Home > Consumer Reviews > Audiovox XMCK20AP Xpress-R XM Satellite Radio Receiver and Car Kit Combo

Pros -
being able to view five different channels of audio simultaneously 30 minute buffer, being able to pause live radio
easy to read screen
several display options, large font, 5 channels, two channels, and normal full screen
easy to use out of the box, also very easy to install in your car
compatible with Altec Lansing speaker system (Altec Lansing XM3120)
Cons -
no color screen
not able to record individual songs

This is the fourth deck that I have owed since I have had XM Radio including the Roady XT, Inno, MyFi and I would have to say that the Audiovox Express R is worth purchasing if you like being able to view five different channels of audio simultaneously, while being able to pause live radio and having multiple ways that you can select to view the screen of the unit. It is very convenient for instance to be able to see two channels, the one that you are currently listening to and the channel that you previously were tuned to. Meaning that jumping back and fourth between two of our favorite channels is very easy because of the jump mode that is located on the dial.

In addition, it is convenient for the knob to be used as a dial as well as being used as a toggle that you can used to scan through all of the channels that XM provides. The screen is wide and easy to see whether it is day or night thanks to the automatic dimming feature that unit provides on the screen as well as for the buttons and the dial.

Some people believe that having a color screen on a satellite radio is imperative for it to be successful, but I really don't see that to be the case. Having owned the Inno for 6 months and using it at home, baseball games and in my car every day it grew annoying waiting for the graphics to load for the channel that you were trying to listen to when one of the songs that you selected as a Tune Select would come up. On this unit there is no waiting for the song to load, instead when you push the knob the song comes up very quickly without any lag time at all.

The Express R is really an impressive good-looking unit. With its glossy black body and its easy to read screen people really take note of it when they get in to my car. It's not too big to carry around, nor it is too small where the buttons would be hard to use when you're riding at 80 MPH down the freeway. The menus are very straightforward and most of the features on this unit can be used without reading the directions. Also, it is compatible with the Altec Lansing speaker unit, the same one that the Roady XT is used for. It really sounds great!

This receiver was a snap to install in my Honda Civic. I chose it over the option of a dealer-installed unit (heheh, he said 'unit') because (1) Honda dealers apparently install the XM antenna inside the windshield, which is far from optimal and (2) I don't care to pay $700 for radio & installation.

It works great, though I don't utilize any of the advanced features: I'm more of a set the favorites and use them type of person. Viewing anything more than just the current station while paying adequate attention to traffic seems kind of difficult. I would have purchased a lesser-equipped model, if it weren't for their relatively poor reviews.

The display can be set to display artist & title with very large text, which is great for viewing with ease.

A must-have for automobiles with AUX plugs is 3.5mm Stereo Cable - 3ft.. The cable has right-angle jacks, which help the unit blend in without messy wires.

I purchased this a week ago as a birthday present for my boyfriend. He loves it, and so do I.
It arrived in a timely manner, in intact packaging. I had a friend who installs car audio hook this up for me, and it only took the knowledgeable person about 20 minutes to do so.
The unit itself is not TERRIBLY sturdy/durable looking, and is plastic, but really, what are you going to be doing with it that it needs to be more sturdy than that?

The sound quality is great in the car - of course, this depends on your car's speaker system, but there is no hiss or feedback. With the instruction manual, it was easy to navigate using this thing, and get the hang of operation/programming.

All in all, a great product for 200 channels of commercial-free radio. I reccommend it, and the birthday boy LOVED it.

This unit is a bit clunky. A lot of wires for the function. So here is my two cents of a review.

First, the round button is somewhat easy to use if you like doing things backwards. The button advances options by being rotated like a dial. This is ok when you get the hang of the display. The main display is oriented like a semi-circle. The knob just doesn't flow right like you think it would to select options. Using the remote isn't easier either. Since the display on the actual screen is in a semi circle the menu either toggles clockwise or counter clockwise and opposite of your rotation of the dial.

Second, the user guide DOES NOT tell you that in order to decrease the noise static on the radio, you have to use BOTH the secure connect and the antenna. You do not need to purchase the secure connect as it comes in the box. When you look at the guide it says consult the secure connect manual... and there isn't a secure connect manual in the box nor is there a section in the main manual that tells you how to hook it up.

In order for the unit to work you have to plug in the antenna and then plug the secure connect cable into the fat mid section of the antenna cord. Basically create a "T" connection. Then clip the secure connect cable to your external antenna of your car. The opposite end of the antenna can be attached anywhere outside your car (magnet).

Select a station full of static first. Then sync the xm with that station using the options on the screen. You need a blank station basically because the XM system will not override an existing station.

NOTE; THE ICON IN THE BOOK IS DIFFERENT ON THE MAIN MENU FOR THE SYNC OPTION. PICK THE ONE THAT LOOKS LIKE A CAR ON THE MIDDLE LEFT SIDE OF THE SEMI-CIRCLE (see above).

Also when you call in to activate your unit, you must be in a clear area not obstructed by anything (trees, buildings, bridges...). I sat in an open parking lot to get my signal. It takes 15 minutes to have all the stuff download. If it does not work call back and an automated operator can send you the signal. Do yourself a favor, and call in at night that way it can work the next day when you need it...

ALSO, the box says that you will pay $9.99 if you register online and $14.99 if you register by phone. BUT, when you get online they try to tell you that it is a flat rate of $14. I called in to complain and they offered me $5 off and I was like nah I'll just send it back and they of course gave me the registration for $9.99.

Hope this helps. It took me two days to figure out all this by myself but I love my unit and I love the option of having my own selections for radio and not this garbage we hear on the regular ratio. The only thing is that you have to catch the good shows and there isn't an independant urban option nor is there a neo soul option. You can also record a playlist of sorts... bascially you can record a broadcast if you want a song to repeat. Hit the round button a few times to brin up the record option and when ready play back the sequence. WARNING; If you change the channel you loose the recorded set and start recording the new station.

Not a bad buy. Watch the price, I got my unit for $30 so either try to search for the unit and see if there are cheaper options.

WPHEW!!

Unit is very easy to work. Display has lots of information and features. Using the FM connect kit (which isn't included and costs extra) to the antenna can be problematic. As you drive area you run into radio interference from other FM stations that are in the area. You then have to retune the channel on your radio to another frequency with less interference. The direct connection unit (also available at extra cost) would not have the interference issue but could be more difficult for the home user to install. System is able to remember multiple pre-sets which is good because the display is hard to focus on while driving and can take seemingly forever to get to the channel you want. It also has the ability to show some sports scores and stock quotes which may be a useful feature. The normal installation includes plugging the powersupply into a 12 volt lighter plug in. The power supply has a 5 amp fuse in it so make sure that your lighter plug in has enough available. The receiver is detachable and has a home kit available (extra cost) that could allow you to use XM in your home or office.

This unit is better than factory because some factory units only display 10 characters and XM is now sending up to 36 characters, song title, singer, year, etc, which on factory units can look like "John Couga" singing "Little Pin" instead of "John Cougar Mellencamp" singing "Little Pink Houses". On the other hand that can be a fun on the road game trying to guess who it is and what exactly they are singing; so to each his own!