Home > Consumer Reviews > Sirius SUB-X1 Universal Plug 'n' Play Boombox

I had intended to use the boombox at work. I originially did not know about the need for the indoor/outdoor antenna, which of course makes sense in order to receive a satelite signal, but there is NO physical way for me to get the anntenna outside and I don't have a window in my office. I even tried the boombox at home with the antenna on the windowsill, and I still couldn't get a signal. So disappointed! The boombox is a great design, light weight, and great sound (when I could get a signal for 2 sec.), but unless you have just the right place to put it or are able to put the antenna outside, you may have limited signal capability. So sad! I love my satelite radio!

...it is just a box with an on and off switch and volume control. There is no ability to adjust the bass/treble/etc. And I think it's a little too bass.

It's a nice looking unit and I enjoy having Sirius radio in the house. It has a jack, so you can plug your iPod or computer into it to listen to another source.

I've been using Sirius for almost two years. I recently upgraded to the Sporster 5 from the Sportster 1 (unit went bad, no antenna pick up). I had the home dock and boombox for the Sportster 1.

The boombox is very simple. Basic plug and play. Has two 4" woofer for mid and high-low range, two tweeters, and 1 5 1/5" downward firing woofer for a sub. The port for the sub is the front (front middle screen). Clean sound. Decent low end. Compared to the previous boombox, able to maintain a cleaner sound at higher volumes.

It would have been nice to have some kind of treble/bass controls or an equalizer. Not that I would expect Sirius to do it, but an built in AM/FM radio would be nice; MLB fans would appreciate to listen to AM for their local teams.

The signal pick up, it no worse than using the home docking stations. If you have trouble getting a signal in the house with the home dock or where ever, you'll have the same problem with the box. Unfortunately, no matter what you do, if you don't have a clean site for the antenna, then you'll have signal problems.

I bought the Sportster 5 radio for my wife and I also wanted her to be able to use it around the house- not just in the car. This boombox looked like a good simple, plug-n-play solution. And it allows my wife to move her radio from room to room. It comes with 25 feet of cord on the antenna for convience but also wraps up neatly on the back of the boombox. The antenna thens locks into a slot on the top rear of the boombox.
We are able to get a good signal in the house without placing the antenna outside. That may depend on where we live. It seems to work better when boombox is not placed right next the window. We occasionally have to move the boombox around to get an adequate signal. But it works well and in places where I wouldn't think it could.
The sound quality is good- fm radio quality. The boombox has good frequency range and does not sound tinny.
The unit will operate on 8 D cells but I have not bought batteries yet to try that mode out.
The boombox is nicely designed and very attractive. My only dislike is the power cord. Its a little unwieldy for a portable type device. It has a computer like power cord- the adapter box with a short 120VAC wall cord and then a long low voltage wire that plugs in the back. I would have preferred the voltage conversion built into the unit so that the boombox could have had just a simple wall cord.

I am a satellite radio junky. i have not listened to regular radio in 3 years and have no desire to go back. the problem that i have had with satellite radio is setup and signal. I've had two car units that never got a signal in my car. i had a home unit that ran extremely hot and took quite a bit of time to finally find the right spot in my home.

The boombox is a godsend. i bought it and was a little nervous about setting it up. i was hoping not to be disappointed. setup was a breeze and when i slid my stratus 4 receiver in, i was good to go. sound. crisp clean sound. this is the best sound that i heard from any of my receivers. it's really not the receiver its the fact that the boombox doesnt rely on a FM frequency.

I don't know all the technical specs but i gotta tell you the sound is incredible. the bass is phenominal. this little boombox definitely packs a massive punch. the sound will have your friends thinking you paid a lot more for it. From pictures i was thinking it was a big hunk of plastic but it's actually quite small. the black and silver color of the box can fit it any room against any decor. the handle looks a little blocky in pictures but is actually quite comfortable. it is really portable and would be great to take to the beach or if do construction a work site. since satellite is a relatively new concept some boxes or receivers are the first models and don't really push the envelope in terms of design or technology. however this box which was one of the first made for sirius is excellent in terms of design. its a quality product and would be hard to improve upon without sacrifice adding size, bulk, and weight. it's extremely light weight. some reviews suggest its 7 pounds w/o batteries (11 with) but i don't feel it. i'm a big strong guy but its hard to believe its that heavy. i think a little kid would have no troubles lifting it.

The downside is pretty consistent on other reviews. the box does not come with a remote control. however you can find a remote control out there for maybe $10 at the most. you can adjust the volume but you can't adjust the bass or anything else. the box has about 3 or 4 buttons total. so far the bass has been just right but i havent played it at high levels so i don't know how it will be affected if you blast it.

I love sirius even with my previous struggles i continued to buy receivers. i listen at work and at home and any time in between. If you are looking to join the satellite revolution start with a receiver and a boombox. easy setup, less frustrating, more enjoyment. if you can avoid having to rely on the fm frequency you will not be disappointed by your satellite experience. I definitely recommend this product.