportster 5.I have the Kenwood MP735U and it works just fine.I found the cable at Circuit City ($24!!!) and it worked like a charm.Took some doing and even more neat wiring, but I did get it to work.I will admit, using the line out spanks the smoke out of the wireless FM or FM modulation options; it's near CD quality, especially on the Jazz and Classical stations.Again, you can use wireless FM and it will sound "okay", but line out will give you the absolute best quality possible; you just have to do another cable.

Mounting the unit has a number of options as well - one of which is not available depending on what state you're in.California, for example, has Draconian laws about vehicles; you can't have anything stuck to the front windshield.Ironically this is the easiest way to mount the device, as the suction cup works extremely well, and you just attach the device to the metal arm and adjust.If you have this option and don't mind the device up in the window, I recommend doing this.I have an old Chrysler CD changer indash not being used; a trip to Home Depot for a $.49 angle bracket did the trick - attached it to the dock with a single screw, then slipped the other end into the CD slot and like magic, it's solid and looks great right underneath the deck.I suppose I could have hard installed it with another screw or two, but I'd rather not.

All said and done the initial hardware investment came to roughly $200.Keep in mind that SIRIUS has cheaper devices that don't look nearly as good.The downside to the devices is the cigarette lighter adapter.In fact the documentation explicitly forbids a direct power tap.This is so disheartening I can't even describe it.I have to keep unplugging it when I turn the car off so it doesn't suck the battery dry.Why can't you have the option of tapping it into the player's alternate power line so it turns on with the player?I'm absolutely mystified at this oversight.

Now, the service.Oh, this will be fun.

The quality of the audio?Stellar.Never heard anything like it except on digital TV's music channels.

The quality of everything else?Horrid.Where do I begin...

- The activation/customer service phone # has extremely long wait times.it took me a total of 5 hours across 10 different phone calls to reach someone who could help me.Do the math.

- Activation/CS reps are clearly stressed over something.I talked to two who were just blatantly rude; one who had no idea what she was talking about, the other a guy who claimed he'd been "...working at SIRIUS for over 3 years and" knew what he was talking about.Funny - since he had no idea that you can't activate with invoice billing on the website (more on that later).

- SIRIUS and Circuit City have some type of conglomeration going on to force you to call to activate.CC offers a "prepaid subscription card" which is supposed to offset the initial charges (more on that later) to get service.Well that's all good and everything except the card cannot be used on the website even though the website acknowledges the card and its value.It says "cannot be redeemed".An Asst. Manager at CC informed me that calling was the only way to redeem the card.Had I known that, I wouldn't have bought that particular card, but a regular gift card that I could use on the web.Because of the aforementioned long hold times, it was a nightmare to do this simple task.The girl even told me "you should be able to use it on the web" - the other idiot claimed "you're just doing something wrong".

- Too much personal information required to sign up.Why do you care what type of car I have?All that should be needed is a credit card (if you choose that payment method) and my address/name.If it's for purposes of theft recovery, that's up to me, the buyer, to deal with that.Which I do - in my auto insurance plan.

- Website will authorize your credit card without activating an account for you.That's money you can't touch until they feel like releasing it - which could be 2 weeks.

- Inability to just sign up for an account without giving billing information and/or buying a device.Why can't I just establish the account and then pay for it?Why force me to buy the deck in order to get service established?If I wanted DirecTV and didn't have it, I call them and activate, and then the hardware comes...not the other way around.

- Website forces you to put in a credit card.You can't do invoice billing as an option.Why not?Because they know every customer would just do that and then they would be getting free service for that month grace.

-Website does not allow you to select month-to-month billing as an option, and by default it hides the quarterly and 6-month options (which would obviously be the more popular for newbies like myself).

- Telephone IVR can't hear properly.I tried to activate through the automated system and it just couldn't understand the letters "D", "I", "O", "N".That's it, and I don't know how many times the chick said "sorry?"

- No trial offered (I'm talking about in-car installation).Why can't I just buy a unit from a store that offers returns, activate a 14-day trial period with a credit card, and then return and cancel if I hate it?Because then they'd have high turnover due to buyers remorse (which I had at one point due to the above issues)

- $15 activation fee which is not disclosed on the hardware documentation.You don't find out about this until you go to the website or you talk to an agent.It should be clearly disclosed on the packaging of the device since you'd be forced to pay that fee by activating the device - not at the very last minute when you're putting in your credit card.On top of that, it's blatantly mob-ish of them to charge: an activation fee, a monthly fee, fee for the hardware, etc etc etc.They already get money from the subscription - remove the activation fee already or annualize it across the subscription.
So class, in summary:The customer service is screwed up, and in order to activate properly and get the best billing options, you need to call customer service (which did I mention is screwed up?).DO NOT activate over the web if you're using a gift card.I guarantee you, you will get frustrated.

The quality of the product is top notch.The ability to see who's playing before you select the station is excellent, and the high resolution of this screen makes navigating stations quick and easy.The audio sounds upper class if you're using the line out jack, and setup is not that difficult if you know what you're doing.Once you get past activations you should be smooth.It's just that phase that causes headaches.

Click Here to see more reviews about: SIRIUS Sportster 5 Satellite Radio Receiver with Vehicle Kit

Product Description:
With a stylish new gun-metal grey finish, the Sportster 5 satellite radio receiver sports a new slim profile while still maintaining the same great features for which the Sportster series is known. Highlights include a large, multicolor, easy-to-read 6-line display, plus a rotary tuning knob for added convenience. The Sportster 5, conveniently transportable between home and car, is easy to use and features Sirius' universal dock for simple installation. Optional universal accessory docking kits and audio systems conveniently allow for use in the home, boat, office, and multiple vehicles.


The Sportster 5 features a large, easy-to-read 6-line display, and a gun-metal grey finish. View larger.

Move your music effortlessly between car, home, or office. An easy-to-read, six-line, 2.7-inch multi-color display helps keep tabs on the channel name and number, category, artist name, song title, and time simultaneously. The receiver also lets you program up to 30 presets of your favorite streams, as well as search by stream, artist name, song title, or category. And with a quick press of the one-touch jump button, you can instantly switch between traffic and weather reports for your city and any of your preset music, news, or entertainment channels. Other programming details include an S-Seek function that stores your favorite artists and songs and alerts you when one is playing on any of the music channels, direct station tuning via the numeric buttons, and a channel lock option. Time functions include an onscreen clock, alarm, and sleep timer, as well as a program alert that allows the unit to switch to a preprogrammed stream at a selected time.
The Sportster 5 really earns its stripes, however, with its variety of enhanced features designed specifically for sports lovers. The Game Alert feature prompts you when your favorite NFL or other sports teams are playing on Sirius. The Game Zone lists all of your favorite teams in one virtual category and lets you select a different team from each of the various sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA, NHL, and college sports. And what sports fan could do without the Sportster's instant replay function, which lets you pause, rewind, and replay 60 minutes of live radio? As soon as you tune to a channel, the receiver automatically begins storing the audio for later playback.
The Sportster 5 also includes a built-in FM transmitter that sends Sirius radio programming to your vehicle's FM tuner, so you don't have to make a direct connection to enjoy the full array of channels. Simply set an empty FM frequency on your radio and tune the Sportster 5 to the same frequency. This function also works with other FM tuners, such as the one on your home stereo, but is easily paired with the car thanks to the bundled vehicle kit, which includes everything you need for listening to Sirius while driving. Parents also have control over channels and channel lockout. Measuring just 9.5 x 7.5 x 3 inches, the Sportster 5 weighs a mere 3.7 ounces.
About Sirius
Sirius Satellite Radio delivers more than 130 channels of music and programming via crystal clear direct satellite feed. In addition to 69 channels of commercial free music listening, Sirius also delivers 65 channels of sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic, and weather forecasts. Sirius--the official satellite radio partner of the NFL, NASCAR, and NBA--broadcasts live play-by-play games of the NFL and NBA, as well as live NASCAR races. All Sirius programming is available for a monthly subscription fee.
What's in the Box
Sportster 5 satellite radio receiver, remote control, vehicle docking cradle, vehicle power adapter, vehicle antenna, suction cup and vent mounts, FM extender antenna, getting started guide, installation/user's guide, accessory brochure, and programming guide.

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Pioneer TS-G1643R 6.5-Inch 2-Way Speakers Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I had to replace broken factory speakers (paper or cardboard material) on my Integra '97, so I went to the shop to listen different speakers for under $100/pair. Polk DB651s were definitely #1, but surprise was this Pioneer that sounded better than Infinity or Sony (again, these are under $100/pair speakers). Polk had a clear, balanced sound from bass to mid to high. These speakers were not as clear but were well balanced.
So, I decided to put Polk speakers in front and Pioneer in the rear. Surprisingly, I could not hear much difference while driving, probably due to all the noise you get on the road. TS-G1643R speakers sound 1000x better than cheap factory speakers - I don't know if you can even buy something bad like what they put in the factory.

Pros:
- Installation was really simple. You need to get a cable adapter "harness" for your car, attach to the speaker on one side and to the car wire adapter on the other side, then put back original screws and that is it.
- Sound is great - you can hear nice bass and clear sound either for music or talk radio.
- It is so inexpensive that it is hard to imagine how they can sell it and make money.

Cons:
- Once you put speakers, the sound may not be what you expect - typically you will not get enough bass. After changing speakers, you need to use your receiver and set equilizer for the sound you like. In my case, on JVC receiver I restored default settings (everything "0") then added +4db for "bass" and -2db for "high". So, this is really not a "cons" but a note that you need to do something "extra".

If you want to get decent inexpensive speakers to replace factory junk, there is no competition in this price range to these speakers.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pioneer TS-G1643R 6.5 Inch 2-Way Speakers

Product Description:
Pioneer's TS-G1643R speakers are excellent, affordable choice to replace a bad set of factory 6-1/2-inch speakers. Their two-way design handles 180 watts max. power (30 watts nominal) and feature Pioneer's extremely strong and lightweight IMPP Composite Cone Woofer, for improved sensitivity and reduced distortion.

The Pioneer G-Series

Fit and Flexible
Universally compatible and easy to install, Pioneer G-Series speakers give you great sound with minimal effort.
Inner Strength
Engineered to produce excellent audio, the G-Series feature an IMPP cone to boost volume and eliminate resonance. A force to be reckoned with, the G-Series handle harsh in-car conditions and high volumes with ease.
Ultimate Find
Enjoy great sound at a great price with Pioneer's G-Series speakers. Built to last and ready to rock, these speakers give you more boom for your buck.

TS-G1643R Features

Composite IMPP Cone
An IMPP composite cone provides the strength and rigidity that powerful bass sound requires.
Conex Damper
The Conex Damper delivers higher power handling and deeper bass.
Balanced Dome Tweeter
A 1-3/16-inch Balanced Dome Tweeter with High-Energy Neodymium Magnet reproduces highs with great performance and musicality.
Shallow Mounting Depth
These speakers are designed with a shallow mounting depth for easy install into a wide variety of vehicles.
Grilles Included
Speaker Grilles are included, for a professional look to your installation. A 6-1/2-inch, two-way speaker with 180 watts power handling.
Click to enlarge.

TS-G1643R Specs

Woofer Cone Material: Composite IMPP Cone Surround: Cloth Voice Coil Bobbin: Poly-Imide Damper: Conex Tweeter: 1-3/16" Balanced Dome Tweeter with Neodymium Magnet Basket Design: Shallow Depth Basket for Increased Installation Versatility Speaker Grille: Included Watts MAX. Music Power: 180 Watts Watts Nominal Power Handling: 30 watts Frequency Response: 30 Hz to 28 kHz Sensitivity (1W/1m): 90 dB Ohm Rating: 4 Mounting Depth: 1-5/8" (42 mm) Cut-out Dimensions: 5" (128 mm) Custom-Fit Basket: Improved Fit on GM Oversized 6-1/2" Applications

Pioneer Car Audio Systems

Pioneer's Mobile Business Group is known for offering the kind of in-car products that make driving more enjoyable by offering high quality audio and video, seamless connectivity and ease-of-use. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including audio video, navigation and satellite radio, while maintaining its strong heritage in products for car audio enthusiasts and sound competitors.

What's in the Box

Pioneer TS-G1643R Two-Way Speaker (Pair), Mounting Hardware, Installation Guide

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Midland 1001Z 40-Channel CB Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)So, you're sitting there viewing this page in your browser, perhaps with a look of doubt in your face.That's why you've scrolled down here to the reviews.You're thinking to yourself "A $30 CB?It can't be worth a flip, right?".I tell ya what, I was thinking the same thing.But I gave it a shot and installed it in my wife's little '97 Corolla a few days ago, and so far I've been pretty impressed.

When I pulled it out of its box, my first thought was "Wow, cheap".And indeed it is.Its plastic case has almost no weight to it.The knobs and switches have the tactile feedback of a dirt-cheap appliance from Wal-Mart.Being the ham radio geek that I am, the first thing I did was pull out my trusty phillips screwdriver and open the case.More cheapness on the inside, all of the components no doubt obtained from the lowest bidder somewhere in Asia.However, I didn't see any sign of shoddy manufacturing that I've seen in other super-cheap products.No solder marbles shaking around inside, no apparent bad solder joints, components all in good shape, and everything seems to fit and function well.I put it back together.

Time to install.I spent an hour measuring and cutting a hole in the plastic tray beneath the stereo in our little Corolla to accommodate the length of the unit ; slid it in and secured it with 3M double sided tape.It looks pretty good, non obtrusive, black case matching the rest of the plastic in the car.It will no doubt fit will in other small cars too.After some snipping and soldering, I had power from the backside of the cigarette lighter.I temporarily attached my antenna (more on antennas later) and turned it on.

My main gripe is the channel knob.The flimsiness of the channel knob is really the only giveaway as to just how cheap of a radio this is.It "clacks" when you turn it, and feels like a child's toy when you do so.The channel doesn't change with every "clack", it could be 2 clacks or one clack before it actually changes.But, it works.And it doesn't feel like it's about to fall off or fly apart, so I'll let it slide.I go to channel 19 and key the mic to ask for a radio check.A trucker on I-20 about 5 miles away tells me it's working fine and sounds OK.I mention that it cost $30, and we share a laugh.That's when I notice my huge metal garage door is still closed.Nice, the radio works pretty well.I was worried that I wouldn't be able to hear the speaker since I mounted it flush with the plastic in the dash, speaker covered.I had even bought a $10 cheapo extension speaker from Amazon with the radio.But it's still pretty loud!And it doesn't sound too bad when I crank up the volume.Not bad!I declined to install my extension speaker...for now at least.

So I install my mag mount antenna on the truck, tuck the wires in, and put everything back together.Let me give you some radio nerd advice about antennas, because there seems to be lots of confusion about this in CB world.A -LEGAL- CB radio puts out 4 watts AM.That's it.All of them, expensive or inexpensive, doesn't matter...4 watts AM if it's legal.And if you want it to "get out", then you need to squeeze out each of those 4 watts as best as possible.The CB band is around 27 MHZ, or around 12 meters.Boring technicalities aside, it basically means you need a "large" antenna for best efficiency.The absolute best CB antenna ever made is the good ol' 102" whip.You can order them from Radio Shack for about $20.But 102" is huge, and unless you're driving a big truck, it will probably look bad.The second-best antenna you can get, in my opinion, is the Wilson 1000.It has a 62" whip, which is pretty long but doesn't look too bad on a car.They come in mag mount or permanent mount.I'm using a mag mount.Now once you've got the antenna installed, you're not finished.You need to tune it for a good SWR.Go buy a cheapo SWR meter and a small piece of coax from your local CB shop or truck stop, read some directions on the internet, and tune that thing as best as you can get it.The local CB shop might even do it for you if they're nice.It WILL make a difference, and you need all the help you can get when you're only running 4 watts.

So, now I have everything installed, antenna tuned, and it looks nice.I start up the car out and cruise around town.I chat with a few other locals in town, as well as truckers passing by on I-20.This little radio is working just as well as my "big" CB in my other car, which cost almost 3 times as much.It doesn't look fancy or have all the features that one does, but when it comes to just plain talking, this cheap guy gets the job done admirably.Someone in another review mentioned how well the squelch works and I can confirm that.This radio may be cheap, but function-wise it works great.The only "dumb" design decision I've noticed is that the speaker shuts off if you unplug the mic.But that doesn't effect you really, you need a mic to use a CB anyway.

Wow, this got pretty long, but hopefully it'll help someone out there.If you want a basic CB to do basic CB stuff and don't want to spend a lot of money; go ahead and buy this one.I'll give it 4 stars, deducting only for the flimsy feeling of the channel knob and switches.It's one of the best values I've ever come across in all my years of goofing around with radio.Just remember though, it's all about the antenna.Get a nice long one and tune it as best as you can, and this radio will serve you well.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Midland 1001Z 40-Channel CB Radio

Product Description:
The Midland 1001Z two-way, 40-channel CB radio represents the state of the art in CB engineering. Incorporating microprocessor controlled PLL circuitry for precise tuning, it boasts 4 Watts of power, an emergency channel, digital power signal strength meter, squelch control, external speaker and PA speaker jacks, and plenty more. Installation is a breeze in most cars, trucks and RVs. Perfect for novices and long-time CB users alike.


Perfect for novices and long-time CB users alike. Click to enlarge.
View front panel control diagram. Click to enlarge.
View microphone details. Click to enlarge.

1001Z Features

4 Watt Output Power
The maximum power allowed to give you the maximum communication range.
CB/pa switch
Allows the CB to be used as a Public Address System when paired with a PA speaker.
Instant Channel 9
Immediate access to emergency - channel 9.
RF Gain
Adjusts reception sensitivity range for clear communication.
Front panel locking mic connector
Easy to connect microphone locks securely to CB.
Digital Power meter
Displays incoming signal strength and RF output power.
Squelch control
Removes background noise.
LED Display
Large high-intensity channel readout. Easy to read day or night.
Controls
On/OFF/Volume knob, Squelch knob, RF Gain knob, Tuning knob, CB/PA switch, Instant Channel 9 switch
Jacks and connectors
4 pin locking mic connector, antenna connector, external speaker connector, PA speaker connector and DC power cord connector.

Midland Radio Corporation

Midland Radio Corporation is an international industry leader in wireless communications with affiliates in Italy, Bulgaria, Germany, Poland, Russia, Spain, and the United Kingdom, as well as representation in Latin America.Midland develops high quality consumer products such as GMRS Two-Way Radios, Citizen Band (CB) Radios, Marine Radios, Bluetooth intercom systems, and All Hazards/Weather Alert Radios.Also, as a leading manufacturer of Land Mobile Radios, Midland supplies professional grade analog and digital (P25 Technology) Portables, Mobiles and Base Stations/Repeaters for government entities such as forestry, public safety, and other commercial users.
Known in the '70s primarily for CB radios and household electronics, Midland has grown with the times by producing innovative new communications products and by actively promoting public emergency preparedness. Midland has manufactured quality Two-Way Radios for the last 50 years and is a market leader in several individual categories.

What's in the Box

1001Z CB Radio, Microphone, Mounting Bracket and Hardware, Owner's Manual

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Motorola TalkAbout MJ270R 27-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)We live on 23 acres and use these almost every day to stay in touch while I am in the barn, hills etc.They work fine from inside a metal building to inside the house about 500 feet away.Actually they work from anywhere on the property.I tried them from down the road about 1/2 mile away, on the other side of a hill.Could hear the paging sound but we could not understand each other.I like the LED light, it is actually bright enough to be useful at night.Battery life is good, an over night charge lasts all day and then some.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Motorola TalkAbout MJ270R 27-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio

Product Description:
The Motorola Talkabout MJ270 is the ideal emergency preparedness communication tool for outdoor enthusiasts and active families. With a range of up to 27 miles,* an emergency alert feature and flashlight, the MJ270 radios provide a convenient total emergency preparedness communication device - perfect for active outdoor excursions or life-s every day adventures. Take a pair on your next trip to the mountains and stay connected without missing important emergency or weather alerts.The MJ270 includes an emergency alert feature, allowing you to enjoy your escape to the great outdoors with confidence that others can be informed of any dangers that may come your way. When the alert button is activated, the radio transmits an alert siren followed by transmission of spoken or incidental sounds. This allows you to send the signal to other radios and warn of impending danger. The MJ270 also features a built-in LED flashlight for peace-of-mind during evening adventures or unexpected emergencies and power outages. Want to keep in touch with changing weather conditions during your family camping adventure? No need to stop the fun - weather alerts will provide your group with warnings of incoming storms or dangerous conditions. And, by tuning in to one of 7 NOAA channels (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) on your MJ270, you will always know what to pack with continuous local and regional weather broadcasting.When you are hiking up a steep mountain trail, you really need to keep your hands free to brace the rocky terrain. With iVOX acting like a speakerphone and allowing hands-free communication, you can keep on moving without stopping to answer a call.

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