Delphi's SkyFi2 XM satellite radio receiver is an evolutionary, not revolutionary, upgrade to the first SkyFi.
It provides more channel presets (30 versus 20), a nicer LCD (black-and-white versus the original's amber-and-black, which washed out in bright sun), plus the ability to scroll a stock ticker or sports scores along the display. It also lets you auto-jump to a favorite song or artist.
But the best new perk is the ability to buffer 30 minutes of audio, which means you can repeat that Tears for Fears song you just heard. Although you can't record with the device, pausing and replaying definitely has advantages.
I tested the SkyFi2 with the $60 car cradle kit (XM service costs $10 a month). The SkyFi2's built-in FM transmitter worked great, though I found the fidelity to be better when using a cassette adapter.
If you're in the market for satellite radio, you can't go wrong with the SkyFi2.
Delphi SkyFi2
DW VERDICT: A solid upgrade of an already fine product.
PRICE: $100 (street)
Current Price (if available)
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