Great radio with just a couple of drawbacks
Pros:
One the least expensive XM radios you can buy.
Cons:
Have to put up with reflective screen in well-lit settings.
The Bottom Line:
This radio has versatility to go from the home stereo, to the office box and to the car and back.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
I purchased the Delphi SkyFi radio about 8 months ago. I drive a whole lot, so the SkyFi is great to have whenever I drive through areas that have little or no regular radio service. No matter where I drive, the SkyFi picks up the signal.
The sound from the SkyFi is wonderful and there are 20 presets to save favorite stations. The only real problem with the SkyFi radio is that it is difficult to read the radio face in daylight - daylight washes out the display. Also, the plastic on the display reflects just about any form of light, so during the daytime just placing your hand in front of the radio (and reflecting light onto the radio face) causes the light to be reflected back and further washes out the display. However, just before dusk and until just after dawn, it's very easy to read the display. I don't know why Delphi chose two contrasting levels of amber to use in the display. Looks nice, but it's not very functional. Perhaps a standard green on black LED-type display would have been a better choice for making it easy to read regardless of the light level. Of course, when I use the Delphi radio inside the house, the display is very easy to see. From what I read, Delphi has resolved the display problem with the SkyFi 2, but it now costs about $50 more than the original SkyFi.
If you choose to connect the SkyFi to your home stereo system, you'll be pleased. Just make sure when you choose to connect this to your home stereo system that you order the extra XM radio antenna extension cable. The home kit has a 20' antenna cable and the antenna needs to face Southeast. It's unlikely that you will be lucky enough to place the XM antenna right next to your home stereo system.
When I compare using the SkiFi to a standard FM radio, the SkyFi has no static, cracks or fades in any way. You either have signal or you don't. It's so easy to pick a station because the selections show up on the screen - I don't have to guess what kind of station I have tuned to. The jog-dial is easy to use, but sometimes skips a station here or there.
If you are going to install the SkiFi in an automobile (the most common place), you should opt for a professional installation!
