Audiovox Car XMCK5 XpressEZ Satellite Radio Receiver w/ SureConnect

I just bought this.....and found it on the XM site for $25! That is less than HALF of what I paid!!! I am a habitual Amazon shopper and will hesitate next time I make a purchase!!!

I have 2 of these and they both work well. Simple, no bells or whistles. If you want to be able to pause or rewind, look elsewhere. Got XM into my car for about $20. I pay for one subscription and move player from one car to another. So I maximize my XM expense. FYI - if you have never had XM they do have some commercials - which surprised me. Still, as long as you get a good signal, XM is really nice - especially if you live where local stations play stuff you do not like. I have had no problems with this unit. Easy to install in any car. I left the XM antannae inside my car on the dash to avoid issues with car wash. I just pull the clip off of the outside antannae when I wash car. Everything I needed to get going was in this kit.

As an early XM and Sirius subscriber with 4 others units, an XM and Sirius at home and one each in our cars I expected this Audiovox Xpressez to be a quick install. It was not quick, it was not easy and XM should warn customers that this Audiovox Xpressez uses the new generation of weaker, lower power FM transmitters designed to reduce interference to others and therefore does not work without also connecting and using the Sureconnect an extra antenna wire coupler that clips on or near your car radio's FM antenna and into which you then plug in your satellite radio antenna. XM offers an in-line FM connection as an accessory called the FM Direct for $20.00 which should be a mandatory accessory with this radio unless you want an extra antenna wire running through your vehicle. I was very disappointed with the installation design for this unit and the failure of XM to warn buyers upfront.

Great price for starting xm user. Was easier than I thought to install. I think that the instructions for the sureconnect weren't all that good though. I had to google the instructions to do that. After installing it and registering online it was up and running. Took about 1.5 hours to do a fairly professional job putting it in my BMW 528i.

The things I liked most about this xm radio was the price, ease of use, and the options that come with the radio. The things that I don't like are the limited favorites menu and lack of a remote. I would also like to see a better dock, but the vent one is fine.

Options you will need for sure with this are a home dock and custom car mount if you don't want your vent covered. I haven't bought either yet, but will soon.