XMFan Review: BELKIN F5X007 Boombox for RoadyXT / Xpress

[Ryan]

So, I finally got around to reviewing the new Belkin F5X007 boombox for the RoadyXT or Audiovox Xpress and I am very impressed. This boombox works with both the RoadyXT and Xpress radios, so if you ever switch between the 2 radios, there's no need to buy another boombox.



The coolest thing about this boombox was the built-in antenna. You simply plug in the radio and you're good to go (well, at least I was). The stump sticking out of the right side of this boombox is the internal XM antenna. It's basically a ClipXT XM2go antenna built inside the boombox. I found that I could get a near perfect signal anywhere in my house using this internal antenna. If the signal did cut out, I could simply move the boombox slightly to the left or right and I was back to a perfect signal. This was very impressive, as I was not expecting this from inside a house.

The boombox also comes with an external home antenna, which can be used if you are not getting a signal with the internal antenna. This is actually the new, smaller "version 2" XM home antenna. It's about 30% smaller than the original home antenna. According to Belkin, the first production run of 40,000 units are including this new external antenna. Future production batches will NOT include the external home antenna. You will need to buy one separately.

This boombox is "water resistant", so it's safe to have blasting next to the pool during the summer (as long as it doesnt fall in!) The radio fits into the boombox snuggly and a door locks in place to keep the water away. At first the design of the boombox looked silly to me, but now that I have used it, it's actually near perfect. The nice big handle across the top is easy to grip-- something you older "bowtie" SkyFi boombox users don't have. Why is it that all "water proof" and "water resistant" products are white? I'd prefer black, or maybe even a yellow.

The front of the boombox features a headphone jack, which is under a rubber cover to keep the water out. The front controls also feature a volume UP and a volume DOWN button for digital volume control (another feature learned from SkyFi boombox issues).

On the back of the unit is the power input, XM antenna input, and the 8-C battery compartment. You will notice a short wire already plugged into the antenna jack coming out of the battery compartment. This is the boombox's internal antenna. If you wish to use the external home antenna, you have to unplug the internal antenna first. Both cannot be used at the same time.

I did not test this unit on battery power, so I can not comment on battery life.

Sound quality was very, very good. It's about the same as the Audiovox XB9 and XB10 boomboxes, if you have heard those. Much higher quality than the old SkyFi boomboxes. You can adjust the boombox's bass and treble through the MENU button on the radio.

The remote control is a very small "credit card" style remote. It's similar to the remotes of the old Sony PNP units. The only thing I did not like about the remote was the lack of number buttons. I had to either listen to a preset, or go through the channels one at a time. The only option for direct number input was to open the waterproof lid and punch the number into the radio itself. I have other XM Radio remote controls lying around (a myfi remote and a polk remote) that work with this boombox and those remotes had number pads.

Overall, I highly recommend this boombox for you RoadyXT or Xpress users out there. Sound quality was great, and the internal antenna picked up an amazing signal. No need to mess with tangled wires of the external home antenna (in most cases. Your signal quality may vary depending on building type, etc).

AVAILABLE NOW at XMFanStore.com:
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PICTURES:


Belkin boombox packaging:


Internal Antenna:


Internal antenna is actually a ClipXT:


Near-perfect signal using internal antenna Indoors. Water lid closed.:


Back of boombox. Internal antenna plugged in:


Internal Antenna Wire unplugged:


Large rubber grips on bottom keep it from sliding around in water:


Headphone jack and volume controls on front:


Belkin Boombox Remote:


Very small remote:


Includes home AC adapter, remote, external antenna:


Rubber "bar" moves on top of the radio to keep it in place:


Bass/Treble controls:


Digital volume control:


RoadyXT docked inside boombox. Lid open:


New external home antenna:

[Ryan]

I would hardly call this a "feature" but this is pretty handy. If you're taking your boombox to the beach or somewhere, you can set the remote in with the radio and lock the door shut. Take your remote with you, and you won't lose it!

[cyclingplatypus]

Nice review! This is a must have before camping season rolls around here in New Hampshire.

[GMFreak8]

Is there any cover or anything to protect the jacks on the back from water? Kinda wierd they aren't protected like the headphone jack and radio.

[Ryan]

[XM in Dallas]

Very nice!

There's a volume knob issue with the bowtie boombox? I thought that was a feature. I like surprises.

[Ryan]

[Uncle Alaska]

I'm guessing that the Roady XT remote will work instead of the included micro one? (sans volume control)

-UA

[Ryan]

[Kas]

Wheres the controls on the boom box? Or is it on the radio only?

[Ryan]

[Kas]

I just see a black bar. But Ill take your word for it.

[Ryan]

[Kas]

On my CRT moniter its black, on my LCD it shows up. Like magic! Heres a brightened up pic:

[Uncle Alaska]

Couple of notes about this unit (just got mine today and have been playing around with it):

Things I like:

-Well constructed and sturdy
-Sound quality is quite good
-Built in antenna
-The roady XT remote (larger) works all functions Including volume (+ - keys)

Things that slightly annoy:

-The drop down cover (over the radio head) seems to influence remote use...depends on angle and distance

Things I don't like at all:

-The power supply!! why couldn't they have put the cube inside the radio leaving just a cord to radio!!! I am going to try and find a better supply/cord and this unit could probably be hooked up to a vehicle with the right connector (radio shack?)


Overall I like it!!!!

Also note: there is a slot in the battery compartment specifically for the included remote.

-UA