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SIRIUS Stiletto SL100 Portable Satellite Radio Receiver
By: Sirius Satellite Radio
More Information
 On: 2008-06-19
Stiletto does not work in mobile mode with antennae headphones connected. Sirius satellite does work in docking mode in either home, or car. Assume higher 12 volt docked antennae system, and the 5 volt headphone antennae the difference between working, and not. Mobile internet connection works so decided to keep Stiletto. These findings are base on Juneau, Alaska location.
 On: 2008-05-01
I got Sirius satellite with a new car over a year ago. The service was good, I actually enjoyed it. However, to me it wasnt worth 10 bucks a month, so I let it expire.
Over the last month Ive received daily calls from Sirius to get me to renew. Ive told them no, Ive told them I want off their lists. Yet the calls continue.
Daily annoying phone calls have convinced me that I will never, ever use them again. No company should be so desperate for customers.
I highly recommend you stay far, far away from Sirius. (And probably XM too since they are merging)
 On: 2008-04-08
My favorite thing about Sirius radio is *just how much* variety you have compared to FM radio. You have all sorts of jazz, hip hop, rap, rock, classic rock, country, blues, bluegrass, classical, you NAME it, and its probably available on one of the many channels that are offered to you. Its truly a music lovers dream to own Sirius. Once you listen to this, you will hear just how inferior FM radio is in comparison. You must own this!
 On: 2008-04-05
This is a nice upgrade from our previous receiver. Nice clear easily readable color display. Good reception. Nice portability but a little heavy. Reasonable reception while using it in the portable mode. Battery life is good. More presets that are easier to program
 On: 2008-04-04
A great concept -- largely commercial-free and recordable radio in a portable format that can also play MP3s -- is too often ruined by this disappointing unit.
I got this unit along with a car dock so I could listen to Sirius programming on my terms. What I received is a device thats great when it works, but is far less reliable than any other electronic device Ive ever had.
In the car, the FM transmitter is useless. I switched to a cassette adapter and got much better reception, but that was a minor inconvenience compared to everything else.
The satellite reception usually doesnt exist when Im using the built-in antenna. On the bus I get nothing at all, and when walking around the signal constantly drops even when I have a clear view of the sky. I am able to record when the unit is pointed out my rear window, although my recordings frequently have lengthy periods of drop-outs and skips.
The Internet reception in my house is sketchy at best and, no, its not my router. I also have an Xbox and a PC that have no trouble connecting -- and staying connected -- to the network, but the Stiletto frequently cant connect even when Im touching its antenna to the routers antenna!
I out and out refuse to install any software just for the privilege of transferring files between my PC and my USB portable device (Windows Explorer does just fine), and Sirius insisted I could do this with the Stiletto. It could, but only after almost a full day of back and forth with tech support. It finally came down to installing a version of Windows Media Player that the documentation said the Stiletto wouldnt work with.
Oh, and this is my second unit. The first one gave me similar headaches until the trackwheel fell off.
I truly love the variety and quality the service provides, but without a reliable way to receive that programming Im nearing the end of my rope with Sirius.
On: 2008-03-27
this thing is a waste of money! I walk in the dc area everyday and it is constantly searching for a signal! if you are around trees or buildings it wont get a reception. if you live in a place that has none of those, "maybe" it would be ok! just get a ipod, i use "it" everyday.
On: 2008-03-24
I got my stiletto on Friday, and activated it on Saturday. I was so excited about having it that I went walking that morning. I should have known something was wrong when I had to stand outside, away from trees, to activate my stiletto. Anyway, as I started to walk, it was really hard to get reception especially if I did not have it in my hand and pointed it straight up to the sky. Now mind you I am walking, and who do you know wants to go walking with their right hand held high so that they can hear music. Also, I was wearing the ear buds that they also offer you in the package, but if they dont help the reception, why offer them. The satillite ear phones that they also send you, are so uncomfortable that you would not be able to walk a mile before taking them off to get the circulation back into your ears.
I told my friend about this item and he suggsted that I wrap my stiletto in aluminum foil so that I can get better reception. Unfortunately, I have spent too much money on this item to have to wrap it in anything. It should work without any outside sources.
This is really disappointing, especially since I have had a car receiver since September 07, and have had no problems, but this is a really poor product and I am currently in the process of sending it back after having it for three days.
On: 2008-03-24
I love this radio. Purchased this and the car install kit. I had great service for the company I purchased it from and I am enjoying all the time now.
On: 2008-02-18
Summary: Save money, use free Internet radio and copy your CDs to your mp3 player.
What does work: Satellite radio ONLY with an external antenna (and not with the headphones/antenna). MP3s uploaded to memory.
Problems: Satellite radio with the built-in antenna or with the headphone antenna doesnt work. WiFi connection to Sirius.com is awful. Sirius programming lacks language diversity.
This device has lots of promise but very little performance. It took 40 minutes just to get a connection to register the thing, and I was standing in open Arizona desert without anything to block the signal. Once I got it registered with Sirius, and found out the reception was so horrible, I figured Id use the built-in WiFi. WRONG. It doesnt play for more than 5 minutes without going to dead air while it caches more. The same Internet connection plays 128kbit audio and higher video streams all day long on the computer, so its clearly a Sirius service problem or the device is crap.
Sound is fair in satellite mode, more like a 16-32kbit IP stream than "near CD quality". The compression required to send the signal from satellite significantly reduces fidelity, and even talk radio sounds tinny with lots of compression artifacts. Standard FM radio is much higher fidelity than what this radio delivers over satellite reception.
If you want satellite for high fidelity, dont get this radio. I dont know if other Sirius radios have better satellite fidelity, but I doubt it. They have to cram a lot of data into a limited pipe, and you can really hear the compression loss.
I would return the radio if I didnt live in the middle of nowhere where any radio is hard to get. If you do want satellite radio because you cant get other radio, then do not bother with the Stiletto models, since the "portable" "live" satellite and wifi Sirius radio dont work. Just get the cheapest device you can find and be sure to get an external antenna. Better yet, get a good shortwave radio and youll get similar fidelity for free, and in any language you want.
-1 star for lousy wifi radio
-1 star for no satellite radio without external antenna
-1 star for not coming close to the advertised features
On: 2008-02-14
Once set up the radio is great but getting there is the problem. I did not find any clear explanation on how to set up the radio or what I needed. The antennas do not plug directly into the unit but into the dock so you need to purchase a car or home kit which amazingly was not available in the four different stores I walked into (yayy Amazon had it), it is difficult to get a signal from the house etc... I had to call customer service seven or eight times and was met with an uncooperative computer, operators who were not knowledgeable of helpful in any way and I was put on hold and hung up on repeatedly. I had to buy additional parts to reduce the volume and control the background hum from the radio which I discovered by talking to other Sirius customers not tech support.
On: 2008-02-08
I got this for my husband for his birthday and it didnt work. We spent hours on the phone with tech support to find it had probably sat in the warehouse too long. Hopefully I will get some sort of reimbursment from Amazon.
On: 2008-02-08
I did a lot of research before buying this for my husband as a gift and most reviews were positive. After having the radio for almost a month, we are still exceptionally happy with it. It is an AWESOME product - it is very easy to use, we have wonderful reception, the SIRIUS stations are great, and we couldnt be happier. Its one of the best things Ive ever bought. I also bought a car kit with it and that also works wonderfully. We just set the receiver on the dashboard and it works perfectly. EXCELLENT product, would recommend to anyone.
On: 2008-01-30
I installed the Stiletto in my car using the Vehicle Kit, which included an antenna. With the vehicle kit I havent experienced any of the reception problems that some people described. I did try using the antenna in the headphones and only got one bar of signal strength. This really isnt an issue for me as I plan to use it in the car and on the boat.
Right now I have the antenna up on the dash board as its been too cold to fish the wiring for a roof installation. The directions say this is a no-no and will reduce signal strength, but so far Ive had no problems and a strong signal.
If youre using it in a car you really want the vehicle kit for the antenna and the 30 presets on the cradle. When mounted in the cradle the SL100 is charged while youre driving and powers on and off with the car.
Im connecting using an accessory port and not the FM antenna splitter so I cant say how well the FM input works. The kit also includes a remote control which isnt mentioned on the Sirius or Amazon web site for some reason.
The screen is sharp and easy to read, even in bright sunlight. When scanning through stations several are displayed on the screen at a time along with the current song thats playing. A nice feature that lets you scan stations rather than go through and pick each preset to see whats on.
If a song comes on that you like just hit the "heart" button and that song will be saved to memory! You can fast forward and rewind through songs that youve already listened to and set the SL100 to record at a certain time and station. You can also hook it to your PC and download music as you would with any MP3 player. Its like having a TIVO for satelite radio. I love this thing.
We have XM in one of our cars and the programming on Siruis channels is better in my opinion. Im installing another car kit on the boat to use the player in both places I had to have Radio Margaritaville to take out on the water.
The problem comes when you activate the unit and you have to actually talk to someone at Sirius. It took four tries to finally get a call center in the U.S. and someone who spoke English well enough to have a conversation. Both Sirius and XM are pushing "lifetime" subscription plans, which really only cover the lifetime of the receiver, and both will significantly discount the cost of the service once you get transferred to "customer retention". But the process was FAR more painful with Sirius than with XM. Sirius customer service is just AWFUL, but once youre up and running youll love Sirius and the Stiletto 100.
On: 2008-01-23
I got my husband an SL100 for a Christmas present to replace the S50 due to the portability feature and extra storage space for recorded songs. He spends Monday through Friday in his vehicle due to his occupation which means anwhere from 8 to 10 hours a day that he spends with the stiletto. The following are his views:
THE PROS
- Displays up to 3 channels content at a time when channel surfing rather than one
- Easier one-handed operation with the turn dial
- Taking Howard with me wherever I go is AWESOME
- 3 sets of 10 preset channels which is great. You scan through one set of 10 rather than having to scan through your entire list of presets to find whats on preset 28!
- Seems to have a long battery life.
THE CONS
- Tends to freeze up and need to be re-booted, this happens about once a week or so.
- Cost of replacing my *entire* home docking station except for the antennea.
Overall this is a really great piece of equipment and it was a wonderful upgrade. The only other thing I would change is the back casing which is white rather than black or gray - shows scuffs/discoloring MUCH easier!
On: 2008-01-22
I have had many different sirius receivers over the years, (actually since conception of the satellite radio), and this is by far the best receiver made to date. I have had numerous occassions that I wanted to listen to a program, but had to be away from my truck so I could not listen to it, but with this receiver, you press only one button and you are recording the program for future listening pleasure. Great receiver for any use.
On: 2008-01-20
Our 15 year old son was so excited to receive this Christmas gift and now he cant wait to return it. The first one did not work - he spent most of Christmas day on the phone with Sirius support including lots of time outside in the cold troubleshooting it. Amazon graciously and quickly replaced the unit. Now that he has one that works, hes discovered the signal is just not strong enough in our area; lots of pauses and drop outs outside while using the antenna headphones, even going under a tree causes it to break up. So, its of little use walking to/from school or around town. No reception in the house. Inside, the internet service works well through his computer, however sports play by play is not available (internet channels limited) and hes stuck in his room to listen. Weve enjoyed Sirius in the car for 5 months and thought the portable would be fun for him to have. The Stiletto SL100 unit and features are terrific, so we recommend finding someone local who has one and is satisfied with the reception before making your purchase. (Thats where my research fell short!)
On: 2008-01-16
When I first bought this Stiletto the users guide really confused me. Once I started using it on a daily basis however the Stiletto proved very easy to use. I bought the car kit and installed it myself; works like a charm. The Stiletto holds about 230 songs from a PC and another 150 or so direct from the radio. The best of both worlds!
On: 2008-01-14
This is better than any ipod or mp3. This is the next new best toy for all ages, especially the teens. My child loves it, and every where she goes, people are asking what that is. It works great and is worth every penny
On: 2008-01-09
All in all its great, except for its stand-alone satellite reciever strength while in my home or car. I am forced to buy docking stations for this item.
On: 2008-01-08
This is so impressive, with everything from the love-it, to the ability to listen over the internet to loading your own songs... its one of the most undersold products out there. The reception is awesome with an FM repeater nearby, and with the car antenna on the dashboard, I get excellent satellite reception.
My ONLY problem with it, is more of a car kit issue. Basically I need a ground loop because the auxillary power creates noise. As I press the accelerator pedal, I hear a whine through my speakers, its kind of funny.
On: 2008-01-08
All in all its great, except for its stand-alone satellite reciever strength while in my home or car. I am forced to buy docking stations for this item.
On: 2008-01-02
I have owned this device for a while and love it so far. I have not encountered any issues with it yet. I have a friend who was having issues, but a software update took care of them. The recording feature works great and there is plenty of storage. One thing I would like improved is the size of the Sports Alerts/Updates. When the scores show up, they are too small to see.
On: 2008-01-02
I bought my husband, who is an electronics engineer, a Sirius Stiletto and home kit for Christmas. After 2.5 hours on his own and 2.5 hour on the phone with support, the items were returned as we had no reception in the house, in the car and could not connect to our computer network. This was after paying a $15 non-refundable activiation fee to Sirius as well as $457 for a lifetime subscription which we did get refunded promptly.
On: 2008-01-02
DISREPSECTFUL AND DECEPTIVE -- I purchased a Sirius Radio for my husband for Christmas. The company offered a promotional package that included the radio and a $50 gift card to be used towards the monthly subscription cost. When my husband called to activate the radio the sales Rep immediately began to sell us $400 subscription packages, quote exorbitant activation fees ($50). I was appalled that the entire gift card was going to the activation!! There was absolutely no mention of the fee when I purchased. When my husband began to question the charges, the supervisor was consulted and suddenly the fee disappeard. I am sure that if we had not protested we would have been charged..... Then after he decided on a subscription plan, additional enhancements were suddenly suggested to get "optimal service". The Rep basically suggested that the basic service was inadequate and we would have to pay additional charges (above and beyond the quoted subscription rates) to really enjoy the radio. That was the last straw and my husband decided to cancel everything. He felt very taken advantage of and the victim of a Rep that did not know what she was talking about. The process took about 45 minutes and we hung up with the intention to return everything.
Here is the kicker! Because the Sirius Rep asked us to scratch the $50 gift card during the activation process, it is now void.... When I called to see if we could get the full amount refunded, since it was due to their very poor customer service, incompetence and deceptive practices, that we canceled, the customer service supervisor gave me attitude. He even agreed that the $50 was never used and was sitting in our account. However it was our fault...... When I asked for his name so that I could write a letter of protest to management he told me it was pointless and that I could not "bend the company to my will" simply because I was upset. I told him that maybe everyone up the chain would deny my request, but that I had a right as a consumer to complain if I wanted to. He refused to give me his name, as my case did not "warrant" divulging personal information. I was insulted by his direspectful and condescending tone. He did even see fit appologize for our initial negative experience with the company...
Bottome line -- I think this company is deceptive and disrespectful. I am stuck with a $50 gift card I can never use and a terrible opinion of this company. I feel that in each instance our complaints should have been dealt with professionally and with respect. Please think twice before doing business with a company who treats their customers this was
On: 2007-12-30
The radio turned out to have a very poor signal at any of the indoor places I tried to use it. The size of the receiver is also bigger than expected, not so convenient compared to most of small and light mp3 players. You can catch signal outdoor with the big, uncomfortable headset which has the atenna built-in but its a lot of equipment to carry on on the go. Overall very dissappointing, performance much below expectations. Will wait a few years to listen to all in all cool stations, when they improve their technology and will come up with more reliable new generation of portable satelitte radio players. Unfortunately going to return the product.
On: 2007-12-29
Do not buy this product. I know when I read all the reviews before I bought this, I ignored the "Do not buy!" But honestly, when I recieved this item I did not get any reception in my house, so I called Sirius. They said that the satellite cannot penetrate through walls. i.e. your house. I went outside in my yard, where there is a clear view of the sky and still did not get reception! You would think that the antenna would be inside the system, but no, it is in the headphones, which means if you lose the headphones, youre screwed. Anyway, they said there was nothing they could do. I called the place I bought it from, and they said that they would give me my money back minus a 10% restocking fee. Fricken rediculous!! Please do not waste your money!! I bought it as a Christmas gift and the recipient pretty much got screwed!!
On: 2007-12-28
My son has the Sirius Satellite Radio in his home and has subscribed for some time now. He requested the portable Stiletto for travel and loves it. It came new as promised. The only issue we had was the "extra radio" usage fee (monthly). We assumed this would tack onto the subscription he already had - not so. Its not a large amount, but an extra we hadnt planned for.
On: 2007-12-28
Got the stilleto for christmas,spent most of the day trying to get the signal strong enough to even activate it,I ran the battery down several times(after giving up trying from the car kit)makes me wonder about the battery life-so my personal experiance with sirius radio and their products frustrating,will nver again consider sirius or xm-thats how P Od I am.Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!one star only cuase I had toSirius Stiletto SL10 Portable Satellite Radio Receiver
On: 2007-12-27
Got the stilleto for christmas,spent most of the day trying to get the signal strong enough to even activate it,I ran the battery down several times(after giving up trying from the car kit)makes me wonder about the battery life-so my personal experiance with sirius radio and their products frustrating,will nver again consider sirius or xm-thats how P Od I am.Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!one star only cuase I had toSirius Stiletto SL10 Portable Satellite Radio Receiver
On: 2007-12-21
Ok - Weve had this version for just under 9 months now. I bought it for my husband to replace his old Sportster. And apparantly in some car models the self installation kit wont work -- you have to have it professionally installed. (BWT we have a Ford Fusion 06) I dont exactly understand it, but it has made my husband mad enough to go back and use his old Sportster exclusively. My daughter now uses the Stiletto as a portable satellite radio. It works great. The headset, though, is a bit cumbersome. The antenna is in the headset so thats why - just know that if you were planning to use it for a lot of jogging, etc. - it can be clunky. With Sirius and XM joining forces (if the FCC approves it) we may be looking at new equipment next year anyway...
On: 2007-12-16
Because i am traveling a lot more this year, i chose to get the SL100...I know the Stilletto 2 came out but its features didnt seem to distinguish itself much from the SL100 so i went with that one. For the past few years i have used the Sportster 4 and boombox at home. My first "alarming" difference is that the SL100 does not have any time features - such as sleep timer, alarm clock, etc. That was a very used feature for me and nowhere was it noted that the SL100 does not have these features.
The second thing is that i have had inconsistent recording issues in my short time using it. FOr instance, i set up a 6 hour block, and all that was recorded was 60 minutes. Im sure i will figure out bugs and how to work around them as i move forward, but if anyone can let me know shortcuts they have for successful recording and/or potential ways to get an alarm clock with it, id appreciate.
On: 2007-12-12
I purchases the SIRIUS STiletto SL100 as a Christmas gift for my husband and would you believe his old received died last week. Rather than make him wait, I gave him an early present and he hasnt put it down since. He ran right out and bought the car and home kits, but hasnt used them yet since hes receiving strong signal with just the built in antenna. Anyway, he loves just about everything about it and I think its the best purchase Ive made this year!
On: 2007-12-12
Sirius has given the person on the go something to create the soundtrack to their life. The Stiletto is so good that I bought one for my brother. It is on constantly and the battery life is exceptional. Whenever I get out of the car it comes with me. I work in the construction industry and i listen to it all day so that my day flies by. The ability to record any song or program is another great feature also, for those times when i cant get a decent signal I am able to listen to something Ive already recorded.
On: 2007-11-24
I commute for 1 hour each way per day and used to used my Rio MP3 player to listen to music on the road.
I bought the stilletto 100, car dock and had it connected with the RF tuner for car. I download podcasts at home and add them to the stilletto using windows media player at home before I hit the road. I then listen to mp3s or satellite radio through my car stereo through a pre set channel.
I like the fact that the Stilletto records in the background while I listen to my mp3s. It can also act like a TIVO allowing you to pause live radio or if you like the song, click the heart and it will record the whole song (even if you are halfway through).
I would not recommend getting this if you intend to just use the headphones to listen to satellite radio. They are useless and more like a torture device. If you accept the fact you will need a docking station or car dock then you wil not be disappointed.
As for the programming I actually would prbably prefer XM for music. However the Stilletto is perfect for me. I am even holding off buying a new car as I do not want to give up my stilletto and the portablity aspects of it.
There are people in teh office that have docks and listent o satellite radio at work but I am happy to listen to my mp3s plus the hours of music that the Stilletto has already recorded from my selected music channel.
If you are planning to buy then keep your eyes on the Sirius/XM merger. This product would be unable to play XM radio whereas no doubt there will be never products that can. No doubt the price of this will fall further in the future to make it more enticing.
Hope this helps
On: 2007-11-22
As with all the sirius products I have purchased, the satellite signal strength leaves much to be desired. Wi-fi signal is very good but you lose channels and the ability to record. 100 hours of recording time is awesome, I can record Howard replays in the evening and listen at work the next day. Would be nice to listen live, but no signal strength indoors. 800 Megs of MP3 space is OK, but compared to many MP3 players that give 30 GB its pretty pointless. The cost is reasonable now, but add 100.00 for car and home kits.
On: 2007-11-22
I am only going to highlight the two most impressive features. I based my decision to buy this on these two only (not the headphones which I will never use)
1. It backs up hours and hours of music AUTOMATICALLY
2. You can record programming easily (like TIVO) Stern fans, this is great for the shows that are only on at nights that you wouldnt just sit around to listen too (SF Roundtable ect.)
Baba Booey Baba Booey
Enjoy.
On: 2007-11-14
I read the reviews and found a mixed bag. I wasnt sure if Id like it or not, but I must say that I am very impressed with the Stiletto. I have been using it in my car and through my wifi connection at home with no problems.
I havent used it outside with the headphones except to activate the service. I have little need for that function.
It is a super cool little gadget! If you are considering purchasing one, Id highly recommend it.
On: 2007-11-02
The Stiletto 100 looks good and has every possible means of connecting to all kinds of media. The problem is connecting to a signal. Wi-Fi connections are marginal and satellite reception is almost impossible. Fix connectivity to a signal and youll have a great product.
On: 2007-10-31
Let me start by saying: I dont work for Howard Stern, Sirius, or XM Radio. OK, now that thats out of the way, on to my little review of this wonderful "little" device...
Ive had 4 Sirius devices, all of which have served me very well over my last couple of years with Sirius, even the one-star-rated Xact model that everyone else seems to hate but me. After my Visor started to give me some headache (after 1 year plus of spot-on functioning) I figured it was time to move up to the next level with my listening and get a Stiletto.
This is not an ipod, nor is it an ipod killer, but for what it does, it seems to do very well. Its bigger than an ipod, and heavier, but thats to be expected being a portable satellite receiver, and not a pure mp3 player. Unlike the Samsung Nexus (XM) which cant receive live satellite without the aid of a passport (and a docking station of some form) this can receive the live Sirius feed through its internal antenna or the rigid headphones.
Initially, I hooked this device up with a Soloist universal dock, and was almost immediately rewarded with full, rich sound that is pretty good for the soloist, but thats for another review.
I then set up the wireless to connect to my network, and, after a little jiggling about with the password, connected with no issue.
The only cons that I can see with this are the lack of home/vehicle kits, but they are widely available and, with some looking, at a good price. Although I have read many reviews slamming the rigid headset, I wore it for a few minutes to do some testing and found that it seems to be OK, especially considering there is a frickin satellite antenna is built into it. I couldnt see myself using this for a 10 mile bike ride, but its sufficient for walking/riding around when you want the extra power for reception.
The boot up time for this is pretty long, but its a fair trade off for what youre getting.
Its not as small as an ipod or similar device, but it feels substantial in your hand, with good quality buttons that you can tell youve pressed.
I havent recorded any content yet, so I cant speak for the recording functions, but in general, this is the best Sirius radio to have if youre on the move, out walking or riding a bike.
Presets are very easy to set, and you can set them up while connected to wireless, as well as listening on Live Sirius. I would recommend you get a vehicle kit, as they have put some preset buttons on the dock, along with a jump button to get you to traffic/weather in your local market (if available).
I have yet to find a major flaw with this item, and will update the review if I do, but for now, I wholeheartedly recommend that you get this device.
Please, other reviewing brothers/sisters, if you also are struck with the urge to write a review, please keep it limited to the product, not your reception.
On: 2007-10-26
This radio is absolutely the best! The reception is great. Of course indoors is tough but that is what the home dock is for.
On: 2007-10-26
An embarrassment to engineering...thats about the best I can say about the headphones and the ear buds included with this unit.
The head phones are incredibly uncomfortable...basically hard sharp pieces of plastic that stick in your ears. About the longest I could wear them was 20 minutes at a time. Not only uncomfortable but awkward too...as soon as you move they will shift on your head. I tried to use it for construction work and it was impossible.
The ear buds are no better and even though Im working out in the middle of a field, the signal drops off constantly. About the only way to use this thing is as a MP3 player...and there are a lot cheaper and better MP3 players.
Several reviewers mentioned how bad they are...I ignored them...silly me.
On: 2007-10-13
I bought my Stiletto about a month ago and havent had a single problem with it. I love that you can walk around with it and record 100 hrs of programing. The navigation is very easy, the programming is easy. If you are thinking about getting an Ipod - I would get the Stiletto instead - it is way better!@
On: 2007-10-04
What they dont tell you:
If you get good reception, youve got some good programming.
If you dont get good reception, you are completely out of luck. Just look through the rest of the reviews for those who, like me, live in a place with poor reception.
There is nothing you can do and tech help is totally useless. They do everything but come right out and say "tough luck, buddy."
And theres no way to tell until you pay for your activation and subscription. SOL.
On: 2007-10-03
What they dont tell you:
If you get good reception, youve got some good programming.
If you dont get good reception, you are completely out of luck. Just look through the rest of the reviews for those who, like me, live in a place with poor reception.
There is nothing you can do and tech help is totally useless. They do everything but come right out and say "tough luck, buddy."
And theres no way to tell until you pay for your activation and subscription. SOL.
On: 2007-10-02
This is a great product. Ive been a Sirius subscriber for over two years, and this product was a replacement of my Sportster radio. The main reason I like this product is that it really is portable satellite radio! Its changed the way I listen to Sirius, allowing me to listen while running, while watching my kids play soccer, when hiking, or whenever. Unfortunately I cannot get a clear reception while working out in the gym, but thats where the "radio replays" function comes in. With no effort on my part, the stiletto records programming from stations that I frequently listen to, and make it available for playback when a signal is not available. Also great is the Internet Radio option, which allows me to use my wireless router to pickup reception anywhere in my house.
The main disappointment I have with the device is the poor performance of the FM transmitter in the car kit. My Sportster broadcast a clear static-free signal to my FM antenna, whereas the best I can get out of my Stiletto is a signal with a lot of noise and hiss in the background, and at other times it does not work at all. Im going to have to take apart my dash to install it directly to my car radio, something that was not an issue before.
On: 2007-09-27
Ive been a Sirius subscriber for about four years and love the service. Drive across I-15 to Vegas from LA and thats all the convincing youll need. With that said, Ive had the same original receiver the whole time (Still works). Ive been eying the Stiletto for quite a while, but couldnt justify the $249 price. Amazon charges much less, so I had to jump on it. It was like going from an old monochrome monitor to sleek LCD panel. Ive had nothing but excellent luck with the unit and the car dock. It is very user friendly and the reception is very good. With wi-fi becoming ubiquitous, reception indoors is trouble free. The only function I miss from my old receiver was the ability to bookmark a song and be alerted when it is being played. BUT, all the additional functionality far outweighs this shortcoming (I like the sports ticker in particular). Firmware updates are easy so keeping the unit up to date does not require a degree in computer science. Havent really used the headset w/antenna so I cant vouch for comfort, but reception was perfect when I tested them out. If you happen to live in an area with a terrestrial antenna, you are really set. BUY THIS UNIT, you will not regret it for a moment. An iPod is good, this is way more versatile.
On: 2007-09-26
I just got my Sirius Stiletto SL100. I am a big fan of Sirius, especially Howard Stern. I can now listen when out walking the dog. I have no problems with reception using the Antenna Headphones. When Im at home I just switch over to the WI-FI connection in my house and continue to enjoy because I dont have any Satellite reception in my Apartment. Bababooey to you all!
On: 2007-09-23
Where to start.
When the unit works.............it sounds okay.
I have never, and I mean not even that Emerson VCR I purchased ten years ago, purchased a worse paperweight than this. This unit, and I have tried several, rarely works for any extended period of time. The channel navigation is terrible, so use the remote you say-well that is often unresponsive. Often times you just give up and continue to listen to what you were listening to when you decided you need to turn the channel. The boot up, and yes thats right there seems to be a minute and a half turn on time when trying to use this thing in its portable state is really frustrating. If you are thinking of doing any real activity, such as running, you have to go outside, then attach the painful earphones, turn it on (otherwise it hangs up attempting to look for a signal), and wait nearly two minutes for the thing to become responsive. Most people dont want to walk around for two minutes before they can select a channel when they are getting ready for a run. You will need to buy a signal amplifier for your house as Sirius radios are notorious for not receiving a good signal indoors. The unit heats up to a state that it is unresponsive-I just had to remove the unit from the Speaker unit that Sirius sells for this unit only and place it in the fridge so that I could change the cannel (no kidding). It gets so hot that it cant do anything. I know this because in the summer when I come out from work the unit, which has not been on, is so overheated from the heat in the car that I would have to remove the unit from its truck sized car dock and place it in front of the air conditioner vent for an extended period of time, remove the battery, and place it back on the dock for it to work. I have only subjected myself to this atrocity of electronics because I sunk five hundred into the unit, the executive speaker, and the car kit that I cant just smash it (which I seriously considered a half hour ago). The car kit also makes the unit disgustingly tall. It makes it very difficult to find a location in a vehicle for it not to interfere with anything else. I no longer use it in my car because of this and have gone with a smaller radio. The sirius service is good, although I prefer XM. I am only using sirius for the NFL, and I will shut it off again once the season is done. As I said, the service (channel line up) is good enough-you really cant go wrong with XM or Sirius. I guess it is more of a preference thing. Either Opie and Anthony and Major League Baseball with XM or Howard Stern and the NFL with Sirius are the real deal breakers. Anyways, if you see this unit, or any variations of it, back away slowly and find the nearest Sportster 4, or if you are looking for a very reliable and far superior portable unit seek out the XM Inno. Everything about the XM Inno is done perfectly.
This unit is right were it belongs-a company with a Dog for a mascot.
On: 2007-09-18
I just got the Stiletto and it is fantastic. Great look and feel; very easy to use. The one problem, which I think is pretty consistent with the other reviews, is the reception issue. The internal antenna is pretty weak and the headphones are not much help, not to mention uncomfortable. This is not really a device that you can just walk around town with and listen to music, like an old fashioned transistor radio. You have to be in a wide open area and even then, theres no guarantee. Forget about using it inside a house, at least not in my house. But I got the home docking kit with the stronger antenna and that makes all the difference. Keep the unit in the docking station and just connect the audio out cord to a boombox or stereo and youre jamming. You can also use the docking station to record your stuff and then just listen to it like an iPod. Also, if you have a wireless network in your house, the Stiletto allows you to connect that way and then you have true mobility around the house (but not all the stations are available).
The antenna/reception problem is an issue with Sirius, not with this unit. I also have XM and have less of a problem getting reception where I live. Perhaps the merger will result in bigger and better satellites!!
On: 2007-09-14
The recording ability is great. Connected to car/home satellite antenna it works well. The portable headphones have lousy reception, as in Im traveling down a highway with blue skies above me and poor reception with the portable antenna because there are trees 200 feet from the road. Oh and the headphones ARE painful because they are solid plastic and they feel like a vice after a while. BIG HINT - The automobile docking station has POOR FM transmitting capability( I tried a couple ) the solution was to get a Sony cassette adaptor and plug it in from the docking station in to my cars cassette player. So much better.
On: 2007-09-01
I link the concept of this device; however, where I live, the reception isnt that great, so the music is always dropping out. When I am in an area where theres good reception, I am very happy with this product.
On: 2007-08-27
I read the other reviews before purchasing and as a result I made my purchase with some trepidation. I was happily surprised. The stiletto has exceeded my expectations and was a light years improvement over my previous Sirius receiver. The wi fi aspect has proven to be quite a boon for interior mobility and the headphone reception indoors, albeit by a window is more than I expected. I bought the car set and th improved reception and ease of tuning is impressive. I would strongly recommend.
On: 2007-08-16
The radio is very cool - but delicate. Mine broke the first day i had it. Make sure to get a Tough skin for it or something. You will surely need at least a car jack or a behicle kit - if not both. The recording isnt very good. Its not like Tivo where it will record the whole show - but more like a VHS VCR where you have to schedule out the recording and hope that it records. It doesnt work all of the time. Depending on how you use your sirius - this could effect you as well. I am hoping that once I buy the home kit - it will solve the problem. But still - if it shuts off or somehting while recording - you lose your recording - and it misses recordings if the unit is asleep. This is a glitch - its supposed to come on and record - but doesnt. A new Stiletto 2 is coming out - you might want tto wait and buy that one. Its cool to have - and works great in some areas. But it probably needed another year of work.
On: 2007-08-12
Gets really crappy reception...great for somebody who likes to only hear every other second of a song.Guess ill get the car kit and see if i can actually use this thing.Otherwise its going straight to e-bay.
On: 2007-08-11
I purchased the Stiletto 100 and was not happy with the quality of the audio for the talk radio stations. I have the FM Direct connection and there was distortion (very high pitch agravating tone). Took the 1st one back and gave it a second shot, still the same results!
The internet radio option is great and it was great being able to walk the dogs and listen to the radio, but in my truck, just didnt work for me.
Maybe the "best possible connection" (CD quality above FM direct) would have helped, but wasnt interested in spending the extra $100 to get it installed that way.
On: 2007-08-08
Just got my s100 last month - and I love it. My favorite feature - surprise to me, as I hadnt thought it was that big of a deal when I read about it - is the wireless internet radio feature. I use this all of the time at home and at work, sooo handy! Small lightweight, cool looking. And other features? All good, no complaints. Reception on satellite is great with the built-in antenna, using the headset antenna is good for some tougher outdoor reception areas. And if you are tricky with the headset antenna and a splitter for the headphone jack, you can even rig your own home or car kit thatll do just fine in a pinch if you dont feel like paying the extra $$s for the real home or car dock kits. Love the fact that it comes with 2 batteries - one slim, one a longer lasting fatty, how cool is that. This is a slick item, and with lifetime a Sirius radio subscription, would qualify as an ultimate gift for people who are hard to shop for - a lot of wow factor along with usability.
One little annoyance when shopping/buying - where ever these are sold, there doesnt seem to be any mention of case color, or a way to choose between a white or black case, and photos tend to primarily show the black case. So - mine arrived with a white case, and I wasnt pleased, as I expected black. However, the white is a pearlized, metallic white - not too horrible, so I kept it. But - if that might be an issue for you - ASK before buying which color you are getting, the two definitely look different. Small improvements that would be nice (and will probably be on the next release - but I couldnt wait :) A real carrying case or clip? Though it seems no portable devices come with those anymore - why? The headset antenna earpieces are sometimes a little uncomfortable - but I dont need to use it that much - still, they should work on that. Would be nice if they could include car/home kits while keeping the price low.. but Im dreaming.
All in all - a great product, I love it, use it every day and recommend it to my geek friends. It seems like some of the lukewarm reviews I saw for this item were misplaced - looked like old reviews for the original Stiletto (s50)? Ive had Sirius for a while and wanted the original s50, but held off because I heard it had issues - and Im glad I waited.
On: 2007-08-03
So far it is a great radio, with just a few negatives. The unit gets hot if left in the car cradle, even without power. It does go into "sleep" mode when the cradle powers off, but I suspect the unit keeps running in a lower power state, and in the end, the battery gets quite hot. When this hot, the radio sometimes wont turn on until it cools. I try to remove from the cradle when parked and manually turn off. The other negative is the bad portable reception, unless you wear the painful headphones included with a satellite antenna on the top of the arch. Id still buy the radio again because of all the other great feature, such as Internet radio (wi-fi), and mp3 playback (after loading via PC/Mac)
On: 2007-07-19
The Sirius Stiletto SL100 is totally useless unless you have a fast 802.11b connection from the Internet. Otherwise you can forget getting a decent reception inside your house or office. It is also not able to record off of the internet connection! You have to have a satellite connection to do that or even go to your favorite stored stations! Remember,802.11b is the only WiFi that works with this unit! Not 802.11g,802.11e or any future WiFi signal! I took it to work but could not get it to connect to our WiFi connection because they only use 802.11g.
On: 2007-07-19
A totally worthless satellite radio which never should have seen the light of day. Unless you live where theres: NO TREES, NO BUILDINGS, NO CLOUDS IN THE SKY you will hate this terrible product.
On: 2007-07-18
Before I purchased the Stiletto, I felt that I was not getting my moneys worth from my Sirius subscription. Now that I can listen to all of my favorite Sirius chanels through my wireless Internet connection, I am now enjoying Sirius like I should. The design of the Stiletto SL100 is great. It is small enough to fit into a pocket, or use a case and clip to your belt. It came with both a slim battery and a longer life battery. I found that I can listem to my Stiletto for at least three hours and still have 2 bars of charge left with the thicker battery. The sound quality is great, and having 800MB of music storage is also a plus; it keeps me from having to bring my iPod on trips if I want to listen to my own music.
Overall, I am very pleased with my Stiletto SL100. Good job.
On: 2007-07-09
I bought a StilettoSL100 several weeks ago, along with the home kit and I have since bought a vehicle kit. I mainly got it for travel, as I fly quite a bit and am on the road a lot and stuck in rental cars without satellite radio. So far, I could not be happier as it does exactly what I bought it for. Let me preface that though, as I have not even tried the silly looking head set with the built in antenna but instead have used it at home with the the home kit and speakers and now in a jeep with the vehicle kit.
The home kit took about 10 minutes to set up and get a good 2 to 3 bar signal pointed out of a window at home. I have recorded about 40 hours of material off of my favorite stations for times when I will either not be in the house or jeep with an antenna. I bought a good quality set of head phones to use with it as I do not like ear buds. When I travel, I will record additional material so I will have plenty of stations to listen to....so what if it is a few days old, it is music I like!
The car kit was a breeze to install, the hardest part was hiding the wires and it works as well or better than the factory installed units in my other vehicles...by the way...this is the 4th Sirius receiver I have now.
I have not installed any of the software onto my computer as I can record everything I want over the air. I have read a number of negative reviews, and all I can say is that for my purposes this unit is perfect, far better than an I Pod and easy to use at home or in a vehicle. I will try out the antenna head set at some point and let you all know. I think what it boils down to is if you understands the pros and cons of something and use it based on that you will not be disappointed.
On: 2007-07-06
Reception of the Sirius service is ok at best. You have to have the headphones pointing exactly in the right direction if there is any hope of reception. Indoor reception is impossible. Its ok but probably over priced until they can work on the reception part. The vendor I purchased this through was great and shipped promptly.
On: 2007-07-03
I purchased this product almost 2 weeks ago, so I believe that I have had it long enough to really have my own opinion on it.
I researched this product quite a bit, but I never seemed to find a review that answered the questions that I was truly interested in. I have never had satellite radio, and only know a few people who did so I had no idea what to expect.
1. Portability - The size isnt bad, though it is bigger and heavier than most new MP3 players (what would you expect from something that picks up a satellite signal). I would recommend either deep pockets or an accessory to assist with keeping on you during your activities.
2. Reception - as a portable device, not bad. This is if I am out walking/running - it only cut out a bit. If I used it in my car (which has an auxiliary jack) and threw the antenna headphones up on the dash, I was very disappointed as it was difficult to enjoy what I was listening to, because it constantly cut in/out. I decided to go buy the car kit, once this was installed it made a huge difference and now I am very happy with the clarity in the car. Though, when at work I am unable to get any signal at all. I sit right next to a window on the 1st floor of the building but there are 2 trees right outside. (see #6)
3. Headphones - This model comes with two sets of antennas, ear buds and a full set which have the built in antenna. If you plan on using this as a portable device plan on taking the antenna pair where ever you go, because you wont get any signal without them.
4. Storage - It is great I can put some of my favorite music on this device and listen to it later, but the ability of recording the live music would be less enjoyable from those moments of lost reception. In addition to that, if I am out and loose reception it is great I can go to my trusty standby music.
5. Battery life has been fine for me. I havent seen an issue with it so far. The car kit came with an AC adapter, so long trips wont be a problem.
6. Sirius also gives you the ability of listening online, so if I am at work and cant get a signal I just log onto the website and can listen to the same channels for free. (by the way, there is free listening there if you want to check out the Sirius programming)
I hope this was helpful for those that are interested in purchasing this product!
On: 2007-06-25
I had an INNO with XM and it was good but this is superb. Much more advanced in terms of clear display, a host of options making it easy to navigate. I was impressed a bit more with the music on XM but this is super good too. What I really like (people dont seem to get it) is that the comedy, the CNBC, etc is so good and frankly Im happy its only 12.95. Hey - Id pay $40 for one comedy show alone.
The stilleto is great - my only (only) complaint is that is doesnt come with a holder so you need to buy that separately. I am picky about design and tech and this is super good - as good if not better than the Ipod in sleek design and functionality.
On: 2007-06-16
As a road warrior, the toughest part is the windshield time. Terrestrial radio was tough. By the time you found a decent station, it would disappear 50 miles later. So I tried Sirius (Thanks Howard!!) and everything changes. No commercials, great music, Stern and a perfect signal, just about anywhere. All that and traffic info. Heaven for the road warrior. Get the lifetime subscription, worth every penny. Started with a Stream Jockey which has a nice FM transmitter, received by all house radios. The Stiletto does the traveling. Records favorites perfectly, add downloaded mp3s and this is one fantastic unit. Alas, there is no perfection yet though. The FM transmitter on the Stiletto is weak and if youre in an urban area, it gets overpowered. The solution was the Relay Adapter (yet another Sirius accessory), worth it to get quality reception. Frankly, it should have been included in the car kit. It is a neater install compared to the FM wire antenna that came with the car kit.
On: 2007-06-14
I received my Stiletto 100 from Amazon.com yesterday, and already I know that this was one of the best and coolest investments Ive made. I had mine shipped Overnight which ended up being $33 cheaper than going to a Retail Store, even after Shipping Charges. Set up was absolutely a breeze. I called Sirius at 12:30 AM (when I got off work) and someone helped me transfer my account from an old radio to this one in about 10 minutes max, which really was no time at all. Now that its been activated, Im like a kid in a candy store! IT DOES WHAT?! I CAN RECORD LIVE RADIO?! TAKE IT ANYWHERE?! It truly is amazing. I brought it into work today and pretty much everyone around me was in awe at how cool this gizmo really is. I couldnt get a Satellite signal indoors (big office) but with the WIFI feature it offers, I picked up Internet and was listening to Sirius Internet radio with ease.
When you open the package, it is kind of shocking to see how much stuff really comes with the Radio. Included are two rechargeable batteries, a slim one and one that is alittle more bulky but not by much really, and the adapter to charge them. You get two sets of headphones, a special USB cable to hook up to your PC (not MAC capable though, bummer) and the Software.
Im a HUGE Howard Stern fan and like many people i hate when it starts getting great on the show and i have to leave the car! Today I was digging the show and just pulled the Stiletto off the Car Cradle and I was off walking to Work with Sirius Satellite Radio all the way throughout my day. This thing really is amazing.
The only thing that Ive noticed that isnt pleasant is finding a Radio channel to broadcast to in the Car. Maybe its just me not knowing how to find a good station, or figuring out the car kit? A Friend highly reccomended the Direct connection box from Sirius, which costs about $20. Basically it hardwires your Stiletto to your Headunit, and eliminates the FM Transmitter.
Other than that, i have had absolutely no issues with my Stiletto. This thing really is amazing. Highly reccomended.
On: 2007-06-02
I would call myself a MP3/Sirius music addict. I read review after review. Some good some bad. I have to say I am blown away. I have had many different MP3 players. This is down right amazing. I cant put it down. I just got the home kit today to start recording with it. I got stuck in traffic for 3 hours and I put her on the dash with my AUX cable into my deck player and it worked great. Very little dropped signal. I will record from the home kit then bring into the car. If you use it for what it can do you will be pleased. At times you may not get a signal but I will have it filled with my cds and recorded content. Overall A+. Thank you Sirius. Hard Attck rules!
On: 2007-06-01
THIS PRODUCT SUCKS!!! plain and simple, do not buy! Ever seen those commercials where a person is kneeling on the top of their desk, in a tight, cramped-up space, with their body all contorted trying to get their phone into the service area? That was me trying to get reception on my satellite radio...I could kick myself for choosing to buy this instead of an ipod...please trust me on this, you end up wasting your money and causing yourself stress in the long run...buy the ipod
On: 2007-05-27
I guess some people dont understand that these reviews are for the PRODUCT, not their inability to receive a signal at their location, not the poor shipping they experienced, not the terrible customer service they received, and not the way the FCC crippled the FM transmitters on all these newer devices...
Im not a fan of Sirius customer service (Ive had my share of problems with them), nor am I a fan of their poor product support, but my review is of the Stiletto SL100.... which is great!!!
Its easy to set up, easy to understand (1 week later, and I still havent referred to the instruction book), and the batteries (2 of them are included) lasted much longer than I expected. The Wi-Fi Internet reception is an outstanding step-up from my old S50.
All-in-all, the SL100 is the best portable satellite radio on the market, for the best satellite radio programming available!
On: 2007-05-17
I received the Stilleto as a gift for Christmas. All in all I think it really is a pretty cool device Sirius has come out with and its about time as well (XM has had theirs on the market for some time).
Anyways, I see a lot of people complaining about reception. It is clearly stated that you might have reception trouble if there are things blocking the view of the sky such as trees and tall buildings (this is the same case with the non-portable versions so this isnt anything new here). If you expect to walk through a forest or crawl through caves and get 100% reception then you are mistaking. I am able to sit in my backyard which has a few trees and get all three bars. However when I bring it back into my house, I get almost 1. This is because the satellite signal is being cut off. This happened to me when I bought the non-portable models. I had to put the antenna on the roof for all three bars in any weather condition (which, if you can do it, do it because youll NEVER loose reception). Also, calling Sirius will not help you get a better signal becasue they cant controll where you are and whats obstructing your views. Only you can.
Anyways, the point is is that this product will perform wonderfully. It has a very easy to use interface, looks nice, has a good solid feel in the hands and is pretty versatile if you ask me. When I come into my house, I switch over to Wi-Fi and I can listen to the radio over the internet (of course, you need Wi-Fi to be able to do this). This means that if your workplace has Wi-Fi, youre set (no need to worry about satellite signal). When I go for walks and bike rides I use the satellite and it works excellent.
My advice is not to hesitate in getting this product. The only thing I can see them improving is the battery life (4hrs with the bigger one and 2/3hrs with the smaller one). Other than that I dont think there is much they can do with it besides change the shape. The satellite signal will only be so strong and there is only so much they can do to improve reception. It is super convenient and the other features such as the schedule recording and favorites are great if you want to use them. Recording Howard Stern is great because I am not available to listen when hes on. I can listen later by using the schedule recording feature.
All in all, youre getting a cool product from Sirius. You wont be dissapointed!
On: 2007-05-14
My only complaint is that you can not record from WiFi, only from the satelite signal.
On: 2007-05-04
First, let me start with the terrible aspects of this product
1. The reception. It is very difficult to get decent reception without purchasing either the home kit or the car kit.
2. The antenna headphones. As others have said, these are not wearable.
That being said, I purchased a home kit and use my Stiletto like a portable TiVo for Sirius. It is very easy to set up recordings and I just keep several hours of all my favorite stations recorded on the device. You can press a single button to fast forward to the next song, giving it an advantage over listening to Sirius live. Since I got this device, I dont use my iPods anymore.
If youre willing to listen to recorded programming (and spending $40 for the home kit so that you get good enough reception to record them), this is a great music player.
On: 2007-05-03
First, let me start with the terrible aspects of this product
1. The reception. It is very difficult to get decent reception without purchasing either the home kit or the car kit.
2. The antenna headphones. As others have said, these are not wearable.
That being said, I purchased a home kit and use my Stiletto like a portable TiVo for Sirius. It is very easy to set up recordings and I just keep several hours of all my favorite stations recorded on the device. You can press a single button to fast forward to the next song, giving it an advantage over listening to Sirius live. Since I got this device, I dont use my iPods anymore.
If youre willing to listen to recorded programming (and spending $40 for the home kit so that you get good enough reception to record them), this is a great music player.
On: 2007-04-22
How can Sirius have such great programming, but terrible products and customer service?
Flat out this thing doesnt work. Its great if you only want to hear every third word Howard says. Sirius customer support is terrible. The reps are all very nice, but none can help you with this terible product. Ive been sent to 16 different 1800 #s, having to deal with being on hold for 20 minutes each time.
Please Sirius, get your act together!
On: 2007-04-19
I feel the need to give three stars because this is the only device i use nearly every day and for the most part it does what i had wanted. the sirius satellite radio experience is very disappointing, though.
i luckily bought the circuit city extended warranty and ended up returning the first stiletto after only a week after it locked up for good, and returned another one four months later for the same problem. (beware of switching the sportster fom home to car too often as well, the side ports give out after a few months of active use).
--it can hook up to a cassette adapter with the headphone jack and it doesnt have to broadcast through the radio in my car. very nice.
overall, since i only really bought it for howard stern, its been a good purchase. the issues are annoying, though...
--the only way i am able to get through to sirius is to act like i am going to open a new account. i was on "musical hold" for assistance for over an hour and eventually gave up.
--forget about listening to live radio. the stress created by the in and out reception is unbelievable. the best option for me has been recording every day through the home dock.... which is also great for skipping stuff im just not interested in. its like TIVO for radio. even recording that way will still come up with frequent breakups in reception and missed segments.
--the fast forward/reverse button only works in "chunks" of time, so if you just missed a few words you are stuck going through the past five or ten minutes just to hear it over again. this works to fast forward through the commercials, but for regular listening its a total pain.
--the sleep button needs work. trying to turn it on again often leads to several tries of getting it out of "going to sleep" mode.
--this company reminds me of cable television and cellphones in the way that they find as may ways as possible to get your money. buyer beware and do lots of research. if you have any problems or change your mind after purchase, get ready for an unforgettable customer service experience.
FOR THOSE BUYING THIS PRODUCT JUST FOR HOWARD STERN....i feel like someone should let you know that howard takes every friday off, takes at least a week but sometimes two weeks off around EVERY holiday and worst of all has maybe 10-15 minutes (on average) of commercials or pre-recorded material every hour. the stiletto is probably the best way to navigate all this because you can store weeks of recorded material and you can review anything you may have missed. there are tons of other programs but if someone would have told me all of this before i bought this thing for $350 id have reconsidered.
On: 2007-04-19
With the drop in price and after reading assurances that all hardware would continue to work following the Sirius-XM merger, I decided to take a chance on the Stiletto. Big disappointment. Ultimately, the Stiletto represents a good idea -- portable satellite radio -- with poor execution.
1. Reception: Very inconsistent. Most frustrating aspect of the unit. Do not expect to have an uninterrupted signal unless you live on an open field. You might do better in an area with terrestrial repeaters (regular radio signal), which are found only in the largest metropolitan areas (XM seems to have broader terrestrial repeater coverage than Sirius). Otherwise, be prepared for a signal that cuts in and out.
2. Antenna headphones: Most uncomfortable headphones you can imagine. They are hard and rigid with a wide plastic strip at the top, which is the antenna. It is, at least, flat on your head and not sticking up in the air. The result of this design is an uncomfortable and sometimes painful (literally) listening experience. And, at no extra charge, you get to look ridiculous wearing the thing. Do not be confused -- those stares youre getting as you walk about the neighborhood are not because you have the coolest new technology.
3. Wi-Fi: Youre not going to get a signal indoors so youll have to rely on Internet radio via Wi-Fi. Its simple to use and a touch more reliable than direct satellite reception, but again, your reception is going to be spotty. Obviously, unless youve got complete Wi-Fi coverage over your entire home with no dead spots, youre going to lose reception with the Stiletto as you move about. And Ive found plenty of places where my laptop or other device makes a strong Wi-Fi connection but the Stiletto cant connect at all. Also, when you do connect, youre getting a low bandwidth signal, which results in roughly AM radio quality sound. Maybe not so bad if youre listening to Howard, but music doesnt sound so hot.
4. MP3: Havent tried it yet, but thats not the units primary purpose and its certainly no iPod killer. I also have no desire to bother with yet another transfer program.
5. Recording: This is a nice feature, but to use it, youll need to find a spot with good, uninterrupted reception and leave it there. You can record a block of programming and then listen to it later using more comfortable earbuds and without reception worries. This feature gives the unit a little functionality that may make it worthwhile to some. That seems like a lot of trouble, however, to be able to use the thing. And, be aware that there are limitations on the channels from which you can record.
5. Miscellaneous: Reiterating a couple of points others have made, its not easy to tell if youve turned the unit off or just put it into sleep mode; it doesnt turn on instantly and theres no charging indicator. Just plug it in and hope youre juicing it up. The unit itself is like a small brick (put it in your pocket and youll know its there).
In the end, youve got a unit that can do some things, but not in a stellar fashion. Its usable, but dont expect to have the whole world of satellite radio any time you want it. The idea is good; the technology is just not there yet.
On: 2007-04-18
With the drop in price and after reading assurances that all hardware would continue to work following the Sirius-XM merger, I decided to take a chance on the Stiletto. Big disappointment. Ultimately, the Stiletto represents a good idea -- portable satellite radio -- with poor execution.
1. Reception: Very inconsistent. Most frustrating aspect of the unit. Do not expect to have an uninterrupted signal unless you live on an open field. You might do better in an area with terrestrial repeaters (regular radio signal), which are found only in the largest metropolitan areas (XM seems to have broader terrestrial repeater coverage than Sirius). Otherwise, be prepared for a signal that cuts in and out.
2. Antenna headphones: Most uncomfortable headphones you can imagine. They are hard and rigid with a wide plastic strip at the top, which is the antenna. It is, at least, flat on your head and not sticking up in the air. The result of this design is an uncomfortable and sometimes painful (literally) listening experience. And, at no extra charge, you get to look ridiculous wearing the thing. Do not be confused -- those stares youre getting as you walk about the neighborhood are not because you have the coolest new technology.
3. Wi-Fi: Youre not going to get a signal indoors so youll have to rely on Internet radio via Wi-Fi. Its simple to use and a touch more reliable than direct satellite reception, but again, your reception is going to be spotty. Obviously, unless youve got complete Wi-Fi coverage over your entire home with no dead spots, youre going to lose reception with the Stiletto as you move about. And Ive found plenty of places where my laptop or other device makes a strong Wi-Fi connection but the Stiletto cant connect at all. Also, when you do connect, youre getting a low bandwidth signal, which results in roughly AM radio quality sound. Maybe not so bad if youre listening to Howard, but music doesnt sound so hot.
4. MP3: Havent tried it yet, but thats not the units primary purpose and its certainly no iPod killer. I also have no desire to bother with yet another transfer program.
5. Recording: This is a nice feature, but to use it, youll need to find a spot with good, uninterrupted reception and leave it there. You can record a block of programming and then listen to it later using more comfortable earbuds and without reception worries. This feature gives the unit a little functionality that may make it worthwhile to some. That seems like a lot of trouble, however, to be able to use the thing. And, be aware that there are limitations on the channels from which you can record.
5. Miscellaneous: Reiterating a couple of points others have made, its not easy to tell if youve turned the unit off or just put it into sleep mode; it doesnt turn on instantly and theres no charging indicator. Just plug it in and hope youre juicing it up. The unit itself is like a small brick (put it in your pocket and youll know its there).
In the end, youve got a unit that can do some things, but not in a stellar fashion. Its usable, but dont expect to have the whole world of satellite radio any time you want it. The idea is good; the technology is just not there yet.
On: 2007-04-07
This did not work AT ALL. No reception with the antenna headphones and did not work at all with the car kit. For some reason the pins in the car kit did not connect to the radio, causing the radio to mute. It did play my mp3s and was compatible with Napster, though. Great concept-satellite radio and mp3 player in one. How foolish and naive of me to think this would actually work!
On: 2007-04-03
I purchased this for my kid and he has really enjoyed it. The car kit is a great addition as well
On: 2007-03-20
All I have to say is "Dont waste your money!!!!". Wait a few more years when the technology gets better in portable satellite radios!!! I had brought both the S-50 and the Stiletto radios and theyre both garbage!!
If you want a very good Sirius radio, buy the Sportster 4 and the portable boom box. Purchasing both is still cheaper then the Stiletto by itself!!! (Plus you get a car kit with the Sportster 4, not included with the Stilletto.)
On: 2007-03-19
All I have to say is "Dont waste your money!!!!". Wait a few more years when the technology gets better in portable satellite radios!!! I had brought both the S-50 and the Stiletto radios and theyre both garbage!!
If you want a very good Sirius radio, buy the Sportster 4 and the portable boom box. Purchasing both is still cheaper then the Stiletto by itself!!! (Plus you get a car kit with the Sportster 4, not included with the Stilletto.)
On: 2007-03-12
I bought this portable satellite radio to use while walking and travelling. I love it! The fact that I can record programs and music and listen while on a plane is great. I also purchased the home docking kit and listen at home.
Really enjoy the Sirius stations!
On: 2007-03-09
It is a good product. Easy to navigate through and operate. But the signal strength is somewhat lacking and really only works well when the device is stable and not moving with the top pointed up.
On: 2007-03-09
I got this for my bf as a gift. Hes pretty happy with it, however it doesnt work inside. The headphones that have the antenna built in are big and ugly. The recording feature is great though! This way he can listen to his recorded songs when hes inside, at the gym, etc.
On: 2007-03-05
The first week with the radio was great! With cloud cover, there is only 1 bar on the satellite signal and reception comes and goes... I have honestly tried to make this work, but the satellite signal is the worst I have had the misfortune to experience. Maybe after the merger with XM who has fantastic reception but worthless programming, Sirius will really shine. The programming with Sirius is exceptional, but you have to be able to receive the satellite signal to hear the product. I love this radio,but... When I call Sirius, the customer service representative asked me to take the radio outside so we could talk about the lack of reception. I told her, that I didnt pay $450 to sit in my lounge chair in the back yard to listen to the radio. Daytime has better reception than night time. As soon as the sun sets, the satellite bars starts to reduce. I am listening to recorded music that I recorded last night and about all that really recorded was the first and last portion of the songs and the station identifications. As bad as I hate to do this, I will most likely take it back for a full refund!
On: 2007-03-04
The first week with the radio was great! With cloud cover, there is only 1 bar on the satellite signal and reception comes and goes... I have honestly tried to make this work, but the satellite signal is the worst I have had the misfortune to experience. Maybe after the merger with XM who has fantastic reception but worthless programming, Sirius will really shine. The programming with Sirius is exceptional, but you have to be able to receive the satellite signal to hear the product. I love this radio,but... When I call Sirius, the customer service representative asked me to take the radio outside so we could talk about the lack of reception. I told her, that I didnt pay $450 to sit in my lounge chair in the back yard to listen to the radio. Daytime has better reception than night time. As soon as the sun sets, the satellite bars starts to reduce. I am listening to recorded music that I recorded last night and about all that really recorded was the first and last portion of the songs and the station identifications. As bad as I hate to do this, I will most likely take it back for a full refund!
On: 2007-03-03
I have been a Sirius subscriber for over two years. I have the Sportster
hooked up in my home and my car. I love the programming they offer and have never had a problem with reception.
I was thrilled when I heard that Sirius was coming out with a portable device where you could listen to Sirius live. I am a Howard fan and was looking for something to listen to at the health club and around the house away from a three year olds ears.
I had heard Howards fans raving over the quality of the Stiletto and of the reception they received.
My first problem was the five weeks that it took to receive my order from Sirius. My mom had ordered one from a store around the same time as I did and she had hers in five days.
I signed up for a two year subscription since I had been so happy with my Sportster and I was told it would be cheaper.
I cannot get reception at home or at the health club even with the antenna headset which is as uncomfortable as everyone says.
I downloaded the Sirius software and tried to transfer songs from Yahoo to the Stiletto and was unsuccessful.
Sure I can drop another seventy bucks on a home docking kit but I really dont want to invest anymore than the $500.00 that I already have on a product that is useless to me.
Sirius states in their product description that live or recorded Sirius programming can be heard almost anywhere. That is not case and according to the reviews I have read I am not alone.
Purchasing the Stiletto, the subscription, and then music to download costs well over $500.00. For that kind of money customers should be more than satisfied. We should be able to get reception and the headset should be a lot more comfortable.
Instead of satisfied I am sick that I threw away so much money. I dont think that I have ever hated a product and regretted a purchase so much.
The Stiletto does not deliver what it claims to and it should at the price that is being charged.
Sirius should be ashamed.
I know I am for throwing way so much money.
On: 2007-02-28
first of all the reception is bad unless you have the antenna/headset on which causes dammage to the ear canal.you could hold the radio over your head when you jog and use your ear buds not the ones that came with it they are very cheap.i think the radio would work better in major metropolitan cities where you have terrestrial antenna that bounce the signal.i thought well ill use it my car and buy the car kit. the built in fm modulater is so week that it came with a fm antenna which is like the one that comes with your house receiver.it really didnt help still interferece from the stop lights at the intersections and a lot of buzzing from the lack of signal.this is my third radio in about five years and i wish i would of went with something a little less expensive.the mp3 works good though
On: 2007-02-20
I have had my Sirius Stiletto since November 2006, and I love it! Had a problem with the extended battery suddenly dying, but I called the Sirius Warranty Center and they swapped out an entire new replacement unit quickly to me. I am very happy with the Stiletto. Four stars only because of the unusable antenna headphones, no Macintosh compatibility for the Yahoo Music Service/MP3 transfer, and the fact that you cant use the remote control directly with the unit (has to be plugged into the home or car kit). Sirius is now offering a FREE car kit with purchase (too late for me, though!).
I am using this in the Princeton NJ area, my live satellite signal using the home kit and window antenna is mostly two bars, but my house is directly next to a tall forest of trees--I may have to install an outdoor antenna for maximum signal. If I place only the Stiletto unit in my window it gets a usable signal just using its internal antenna pointed outwards! The Stiletto easily connects to my Apple home Wifi Airport Express, so I can listen to Sirius Internet at home as well! Just walking around outdoors, if you are near a repeater you will get a great live signal even with no antenna. Otherwise, the headphone antenna is adequate but as everyone else has said, very weird looking and painful to wear.
At work I am using a home kit and window antenna, and the live Sirius signal is at full strength since I work near a terrestrial ground repeater, so I can record hours and hours of whatever I want daily for later listening in the "Replays" mode (Replays are saved as each individual channel you listened to previously, so its easy to select what you want later--also, the channels automatically append new recorded material as you start and stop recording daily). This is what I use in my car so I dont even need to hook up the Stiletto car kit. If I do want live Sirius Satellite mobile reception, the car kit gets excellent strong signals everywhere. I like the fact that I can operate the Stiletto in my car or at home with the remote control also!
At home I can wirelessly control the docked Stiletto via remote extender from anywhere in the house, broadcasting the Stiletto to a Sennheiser wireless transmitter and listening to the output on wireless speakers or wireless Sennheiser headphones anywhere as well, even outdoors! Or I can hook an audio output cable directly to a home stereo. Sweet!
The sleek interface is impressive. Sirius smoothly sends firmware and program channel upgrades automatically to the unit (even over Wifi!). Also useful are the weekly emails that Sirius sends me for Music and Sports events/program updates which are great for keeping on top of all the programming choices!
SIRIUS AND XM MERGER? Now that Sirius and XM have announced a tentative merger (barring FCC interference, since there is a Federal law stating that Satellite providers cannot purchase each other), it will be interesting to see how their separate programming is merged as well. In an ideal world, I would want to combine all of Sirius existing programming with just a couple of XMs unique programs like Bob Dylans show...that would be awesome...hope they dont screw up the programming!
On: 2007-02-20
The radio receiver arrived quickly and in perfect condition. We are very happy witht he quality of the product, the price and the service. Definately a winner!
On: 2007-02-10
Overall we like the new stiletto. You can record what ever you hear with the touch of a button. You can pre-record shows, as long as you have reception, and can load it up with MP3s. Also, two batteries is very nice. However, I do have a few complaints. The receiver headphones are bulky, the earpieces are fixed position and not that comfortable. Also, be careful with the locking latch on the receiver headphones connector to the Stiletto. Ours got stuck and I had to use a paper clip to unhook it. One of The metal latches got bent. The AC power supply can not be plugged in when the receiver headphones are plugged in. So I cant pre-setup a scheduled recording for anymore than a 4 hour period because that is as long as the large battery lasts. A home kit would get around this. And forget about using this thing without the receiver headphones you will not get reception. The biggest complaint is really with the car kit. The FM broadcast sucks. We have a Starmate in our other vehicle and when tuned to 87.9 it gets excellent reception. However the Stiletto, for what ever reason, will only tune down to 88.1. So I highly recommend getting an AID (Auxiliary Input Device). Connecting your Stiletto to your car radio through an AID produces the best sound quality.
On: 2007-02-02
It device is great. Ive used this on the bus, in the house, and in different stores, and have never lost signal once. Very easy to use. Highly recommended.
On: 2007-01-27
An excellent top of the line portable XM radio receiver. Good quality radio reception and easy to operate.
On: 2007-01-27
I purchased the Stiletto for my boyfriend as a Christmas gift. Well, he LOVES it! He said its one of his favorite gifts ever. He hooked it up right away and mostly uses it in his car with the car kit. The signal is usually strong unless there are a lot of bridges and tunnels he has to drive through. I even love the stiletto! I want one of my own. If you hear a song you like, you can just press a button and it records it. This thing is awesome. It plays EVERY song you can imagine, in addition to comedy shows and news. My boyfriend listened to the State of the Union address on his stiletto. I highly recommend this for EVERYONE, guys and girls. Best station on the stiletto? THE BEAT!
On: 2007-01-19
Got Stiletto 100 after waiting for the post holiday price drop. Had the item for only 20 hours, cancelled my service and returned the product. This could possibly be the most dissapointing single purchase I have ever made in my life, heres why:
Pros: Sleek design, potential sound quality
Cons: Reception!!! I must of read atleast 100 reviews before the purchase, some good, some bad. Live on Long Island, only 20 miles from Manhattan and have a 37 minute train ride in. Cant get reception in my apt, on the street, or on the train. Oh and the ridiculous looking antenna headphones that make you look like a NASA technician, they dont work either. I bought the home kit, but dont need it, going back too. THIS IS NOT A PORTABLE DEVICE FOR NEW YORKERS! Youre better off buying a Starmate or Sportster which comes with a car kit then buy a home kit. You pay less than half the amount then what you would for the capabilities of the Stiletto.
Dont waste your time, stick to the ipod or you can pay for the internet sirius which works well.
On: 2007-01-19
I already have Sirius in my house and installed in my car but my husband bought me the Stiletto for Xmas so I could listen when I have downtime in my office. I love the graphics and the way the product looks but it is tough to get a satellite signal indoors and since I dont have internet at my office the Wi-Fi connection is mostly useless to me. I can get a signal when I put the Stiletto next to a window. The optional headset with a built-in antennae is a joke. It is so heavy it falls off my head and the ear pieces feel like torture. The soft pads included for comfort just will not stay on but they dont make a difference anyway. The regular ear buds are fine. The product is expensive for what it is but I am a loyal Sirius customer because of Howard Stern and I hope it will work better in the future as more people become Sirius customers and the satellite technology becomes stronger.
On: 2007-01-19
I received my Stiletto 100 for Christmas along with the car kit and a home kit. Ive been a Sirius subscriber for a little over a year now and found it simple to activate and install. However, there is a DRAMATIC difference in the FM transmitter on the Stiletto 100 versus the year-old radio I own. The FM transmitter is extremely weak and constantly loses signals or produces major static. I live in NJ and commute close to NYC so this may be magnified due to the numerous radio stations, but my old radio never gave me a problem.
I have ordered the direct FM connection (which Im not looking forward to installing) and am going to give that a try. I have read in some forums on the internet that this will solve the problem. I have also had some issues with the recording feature where it doesnt turn off based on the timer setting and Ive had the unit freeze up a couple of times.
All that said, the wireless feature has worked extremly well at my home and I have been using the recording feature to tape my favorite show so I can listen to it at my leisure. I think that this unit has excellent features, but that it will probably be a whole lot better as the kinks are worked out in production and the next generation is produced.
Perhaps I should have went with the much less costly S50 or waited a year for the Stiletto 2nd generation.
I cant give this unit a ringing endorsement, but if youre a gadget person who needs to have the latest in technology it is a nice and sleek little unit.
On: 2007-01-19
FYI, Sirius has an "automatic renewal" on all its plans.
I bought a year subscription for a friend and I saw nothing about an automatic renewal. But a year later my credit card gets charged again. I called Sirius to ask that it be removed and they agreed to take my card off the account but will not refund the year subscription fee ($142.45).
There are many ways they could make this a choice on the website or make it clear that they will do that. But they dont and they wont refund the money. I think this is an unscrupulous business practice. Let the buyer doubly beware when dealing with this company.
On: 2007-01-18
I didnt realize that it didnt come with a car kit, this was the whole purpose in buying it. So, far Im paying for service and am unable to listen to it.
On: 2007-01-16
I really enjoy using my sirius radio. There are frequent places along the lakefront where I cannot get consistent reception (I use it during my AM jogs) however, these are very short. The earphones with the built in antenna are large and the earbuds can be uncomfortable. However your ability to record songs from the radio and play them back is an absolutely great feature. Your battery life is also greatly extended when using the playback feature instead of the radio. You get two batteries a larger battery and a slim battery. It does not come with a belt clip or other device to make it easy to carry. If you put in in your pocket or other running belt the dial is very sensitive to touch and your can end up stopping or changing the channel easily. There is a belt clip available but I have not bought it yet so I cannot comment on how well that device works. Another feature I like is if you are listening to one station you can use you dial to see the other channels and the song they are currently playing is also listed. You know before changing it if you want to listen to the song or not. The recording feature couldnt be any easier. I once started recording a song deleted the portion I had recorded (intentionally) and then changed my mind again. I hit the record button and the entire song was recorded despite erasing the first half of the song earlier. This will not work if you are changing streams and record a song from another stream once it is half over (tried this and it didnt work). Overall I love it. It is great to constantly have new music to listen to and if you are bored you can change channels. You cant get new music with your iPod if you are not at the computer and on iTunes. Not as light or compact as the iPod nano or shuffle (I own both of these as well) but once we have a couple more options for carrying it around during workouts it will be even better.
On: 2007-01-15
The Stiletto-100 is great! I have it mounted in my truck with the car adapter. It has worked great so far! I love the option of recording songs to listen to whenever-that really comes in handy at the gym when I dont want to deal with the large satelite headphones.
Downloading the library to my computer wwas not as easy as I hoped, but I really have not looked into it in much detail.
I would recommend the Stiletto for anyone that wants the portability of an ipod, with the option of satelite radio!
On: 2007-01-12
Ive been looking for a device like this to compete with XM for a long time now. I was very excited when it finally showed up. My primary purpose for this device was to record the Howard Stern show each day. The secondary purpose was to use the device while relaxing outdoors or hiking on the weekends.
The first thing I noticed was the screen had dead pixels (strike 1.) The next thing I noticed was the device would disconnect from my access point if left unattended for period of time (so much for recording a 5 hours show) (strike 2). Finally the device would not work outdoors even in a wide open field on a clear day (strike 3).
I finally returned the device and I will be sticking to Sirius over the Internet from now on. I record the Howard Stern show and other content to my computer and then transfer the content as MP3s to my iPod.
To be fair people who call the Stern show give the Stiletto rave reviews. Perhaps I just recieved a defect radio.
On: 2007-01-11
Ive been looking for a device like this to compete with XM for a long time now. I was very excited when it finally showed up. My primary purpose for this device was to record the Howard Stern show each day. The secondary purpose was to use the device while relaxing outdoors or hiking on the weekends.
The first thing I noticed was the screen had dead pixels (strike 1.) The next thing I noticed was the device would disconnect from my access point if left unattended for period of time (so much for recording a 5 hours show) (strike 2). Finally the device would not work outdoors even in a wide open field on a clear day (strike 3).
I finally returned the device and I will be sticking to Sirius over the Internet from now on. I record the Howard Stern show and other content to my computer and then transfer the content as MP3s to my iPod.
To be fair people who call the Stern show give the Stiletto rave reviews. Perhaps I just recieved a defect radio.
On: 2007-01-11
Everything about this purchase was great. I received the item quickly. My husband absolutely loves it. I am kicking myself for not getting two of them.
On: 2007-01-10
I love the wifi in this unit. I can listen in my home or any hotspot with no drop outs. The satellite receiver only works well outside. The sound quality is amazing!!!!
On: 2007-01-09
I just bought the Stiletto 100 for myself for my birthday.
I wanted to enter the satellite radio family much earlier, but I thought it was ridiculous that I couldnt move around with a radio "walkman" style. When Sirius debuted the Stiletto, I waited a fair amount of time for them to work out the bugs and finally pulled the trigger.
The Good:
-The reception in big cities is great. Even in Lexington, KY, I was getting signal in a datacenter in the middle of a 7 story building.
-Wifi option is easy to use.
-Interface is clean and simple. Very Ipod-like.
-Recording live radio. I am a DVR addict with my TV and find myself constantly wanting to rewind radio. This unit grants me that ability.
The Bad:
-As others have said, the headphones stink. The earbuds are very invasive and the entire unit is fairly rigid and uncomfortable.
-Cars. Once you leave a big city with a repeater, you need the car kit to get reception. The car kits are confusing, but that portion shouldnt affect this review.
-No clip. I want to use this while I jog or mow the lawn. It didnt come with any good way to teather the unit to your arm or belt.
Overall, I think it is a good product. The headphones need a serious redesign and I still need to purchase the car kit for my work commute, but I am happy with the unit and the service Sirius provides.
On: 2007-01-07
First and foremost, I switched to Sirius from XM and the difference in the rock stations is embarrasing. The selection and expertly sectioned rock sub catagories is a thousand times better on Sirius. XM does not have a single channel that is reliable to play early heavy rock such as old Black Sabbath, Lost Zeppelin classics, Deep Purple,
Iron Maiden etc. You might get a little of this on XM, but it arrives with heaping doses of Warrant, Winger, Poison and Ratt. All of that Hair metal is quite fun mind you, but Sirius seperates the the early heavy rock on theyre excellent channel called Buzzsaw, and the spandex boys have their own channel called Hair Nation. XM crams it all onto the Boneyard channel. Also Sirius treats us to channel 18 "The Spectrum", perhaps the most intelligent, and classiest rock station Ive ever heard - somehow mixing Peter Gabriel with Government Mule, blusey old Rolling Stones with The Racanteurs or Death Cab for Cutie - absolutley brilliant! Being that Im so overwhelmed at the content offered on Sirius, my review if the Stilleto is an afterthought. I own it for about a month. To be simple and brief - When Im home, I pop it into the home dock and play it through my 5.1 surround system. The antenna is quite long and sits comfortably on the outside window ledge. Signal and sound are both amazing. When I get in the car, I pop it into the car dock, magnetic antena on the roof. Signal and sound are both amazing. When Im outside walking through my village, sitting in the park reading, or walking the beach on a brisk fall day, the signal and sound are both amazing. Recording live songs is so much fun! Reminds me of recording songs off of AM radio onto portable cassette recorders when I was a kid. Putting a hundred or so of my own MP3s is great to have stored in the units memory, should I get in the mood for a specific song. But with so many excellent channels to choose from, you might not ever look for the music you stored. The only negetive I could say is this: do not expect to use the stilettos live satelite reception indoors (unless you are docked) - in a bus or train - or in a area of dense forest. In those cases, switch over to your many hours worth of live satellite recordings, or your own stored MP3s. I have not yet tried the internet function of this unit, but I intend to on my next Starbucks visit. Yes it is true that the headphones are not that comfortable, but not nearly as bad as Ive read in some of the reviews. The screen is gorgeous, the menus are as simple as the Ipod, and the feel is quite solid. Your are carrying the whole world of music, sports, comedy, news and Howard - right in your pocket - whever you go.
On: 2007-01-06
This is my 3rd Sirius radio and by far the most enjoyable. Ive had the Stiletto for about 3 months and at first I was a bit disappointed because I was not able to connect via wireless at McDonalds, Starbucks, etc. because they all have networks that require signon/passwords. That disappointment quickly turned into excitement when I go to client sites and connect to their wireless networks with no problem. I work in downtown Chicago and walk all over with the Stiletto in my pocket and still get uninterrupted satellite radio. This while only using the internal receiver and not the satellite headphones. I purposely go to lunch spots that are farther than I need to so I can justify spending the $350. Since I am no stranger to satellite radios, I know that the signal is impaired by bridges, buildings, etc. Given this, I have never tried to get a signal while on my 1-hour train ride home every night. Every satellite radio Ive purchased had the same blurb about not working on trains. Heck theres even a picture of places it works and doesnt work and the train is one of them where it will not work. So dont blame Sirius or the Stiletto for the lack of reception when the consumer didnt do their homework before spending $350 and getting there hopes up.
I give the Stiletto 4 stars instead of 5 because 1)cost, 2)not getting a home/car unit with the unit to begin with given the coin dropped, 3)memory is split 50/50 between what you can use for recorded storage and what you can use for mp3/wma storage and 50 hrs of mp3/wma seems to get eaten quickly, 4)not to impressed with the white color on the back considering how sweet the front screen looks, 5)kinda unrelated to the Stiletto but the case made for this thing is $30 yes $30 on top of the $350 youve dropped for the unit and if you opt for a home/car kit thats another $70 yes $70. Im not crying because I havent listened to "regular" radio since early December 2004 and have no intentions on going back to "call
On: 2007-01-06
Listen, I am not one to badmouth a product unless it truly deserves it. I live in a major city and I have a clear view of every sky. I have tried my Stiletto all over the place with and without the home docking station and the automobile docking station. IT DOESNT GET RECEPTION ALMOST ANYWHERE!!!!!!!!!!!! I mounted the antenna to my roof and still nothing! If you call customer service they just tell you that your unit might be faulty. Nope. I swapped mine out (which is why I cant return this one now!) and it still had zero reception. Dont waste your money. I have spent over $500 and several hours obtaining every product and trying every possible thing to get reception. Its garbage. I get 0 terrestrial and 0 satellite reception.
Bottom line is that this product isnt worth snot. If the reception were quality I would give it 5 stars, but since I couldnt get more than 15 minutes of listening on an 8 1/2 hour drive to Canada I have to say that reception just isnt anywhere to be found! GARBAGE!
On: 2007-01-05
I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and havent been able to get a consistent reception for a couple weeks. The broadcast is continually interrupted because of this.
I even returned my original unit to Sirius for a replacement, but it wasnt much better. Tech Support did say that a small percentage do have defective receivers.
As much as I would like to enjoy the service, at this price point, I will wait for the next generation model which will hopefully address this.
On: 2007-01-05
I commute to NYC from NJ by train and really missed Howard live in the morning. I live about an hour outside of the city-- in Middletown, NJ a suburb of New York and couldnt wait for Sirius to release their portable unit- the Stiletto. So I got it for Christmas... tried it around my home... it only worked in certain spots -- my expectations diminished. Then I tried it on the train this week...The only time I could get a sustainable signal was when I was about 5 miles outside of Manhattan. Then it was great. I was only able to listen for about ten minutes out of my hour ride. The signal really has to be enhanced for the rest of the metropolitan area.
The Headphones are what give the Stiletto its name-- you feel like there are two high heels jammed in your head. Cheap design and construction. The sound easily leaks out of them. Didnt anyone try wearing them for ten minutes? Maybe the technicians couldnt get their own signal either.
I have read other reviews by folks who say "its new technology" "give it a chance" or "its the same for all things new and will improve with time." And others who say its "Great!" (they must be salesman or Sirius employees). Well, I disagree. First. it has to WORK and then you can make it better. The Stilletto does not at all do what it is supposed to yet. This was clearly rushed and released for the holidays. The price for everything is outrageous for the quality of the product and what it doesnt do. I wished I had purchased the slightly cheaper portable S50 unit that is portable but not live. I would have been better able to manage my own expectations.
Shame on Sirius.
Mark
On: 2007-01-04
I was very excited to try this Stiletto unit out over the holiday break but unfortunately things didnt work out the way I wanted. As a daily commuter from the Wilmington, DE to Philadelphia, PA area I experienced very POOR reception on my entire trip. Granted I was in a train for most of this commute, but even walking around in the Delaware/Pennsylvania area in open view I still could NOT get ONE signal bar.
Although my Sirius car unit does get quality reception in these areas, two thumbs down for the new Stiletto unit because of its POOR reception.
On: 2007-01-04
Dont believe the hype. The Stiletto has been hailed as the ultimate satellite radio gadget, but its performance is dismal. To call the satellite reception spotty is a huge understatement. Yesterday I stood in an open field, held it over my head into a clear sky, and could only get an intermittent signal. I also have an S50, and it is without question the superior device (at a much more reasonable price). Im not knocking Sirius, because its a fantastic service. But in my opinion, the Stiletto is a colossal waste of mone | | |
