- Average user rating: 2.0 stars out of 20 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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6 out of 8 people found this review helpful
1.5 stars
"Disappointing unit"
Pros: Very sleek looking
Cons: FM modulator essentially worthless
Summary: Eager to get it, I finally ordered the new Sportster 4 online. It didn't take long for me to be profoundly disappointed in the unit.
The problem is with the Sportster's FM converter: It's essentially worthless. I was unable to find a single frequency that wasn't subject to some sort of interference. Even the frequencies I use with the Starmate Replay were picking up static and/or bursts of music from elsewhere. In fact, at the lower end of the FM spectrum (the 88's and 89's) I got nothing. Zip. Nada. Even on the completely blank frequencies there was just nothing there. Finally around the 90.1 range you would be able to make out whichever channel you were trying to listen to. The upper frequencies were "listenable," provided you were willing to put up with the interference.
I finally decided to hook up the old Starmate again and put the units through a head-to-head competition. I set both receivers to the same FM frequency and the Starmate consistently overpowered the FM transmitter from the Sportster. I've actually tried the same experiment before, between the Starmate and an XM unit, and the result should be one signal or another getting through, but with a lot of interference. The bottom line is that the Sportster's FM converter is weak almost to the point of being non-existent.
I don't know what effect using a direct connect FM modulator would have on this shortcoming.
The second problem is that the power and antenna cables connect directly to the back of the cradle, NOT the sides. The end result is that the back of the radio is no longer a smooth surface, and you can no longer simply velcro the unit to the dashboard. It does come with that annoying standard-issue suction cup mount or a vent mount. I'm not a big fan of either mounting method, however.
On the plus side: If you are able to playback with either a cassette adapter or a direct connect cable, you will like the Sportster 4. It's a beautifully sleek looking unit and the various controls are laid out well. The blue backlight is just a bit weak during the day, but unobtrusive at night.
Buying additional cradles--whether for the house or other cars--makes moving the radio from one location to another a snap since you don't have to deal with connecting and disconnecting various cables.
- 1 reply to this review
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FCC regulations permit just enough power to get a signal through, but with noise for the FM modulator. Do yourself a favor get the FM direct adapter while you are in Best Buy picking this up. Install takes just a few minutes depending on your vehicle and will eliminate the need to find empty FM stations.
Where to buy
Sirius Sportster 4:
$213.00
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Amazon.com Marketplace
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$213.00 | Yes |
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