Sony - DRN-XM01C Satellite Radio Receiver with Car Kit Review

When I first got interested in XM Radio, there weren't many receivers to choose from back then.  All I knew is that I wanted XM and wanted it badly.  So, to the internet I went.

Most receivers were pretty expensive and I was being thrifty (cheap).  I wanted a bargain, but with new technology there weren't many to be found.

Then one day while on Ubid.com, I struck gold!  A Sony XM Receiver for what was then a bid of about $60!  And, what's more they seemed in really big supply so I figured what the heck.  I bid $61.  I told you I was being thrifty right?  Well I got one.

Sony DRN-XM01C Satellite Radio Receiver with Car Kit

Okay, it was a bit big, a bit clunky but it fit pretty well over my steering column in my beloved Jeep Cherokee.  It took only about an hour for me to install once I went to Best Buy to purchase an antennae that wasn't included with the kit (very strange, no?).  So, maybe it wasn't the bargain I thought it was, but still it was mine at a reasonable cost.

The unit came with a remote that could scroll the channels up and down, but it had only 5 pre-sets.  I thought that was pretty skimpy especially from Sony, but okay the sound was spectacular.

I did like the fact that the unit was modular, meaning it fit into a cradle and could be removed and concealed when I parked my car.  This is South Florida afterall.  Break-ins to get cool electronics weren't and still aren't unknown.  That comment won't win me any points with the tourist industry, but c'mon, isn't this suposed to be a consumer site?  Removeable is good, very good.

My Viewpoint

This unit, the Sony DRN-XM01C Satellite Radio Receiver, is getting a little long in the tooth.  It's been upgraded at least a couple of times by Sony to give it a better remote and more pre-sets.  I've seen some of the newer models on Ebay for extremely low prices but when XM Radio is virtually giving away receivers like the XM Roady XT, complete with antennae I have to ask myself why anyone would opt for this aging Sony.

Sure, it got me into the Satellite Radio age, it works well and it has lasted long with no problems, but still there are better and cheaper options out there today.  I'd pass on this one today.

Regards,

Rudi