SIRIUS Stiletto SL100 Portable Satellite Radio Receiver

I installed the Stiletto in my car using the Vehicle Kit, which included an antenna. With the vehicle kit I haven't 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 isn't 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 it's 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 I've had no problems and a strong signal. If you're 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 you're driving and powers on and off with the car. I'm connecting using an accessory port and not the FM antenna splitter so I can't say how well the FM input works. The kit also includes a remote control which isn't mentioned on the Sirius or Amazon web site for some reason. 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 you've 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. It's like having a TIVO for satelite radio. We have XM in one of our cars and the programming on Siruis channels is better in my opinion. I'm installing another car kit on the boat to use the player in both places. 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 you're up and running you'll love Sirius and the Stiletto 100. Update After a Year I still enjoy my Stiletto and am still not happy with Sirius customer service. I had some problems with the unit that turned out to be a loose power connection and their support was worthless. Also the software that ships with the Stiletto sucks. I had been told by support that you could upload recordings to your PC. You can't. Sirius also promotes access to programming via the Web when you subscribe. They don't tell you it's only through their interface (not Media Player) and that you'll be prompted every hour "Are you there". It gets old after a while - to the point where you just want to listen to something else. I paid around $160 for my Stiletto, and I came to Amazon today to order a second unit to keep on my boat. I WOULD NOT pay the $328 they're asking now. I'll burn all my CD's to a cheap MP3 player instead.

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 can't 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 it's 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 don't 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 XM's unique programs like Bob Dylan's show...that would be awesome...hope they don't screw up the programming!

Yes this item cost over $300 and it is worthless unless you want a paperweight that constantly says acquiring signal. I had this item outside in broad daylight, under clear skies and it was getting no signal. The item was fully charged and if I was lucky and moved into the perfect position and the stars and moon were aligned I would get a singal for about five seconds. But then it would go right back to acquiring signal. It would be nice if Sirius did not try to milk every cent out of subscribers by monopolizing production of their equipment. Right now it is only Direct Electronics, which I believe is soley owned by Sirius and of course completely made in China. In short, they make lousy products, so it would be nice if Sirius let go of the leash and allowed companies like Pioneer, Samsung, Sony, etc. make products- as they are allowed to do for XM Radio. Until then, Sirius will not have a decent portable radio. But if you want to spend over $300 on a paperweight that does not get signal this is for you.

Let me start by saying: I don't work for Howard Stern, Sirius, or XM Radio. OK, now that that's out of the way, on to my little review of this wonderful "little" device... I've 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. It's bigger than an ipod, and heavier, but that's to be expected being a portable satellite receiver, and not a pure mp3 player. Unlike the Samsung Nexus (XM) which can't 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 that's 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 couldn't see myself using this for a 10 mile bike ride, but it's sufficient for walking/riding around when you want the extra power for reception. The boot up time for this is pretty long, but it's a fair trade off for what you're getting. It's not as small as an ipod or similar device, but it feels substantial in your hand, with good quality buttons that you can tell you've pressed. I haven't recorded any content yet, so I can't speak for the recording functions, but in general, this is the best Sirius radio to have if you're 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.

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 you're getting as you walk about the neighborhood are not because you have the coolest new technology. 3. Wi-Fi: You're not going to get a signal indoors so you'll have to rely on Internet radio via Wi-Fi. It's simple to use and a touch more reliable than direct satellite reception, but again, your reception is going to be spotty. Obviously, unless you've got complete Wi-Fi coverage over your entire home with no dead spots, you're going to lose reception with the Stiletto as you move about. And I've found plenty of places where my laptop or other device makes a strong Wi-Fi connection but the Stiletto can't connect at all. Also, when you do connect, you're getting a low bandwidth signal, which results in roughly AM radio quality sound. Maybe not so bad if you're listening to Howard, but music doesn't sound so hot. 4. MP3: Haven't tried it yet, but that's not the unit's primary purpose and it's 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, you'll 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, it's not easy to tell if you've turned the unit off or just put it into sleep mode; it doesn't turn on instantly and there's no charging indicator. Just plug it in and hope you're juicing it up. The unit itself is like a small brick (put it in your pocket and you'll know it's there). In the end, you've got a unit that can do some things, but not in a stellar fashion. It's usable, but don't 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.

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 isn't very good. It's 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 doesn't 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 - it's supposed to come on and record - but doesn't. A new Stiletto 2 is coming out - you might want tto wait and buy that one. It's cool to have - and works great in some areas. But it probably needed another year of work.

I received my Stiletto 100 from Amazon.com yesterday, and already I know that this was one of the best and coolest investments I've 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, I'm 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 I've noticed that isn't 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.

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 isn't 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 won't 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 haven't seen an issue with it so far. The car kit came with an AC adapter, so long trips won't be a problem. 6. Sirius also gives you the ability of listening online, so if I am at work and can't 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!