Audiovox SIR-BB1 Sirius Satellite Radio Portable Boombox for SIR-PNP2 Receiver
By: Directed Electronics Average Rating: 3.5 Total Reviews: 15
More Information
by: bobbaluka On: 2005-12-30
I was in the hunt for a shuttle to link my AudioVox plug-&-play receiver into that didnt look as "cluttery" as the home dock (www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000C04HU) and junky computer speakers I was using. Fortunately, I caught a pretty good deal on this boom box, which, while a bit plain-looking, is a fair deal more aesthetically pleasing than my old home dock. It also helps that I only need to plug one electrical cord into my wall socket, rather than two. The boom box is also compatible with all of the antennas I have. Speaking of which: built into the unit is a link-up for the included antenna to rest on; if you aim the boom box in the right direction sos the antenna gets max reception. You dont have to worry about running the antenna out to a separate location and risk having someone trip over the wire.
Sadly, the boom box has several downsides, including inferior sound from the built-in speakers; I got slightly better sound from the computer speakers my home dock is connected to. Ive owned cheaper Radio/CD boom boxes that put out slightly better audio. Even through several pairs of earphones Ive tried out, the sound is rather ordinary.
Ive also discovered that the factory antenna that came with the boom box is the same as the one I got with my home unit... and it behaves in pretty much the same way. In other words: it usually picks up a strong signal, but on some occasions the signal is intermittent or almost nonexistent. And you may as well forget about picking up a good beam in heavy rain. Fortunately, Ive made this little problem moot by acquiring a great outdoor antenna (www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000167KPQ).
Also a potential problem is the design of the recession the receiver unit fits into. The receivers heat vents arent quite a free to breathe as they are in the other shuttles I own. Of course, my other shuttles dont cover over the top and sides of the receiver as much as the boom box does, so the heat dissipates a lot more quickly. Every time I touch the edges of the receiver after its been playing for a fairly long time in the boom box, it almost feels like it came straight outta the microwave!
Another problem with the boom boxs interface design is the parts that link the receiver with the boom box and hold it in place. I really have to push the receiver into place, some times even force it, to get it fully connected; needless to say, I worry about doing permanent damage to the receivers connector pins. Then theres the little problem I have removing the receiver from the player; the release button on the top of the boom box has to really be pushed down hard and held down to get it to relinquish its grasp.
On one upside: ever since I started using the boom box, Ive been using the receivers remote control clicker more often to change channels and bands, memo songs, and all sorts of other functions. Sadly, the only thing the remote control cant change is the volume, which I can adjust with... a knob on the boom box that also turns the unit off and on. Well, thats a bit quaint. At the least, AudioVox couldve designed the remote control so itd be programmable for use with the boom boxs volume control... if it wasnt in knob form that is.
`Late
On: 2005-12-29
I was in the hunt for a shuttle to link my AudioVox plug-&-play receiver into that didnt look as "cluttery" as the home dock (www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000C04HU) and junky computer speakers I was using. Fortunately, I caught a pretty good deal on this boom box, which, while a bit plain-looking, is a fair deal more aesthetically pleasing than my old home dock. It also helps that I only need to plug one electrical cord into my wall socket, rather than two. The boom box is also compatible with all of the antennas I have. Speaking of which: built into the unit is a link-up for the included antenna to rest on; if you aim the boom box in the right direction sos the antenna gets max reception. You dont have to worry about running the antenna out to a separate location and risk having someone trip over the wire.
Sadly, the boom box has several downsides, including inferior sound from the built-in speakers; I got slightly better sound from the computer speakers my home dock is connected to. Ive owned cheaper Radio/CD boom boxes that put out slightly better audio. Even through several pairs of earphones Ive tried out, the sound is rather ordinary.
Ive also discovered that the factory antenna that came with the boom box is the same as the one I got with my home unit... and it behaves in pretty much the same way. In other words: it usually picks up a strong signal, but on some occasions the signal is intermittent or almost nonexistent. And you may as well forget about picking up a good beam in heavy rain. Fortunately, Ive made this little problem moot by acquiring a great outdoor antenna (www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000167KPQ).
Also a potential problem is the design of the recession the receiver unit fits into. The receivers heat vents arent quite a free to breathe as they are in the other shuttles I own. Of course, my other shuttles dont cover over the top and sides of the receiver as much as the boom box does, so the heat dissipates a lot more quickly. Every time I touch the edges of the receiver after its been playing for a fairly long time in the boom box, it almost feels like it came straight outta the microwave!
Another problem with the boom boxs interface design is the parts that link the receiver with the boom box and hold it in place. I really have to push the receiver into place, some times even force it, to get it fully connected; needless to say, I worry about doing permanent damage to the receivers connector pins. Then theres the little problem I have removing the receiver from the player; the release button on the top of the boom box has to really be pushed down hard and held down to get it to relinquish its grasp.
On one upside: ever since I started using the boom box, Ive been using the receivers remote control clicker more often to change channels and bands, memo songs, and all sorts of other functions. Sadly, the only thing the remote control cant change is the volume, which I can adjust with... a knob on the boom box that also turns the unit off and on. Well, thats a bit quaint. At the least, AudioVox couldve designed the remote control so itd be programmable for use with the boom boxs volume control... if it wasnt in knob form that is.
`Late
 On: 2005-04-04
Beware of Audiovox customer service. My unit has been inoperable for 6 months. I have sent in in twice (Paid for shipping)and got an inoperable unit back both times. They are now asking me to send it in again (on my dime). I am cutting my loose and running as fast as I can.
On: 2005-03-12
Here are the negatives:
-worst customer service of any business I purchased something through (and I also work in a customer service job, so I know). They cannot help you with equipment problems, instead they tell you to call Audiovox, who still cant help and will not try.
- Signal on boom box rarely comes in. Fades in and out worst than any AM/FM radio station. If it doesnt work when and were you want, then what is the advantage over regular radio?
-Receiver heats up big time!
-I hope your office window faces the right direction!
-No CD player? With todays technology integration, you gotta be kidding!
Positives
-If they have a talk show on you cant get on the internet, them maybe it is worth it if you can stand the crappy equipment.
-If work does not allow you to use i-net for streaming audio, and you dont want X-M, then buy this soon-to-be antique.
On: 2005-03-11
Here are the negatives:
-worst customer service of any business I purchased something through (and I also work in a customer service job, so I know). They cannot help you with equipment problems, instead they tell you to call Audiovox, who still cant help and will not try.
- Signal on boom box rarely comes in. Fades in and out worst than any AM/FM radio station. If it doesnt work when and were you want, then what is the advantage over regular radio?
-Receiver heats up big time!
-I hope your office window faces the right direction!
-No CD player? With todays technology integration, you gotta be kidding!
Positives
-If they have a talk show on you cant get on the internet, them maybe it is worth it if you can stand the crappy equipment.
-If work does not allow you to use i-net for streaming audio, and you dont want X-M, then buy this soon-to-be antique.
 On: 2005-03-04
Sirius radio is the best thing since PBJs. I have the boom box and the car adapter and could not do without either one. The sound is super and commerical free. It would be nice if you could adjust the bass and tenor on the boom box plus the 8 D batteries do not last very long. After having both and using them I could never see myself going back to regular radio. I bought the years worth of service, you get one month free but when it ends I am going to the life plan of 499.99. Thats a whole lot more attractive than month or year fee.
On: 2005-02-08
I really like Sirius, but bought both this boombox and a car unit last year and the tiny piece at the end of the antenna where it plugs into the unit has broken off twice. Its a very small, but vital part of the system so I cant use any of the system without it. Audiovox wants me to have the original receipt (bought many months ago) along with the broken unit or else they will charge $25.95 for the replacement.
The whole system is only as good as its weakest part and theres no way to replace this part for a reasonable price. This part needs to either be improved or there needs to be some cheap way to splice a new one on when it breaks.
 On: 2004-12-08
Great item! Ive heard the SIR-BB1 will not be made anymore, so get them while you can! Sirius is the service if you like talk radio! Boombox has a great shape, you can stack something on top of it (if needed), speaker sound great. Dont delay, you or who you buy this for wont be disappointed! Just dont forget to order the PNP2 along with it as it wont work without the receiver! With this review, Ill stick to this item (the boombox), for more detailed information, see the PNP2 Receiver (that works with this) for great information on Sirius programs!
This boombox allows you to plug it in at home (comes with a powercord and adapter) or you can move it around inside the house or out and about outside!
Boombox is exactly as you see in the picture. However it comes with a "small folding black box" antenna thats weather proof (20 foot cord I think) thats about the size of a beeper, and a powercord (6 feet). You NEED the PNP2 receiver for this to work. Think of this boombox as the muscle (plays the music) and the PNP2 as the brains) gets music/talk/information from satellite. The MOST important thing with Satellite radios (be it XM or Sirius) is the antenna placement!! As in Sirius must face North Central USA (South Dakota area), XM must face the south (Florida).
An important thing that people need to know is that with Sirius (due to their satellite setup in the sky where they have 3 satellites moving in a figure 8 ofer N. America than going down to South America with always 2 satellites over North America) chances are youll have to keep the antenna right near a window or outside. Otherwise your signal will drop every so often (due to Satellites rotating). Where XM the 2 satellites do not move (due to Geo sync orbit) and once you have a signal you wont loose it. I have my Sirius antenna superglued to the windowsill outside. And ALL of this is in the instructions, VERY simple and customer service is there 24/7 also!
However Sirius programming is worth having the antenna outside as you get the NFL, NFL 24/7 talk, lotsa talk stations for the "right" and "left" views and commercial free! And dont forget about great music channels, a live 24/7 Elvis channel that broadcasts from Graceland 24/7, and any type of music you can think of !
One other part you may want to order is the 50 foot adapter cord. That is, if the 20 feet of cord that come with this (on the antenna to boombox) is not enough, you can purchase a 50 foot Sirius TERK extension. You can connect two of the 50 foot cords together to give you a total of 120 feet (2 cords plus the antenna cord)! Thats a LOT of cord!
On: 2004-12-07
Great item! Ive heard the SIR-BB1 will not be made anymore, so get them while you can! Sirius is the service if you like talk radio! Boombox has a great shape, you can stack something on top of it (if needed), speaker sound great. Dont delay, you or who you buy this for wont be disappointed! Just dont forget to order the PNP2 along with it as it wont work without the receiver! With this review, Ill stick to this item (the boombox), for more detailed information, see the PNP2 Receiver (that works with this) for great information on Sirius programs!
This boombox allows you to plug it in at home (comes with a powercord and adapter) or you can move it around inside the house or out and about outside!
Boombox is exactly as you see in the picture. However it comes with a "small folding black box" antenna thats weather proof (20 foot cord I think) thats about the size of a beeper, and a powercord (6 feet). You NEED the PNP2 receiver for this to work. Think of this boombox as the muscle (plays the music) and the PNP2 as the brains) gets music/talk/information from satellite. The MOST important thing with Satellite radios (be it XM or Sirius) is the antenna placement!! As in Sirius must face North Central USA (South Dakota area), XM must face the south (Florida).
An important thing that people need to know is that with Sirius (due to their satellite setup in the sky where they have 3 satellites moving in a figure 8 ofer N. America than going down to South America with always 2 satellites over North America) chances are youll have to keep the antenna right near a window or outside. Otherwise your signal will drop every so often (due to Satellites rotating). Where XM the 2 satellites do not move (due to Geo sync orbit) and once you have a signal you wont loose it. I have my Sirius antenna superglued to the windowsill outside. And ALL of this is in the instructions, VERY simple and customer service is there 24/7 also!
However Sirius programming is worth having the antenna outside as you get the NFL, NFL 24/7 talk, lotsa talk stations for the "right" and "left" views and commercial free! And dont forget about great music channels, a live 24/7 Elvis channel that broadcasts from Graceland 24/7, and any type of music you can think of !
One other part you may want to order is the 50 foot adapter cord. That is, if the 20 feet of cord that come with this (on the antenna to boombox) is not enough, you can purchase a 50 foot Sirius TERK extension. You can connect two of the 50 foot cords together to give you a total of 120 feet (2 cords plus the antenna cord)! Thats a LOT of cord!
On: 2004-12-04
This will be my first month with sirius and I am very happy with the product. Id thought about waiting till the end of next year to buy it because all I wanted to do was to listen to Howard Stern. But then I heard of his promotion plus sirius had special NFL programing. Then I saw this boombox, wow, I had to have it. I like it. Its portable so I can bring it from room to room (although I need to put my antenna by the window for the best reception). It works great. The only thing bad about it is you cant adjust the volume with your remote control (even though you cant also with your stereo unless you use your stereos remote). so if the radio is playing a little too loud and you get a phone call you have to get up to lower it or turn it off. Otherwise this is a cool boombox. I see that they are also selling the SPB1 Sportster boombox and Im thinking about getting that (new look), but check your reciever first. If you dont have Sportster SPR1 receiver the new sports boombox will not fit. For all you Stern fans out there, you dont have to wait till next year to get sirius. They have plenty of channels to keep you happy. If you dont want to pay monthly, they have a lifetime membership subcription as well so you wont be spending anything extra if you get it now instead of nex year. Satellite Radio is going be what cable television has change regular television.
On: 2004-12-03
This will be my first month with sirius and I am very happy with the product. Id thought about waiting till the end of next year to buy it because all I wanted to do was to listen to Howard Stern. But then I heard of his promotion plus sirius had special NFL programing. Then I saw this boombox, wow, I had to have it. I like it. Its portable so I can bring it from room to room (although I need to put my antenna by the window for the best reception). It works great. The only thing bad about it is you cant adjust the volume with your remote control (even though you cant also with your stereo unless you use your stereos remote). so if the radio is playing a little too loud and you get a phone call you have to get up to lower it or turn it off. Otherwise this is a cool boombox. I see that they are also selling the SPB1 Sportster boombox and Im thinking about getting that (new look), but check your reciever first. If you dont have Sportster SPR1 receiver the new sports boombox will not fit. For all you Stern fans out there, you dont have to wait till next year to get sirius. They have plenty of channels to keep you happy. If you dont want to pay monthly, they have a lifetime membership subcription as well so you wont be spending anything extra if you get it now instead of nex year. Satellite Radio is going be what cable television has change regular television.
On: 2004-11-28
this is an awesome product. i would recommed for a christmas gift or personal purchase. when you are considering buying satellite radio it is all about content and sirius has it. nfl, nba,nhl, college football and basketball. a couple of the cool music channels are JAM_ON,OCTANE, FACTION, ALTERNATIVE NATION, AND SHADE 45(EMINEMS CHANNEL) ive taken my boombox to miami beach and destin and this boombox makes the condo/beach experience way cool.
On: 2004-09-02
This is a wonderful addition to your Sirius collection. The sound is great and the layout of buttons and features couldnt be any better.
The portability this offers should have you listening to your PNP at the office, the beach and just about anywhere.
The only thing this is missing is a handle to help you carry it around.
On: 2004-08-27
I am a very happy Sirius owner (I use the tuner in my car and at home), but I am on my second version of the boom box and they both failed. At random times, it beeps and stops putting out volume, even though the unit retains power and the signal is strong (you can even change channels and see the correct description of every show). The helpful guys at a local electronics store could figure out the problem, so they exchanged the unit for me. The second version is doing the same thing. Note that the unit never exhibits this behaviour in the car or the home adapter.
Highly recommend Sirius if youre not already a subscriber, but this boom box has design flaws.
On: 2004-08-26
I am a very happy Sirius owner (I use the tuner in my car and at home), but I am on my second version of the boom box and they both failed. At random times, it beeps and stops putting out volume, even though the unit retains power and the signal is strong (you can even change channels and see the correct description of every show). The helpful guys at a local electronics store could figure out the problem, so they exchanged the unit for me. The second version is doing the same thing. Note that the unit never exhibits this behaviour in the car or the home adapter.
Highly recommend Sirius if youre not already a subscriber, but this boom box has design flaws.
On: 2004-08-16
After much consideration I bought this boombox along with the Audiovox shuttle (sirpnp2 tuner) for my wife as a birthday present. We both are astonished with how well it sounds. We have ordered the outdoor antenna so we can pretty much have it as a permanent fixture in our home but then unplug it and take it where we will, when we want. Sirius radios programming warrants this boombox. If you were thinking of only having Sirius in your car, think again! Buy the boombox on its own, and enjoy sirius at home!
On: 2004-07-22
This boombox is great. The sound quality is pretty good, but not as good as if using a home kit with a nice stereo. Its very portable. Batteries last about 8 hours though. The programing is MUCH better then XMs. With Eminem, Tony Hawk, NFL, NBA, NHL, and more comming soon SIRIUS will be unstopable!
On: 2004-07-21
This boombox is great. The sound quality is pretty good, but not as good as if using a home kit with a nice stereo. Its very portable. Batteries last about 8 hours though. The programing is MUCH better then XMs. With Eminem, Tony Hawk, NFL, NBA, NHL, and more comming soon SIRIUS will be unstopable!
On: 2004-07-21
This box has clear sound from the lowest setting to the highest. The volume is loud enough to fill a room, or at poolside, so no complaints there. It isnt as loud as a traditional CD boombox but I didnt expect that.
The beauty of this isnt the sound however, but what it allows you to do with Satellite radio by taking it places you wouldnt otherwise. Having tunes at poolside or at a barbeque makes it all worthwhile. Also comparing it to the competitors product, this one is of higher quality and has nice metal covers to protect the speakers instead of the cloth that rips on the SkyFi boombox.
So I give it 5 stars for what it allows me to do with Sirius Satellite Radio, but certainly would like to see improvements in next generation equipment to get better battery life.
On: 2004-06-27
I got a Jensen SRS Jam Pac for Fathers day, which includes the Sirius receiver and a car installation kit. I love the Sirius service, so I purchased the Audiovox boom box to let me take my Sirius subscription to new locations (yes, the Jensen receiver is compatible with the Audiovox....both are made by the same company). I give this product only 3 stars, since the sound quality is MUCH lower than I expected. No bass or treble adjustments, and the sound lacks any serious bass. Given the price and the fact that you are essentially just buying a "shell" (receiver is required, and purchased seperately), I really expected much better sound quality. First, I thought perhaps it was just a poor signal from the satellite, but my high quality headphones verified that the receiver is capable of good quality sound. The Audiovox boom box still seems to make the most sense for me, since I could not find any other boom box or portable solutions for my receiver. I did not buy the "home dock", since the boom box has a headphone jack and I simply hook up an RCA cord from the boombox to my home stereo system when I want more robust sound. If you own a Sirius receiver, this unit is still a more flexible choice than purchasing the home dock. I just wish they could have improved the sound of the speakers....
by: Anonymous On: 2004-05-31
This is the only product I could find that is portable. I wanted something that I could use at home and work. The boombox is small enough to throw in a large backpack, and has an AUX port that you can use your MP3 player. It also has a headphone jack, which comes in handy at times. The boombox comes with the boombox unit (not the receiver), power cord, and a small "stand-up" antenna. The antenna has a relatively long cord, which is good if you need to move the antenna a long distance from the boombox. The sound quality of the boombox is average. It doesnt have a lot of bass, which is a good thing if you plan on using this in an office environment. The Sirius service and channel lineup is great, but I do have a problem with the reception. I live in an apartment building near an airport, which gives me dropped signals constantly. I also have problems if its very cloudy or its raining outside. If you have poor cell phone reception where youll be using the radio, you probably will have issues with dropped signals. Other than that, I love the service.
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