Amazon Radio

Have had XM service for over 3 years now. Recently had to get a new radio because I was told my old one may interfere with other radio signals. So, they talked me into getting the Onyx. I was very specific when I asked if it did what my other radio did, including play in my home portable unit. I was assured it did. Well, it absolutely does not. Nor does it have the same features as my old one. On my old one I could pause and rewind, this one I can’t. And it does not fit either my old car kit or my home kit, rendering the home kit useless and I had to reinstall a new car kit to use it. In fact, with the Onyx I have had nothing but problems with it since getting it. It turns off when it feels like, goes into demo mode (and then you can’t turn it off), the display reads either check antenna or check power supply, neither of which are at issue (have had it checked and installed profressionally). I called to get it replaced. Was told I would be put through warranty and they would handle it. Well, the call was dropped and I tried calling back (since no one bothered calling me) and this time I got someone who could not speak or even understand English very well so the call was never completed – again. To get to the end result, it is now over 3 weeks later, 5 phone calls (all done by me – they never call back!), 4 emails and a request for a supervisor and it is still not resolved! HORRENDOUS customer service, TERRIBLE CHEAP product and not worth the money or trouble.
Rating: 1 / 5

I plugged the Onyx power adapter into my ‘98 BMW’s cigar lighter and it would not work. No light; no power. My old XM radio worked fine. I’ve seen this problem with BMWs once before – the lighter plug is too short to contact the bottom of the socket. Called XM (the only support number available). They had never heard of the problem and recommended I return it or seek professional installation. No help whatsoever!

But I solved the problem – heres how: Roll a piece of paper into a tube and push it into the socket. Be sure it goes all the way to the bottom. Drop a dime into the tube and push it all the way to the bottom with a pencil. THE DIME MUST NOT CONTACT THE METAL SIDES OF THE SOCKET ON ITS WAY DOWN OR IT WILL SHORT! That’s the reason for the paper tube. While holding down the dime with the pencil, pull out the tube. When it’s all the way to the bottom the dime will not short to the sides and the Onyx lighter plug will make electrical contact through the dime. NEVER PLUG IN THE CIGAR LIGHTER AGAIN without removing the dime!

Otherwise the Onyx is a nice little unit – attractive, slim and well-designed. Too bad the adapter is pretty bulky in comparison. Nice display, easy to use, and good sound quality. The “power connect” feature works great with FM – no annoying 3rd wire like sure-connect. Lacks a button to cycle through the presets – you have to push each preset button individually. Also lacks an auto-power-shutoff (which my old one had). A handy feature if your cigar lighter is always on.

Other than the initial installation problem I am very happy with the Onyx.
Rating: 3 / 5