This is installed in two steps:
1) Install the antenna. This is the "hard" part. You can either put the antenna outside of the car and route inside or in the windshield/ back window. I have a four door and put the antenna on the back shelf behind the back passenger headrest and then just routed the wire. Recption has been A+ and no wires hanging out.
2) Install the unit -- This took me about 10 seconds to do. Just plug into the cigarette Lighter(2 seconds) and tune the FM Radio(8 seconds) to the right channel
Sound is excellent. I think SiriusXM figured out how to make the car electrical system a radio transmitter so the signal is super strong for my car radio to pick up on. So, no bleed over, no buzzing, no interference.
Unless you're looking for alot of bells and whistles.. this is as good as it gets and its CHEAP!!!! AudioVox XM XSN1V1 Snap Radio
The good:
Small footprint
Minimal wiring required as the antenna and aux out plug into the lighter adapter
Cleaner look when installed
Cheap
The bad:
The display doesn't scroll like other XM/Sirius radios
Difficult to change channels using preset buttons
5 presets total
Menu has 2 options Audio level and ID
I had an old Sirius Sportster Replay and replaced it with the XM Snap. Having used a full sized unit in the past the things I miss are the full size display and more presets. The biggest issue with this radio I have found is that it is difficult to change the channel as the preset buttons require a firm press and the radio is only supported by the lighter adapter which allows for some movement of the radio. No complaints about the audio quality. You basically give up some functionality and usability for the small size and simple installation.
When you've been around long enough you learn that everything represents some sort of compromise.... There are few if any clear wins.
The XM Snap! provides an easy, minimal way to get XM going in your car. It is seeming the "best" solution for this in my wife's 2008 Lexus RX350 w/Nav. There were other "better" ways, e.g. $300 (aftermarket) -> $700 (dealer) bits that integrate w/the head unit, but that's wwaayyy too much to spend for XM radio (esp considering $12/mo).
If you look at reviews elsewhere for this radio you'll see that experience varies WRT its FM transmitter. In our area there are only a few "empty" FM freqs & there is a bit of hiss/static using this (and this method is a bit light in bass) but my wife is not picky. May buy & use a cassette adapter someday. The pluses are many for this small, convenient way to go.
+ low purchase price + promotions. great UI for its minimal size (category arrow buttons, presets, knob w/push scan)
+ if lighter location & FM work well for you, just run antenna wire & plug 'er in. (does have audio & FM out jacks btw)
+ small, easy to stow, nice twisting/angling abilities
- antenna wire shorter than my other XM radios, probably could not neatly make it (tucked in, etc.) from front->top rear hatch location that I did w/other radios. antenna wire also has large right-angle plug & large magnet/choke plastic barrel that make routing harder. Took a while to neatly run wire from front of sunroof & down passenger door mouldings, but no wire is visible.
- only 5 presets, but necessary for small size I guess.
- FM transmitter seems weaker & w/slightly attenuated bass compared to my other Delphi XM SkyFis
But again a nice, simple, small solution if it suites your needs. We're happy with it.
The snap is easy to install,easy to set up and a snap (pardon the pun) to use. The only thing to be aware of is the antenna hook up on the set. It can easily break when moving set from one vehicle to another. I am looking for a solution to that little problem now but all in all a great little radio.
AudioVox XM XSN1V1 Snap Radio
I really like the design and the ease of setup and use. My only complaint is that the FM broadcast feature tends to be pretty weak regardless of which frequency I tune it to. Most of the time, it works great. Some of the time, not so much. If you have a direct line in, no problem!
We bought this XM radio to enjoy satellite radio principally when traveling. It is easy to install although the antenna wires have to be routed around windows and door frames for a nice clean installation. Playing the radio through an open FM station works well. Tip: check the XM website to get the best FM stations to use in specific areas. Put it your zip code and several of the best choices will be presented in order. In areas where there is a lot of FM stations, a hard wire installation probably would be most successful. This require purchasing an additional accessory and removing the car radio for installation. All-in-all, seems to be a great little product with lots of value.
The FM transmitter inside the unit is very weak thanks in part to government regulations and if you live anywhere near a city with a lot of broadcast radio stations you will be hard pressed to get quality sound transmitting through unused FM station.
I've owned the 'Snap' for about 7 months and it has been a generally good experience. Unfortunately, after about 3 months it started having a static or buzz sound constantly in the background. Another owner who posted on the "Sky Dock" thread had this problem, (along with others), and was going to try a shielded audio cord for the aux connection. He hadn't updated, but I had suspected the same thing and went to Radio Shack and bought a 3' shielded cord for about $8. Problem Solved. No more buzz/static and now I'm very pleased with this set-up, which is now hooked up to a 2010 Accord. At the bottom of it all is the fact that XM let these units on the market with a sub-standard aux cord, which was supposed to give the best audio quality. Now it has the best quality; it's great. - Sirius Xm - Xm Radio'
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