Customer Reviews

Sirius Stiletto 10/100 Vehicle Kit SLV1

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

I recently hooked my S100 up to my car and everything seems to work just fine. The only problem i had was setting the fm transmitter to a channel that didn't have any interference from radio stations. Problem solved by connecting Sirius's FM direct Adapter(which connects through the cars antenna plug). No more static in any city. So the only real problem is that this car kit doesn't come with the FM direct adapter which was $20.

I just had this installed in my car yesterday at Circuit City for about $76--well worth the price of professional installation! (And much cheaper than BEST BUY!) They did a great job, wired the power and the antenna directly into the radio & behind the dashboard--no wires at all. However, as some other reviewers have noted, be sure to get an FM Modular tie-in thingamajig, only costs $20 on Amazon (cheaper than in-store), and the reception is 1000% better, no interference whatsoever vs. a wireless FM hookup. I believe the other reviewers are correct when they say the Stiletto has a much weaker FM broadcast than the previous Sirius models.

One other small drawback: the dashboard mounting arm that is supplied w/this unit is a bit short. Because of the way my car is configured (older Infiniti I30) the docking station is a bit low, not exactly where I want it. I think I'm going to invest in an aftermarket Sirius gooseneck mount, which sells on Amazon for $17-$25,Arkon SR-88 15-inch Flexible Gooseneck Satellite Radio Mount for Delphi Skiff or Sirius Satellite Radios as it looks like a better solution.

Other than that, this is a great product for your Sirius radio. Howard rules!!

I recently purchased the car kit (as the Stiletto does not have an FM transmitter). The FM transmitter works, but not well. The signal it emits is not strong at all, and as a result, you can barely hear Siruis from my car stereo (irrespective of what channel you select). The problem is not acquiring the signal from the satellite to the Stiletto (that is very good); the problem is the car kit emitting the single to the car stereo. I assume, but have not yet tried, that connecting the car kit via the audio output will solve this problem, but if you intend to use the car kit without an audio output line, DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY. It will result in nothing more than frustration.

The kit is easy to install and use, however the extended FM transmitter is very very weak so I had to purchase another additional FM transmitter so that I can get a clear signal.This should be standard with the kit.

I love my Stiletto, and love my Stiletto home kit. The car kit? Not so much. It works fine - as far as reception, etc - but the design of the dock is not so hot on the fit and finish, and the mounting arm, etc - it's all just a bit cheezy and hard to deal with. Inserting the Stiletto into the dock is a 2 handed job, and things don't seem to line up so well - so you need to use a little force, and that is not something I like to do when dealing with connections on electronic devices! Another annoyance is - before you can use your Stiletto in the car after hooking up to the dock, you have to wait an interminable time for it to 'connect' so you are stuck looking at the cute Sirius dog and some stars that show you the progress of your connection - can't use the MP3 player ability or anything else until it connects. This is really annoying - my dedicated Sirius car radios do not take that much time to sync up - and in fact, if I just use the Stilletto in my car 'as-is' =without= the car dock, it syncs up super fast/no problem. Anyway - I wanted to love this car dock - but it is the weakest link in my Stiletto accessory collection, cheezy, cludgy and definitely not worth paying full price for!

I received the stiletto as a xmas gift and was confused at first why I'd need a car kit for a portable satellite radio. I guess I'm still a bit confused, because the unit in my opinion should work as a "portable" device. Oh well.
My next question was.... If I get the car kit, do I truly have to install the antenna? Would it be good enough to just set the antenna puck on my dash board or rear shelf? First let me say, using the Stilleto in my car (in Illinois) *without* the car kit sucked. It was truly a test of my patience, as I could hardly make it through a song with "Aquiring Signal" showing up on my unit. I rate this frustration right up their with untangling shoelaces or xmas lights!
After trying for a few weeks to use the Stiletto in my car without the car kit, and having great patience, I decided to purchase the SLV1. I've had the kit now for about 2 weeks and so far I've been very happy with it. I didn't professionally install the antenna yet, but just have the puck sitting on my dashboard. So far not a single interrupted song or program.
I found a local installer, who quoted me about $60-65 to install the vehicle kit. At this point, I'm not sure if I'm going to have it more permanently installed as I'm getting a great signal.
I still haven't found the optimal place to "mount" the base of the unit in my car, and that might be part of my hesitation of getting it permanently installed. I don't like the MANY wires and would like to figure out how to best hide them, and tuck them away. There are three wires going to my unit (audio, power, and antenna), and some of these cables are real long, especially the antenna. But, you certainly need a long antenna cable if you're permanently installing the unit.
I use the audio output, I've heard lots of folks complain about the FM transmitter. I agree that a direct audio input is probably best.
One thing I think would be ideal, is a "kit" that could be used both in my car AND in my house. When I got the Stiletto I was hoping for more of a portable solution. I really like the features of Stiletto. They did a good design job. If you're debating getting the SLV1, get it. You'll be glad. I didn't really think I'd need or use the remote control since the unit is pretty much at arms length, but it's nice having the remote as you are less distracted when changing channels, and your arm can be resting on your center console while pressing keys rather than reaching out to keep pressing keys.

Yes it does allow you to listen to your stilleto in your vehicle, however, you still need to purchase the FM direct adapter separately. The FM transmitter it comes with is useless. They need to repackage it so it comes with the direct adapter.

YOU WILL NEED A CASSETTE ADAPTER OR DIRECT FM ADAPTER FOR BEST RECEPTION IN CITY AREAS. I USED A CASSTTE ADAPTER AND AM VERY HAPPY WITH RESULTS.

---I was disappointed that the only attachment method was a large circular "sticky back'--it severely limited where it could be placed and did not hold up to the sun on the dashboard. It is already falling off only a few weeks after the initial setup--at least if there was a suction cup, I could try reattaching--my stiletto looks like it will be falling off the dashboard within the week, and at this point I need to find a glue that will not damage my dashboard or try to duct-tape it on temporarily, which will probably permanently mar my dashboard!

I am generally unsatisfied with the Sirius Stiletto, but especially with the car kit. I drive a Buick Century, a good, solid mid-sized car, and the car adapter is so big and bulky that I can't use it. In a Buick Century. We are not talking about a tiny Nissan or Kia. We are talikng about a Buick! The adhesive for the dashboard mount is too weak to support the weight of the unit with the radio. I LOVE Sirius radio, I may eventually pay to have the internal satellite antenna put into my car. But the Stiletto is a disappointment.