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I was skeptical about getting Satellite Radio for the simple fact that I didn't want to pay for something that I normally can get for free by turning a dial on my truck stereo. But I kept thinking of all the times I'd be driving back from my folk's house or from out of town and have to try and dial up a hockey game that would (more-than-likely) never be broadcast anyways. So I decided to try it for a few months, getting the Sirius Starmate ST2, and I've never looked back. Now 4 years later, I'm as satisfied with my subscription as I've ever been, and everyday I experience a reason why I went with Sirius in the first place. But this review is on the actual unit, not the service, so we'll get to know the Sirius Starmate ST2. PROS: Very user-friendly for programming ability. Remote control included for easy dial-up of channels. 2 modes of display, including a large font display. Incredibly bright LED, blue hue works wonders during night travel. Scroll-access of categories, scroll-access of channels & games. Small, compact unit, doesn't take up alot of space on your dash or console. Compatible with Starmate Boombox so you can plug-and-play anywhere so long as your boombox is with you. Detachable from dash clip, so that you can store it in a locked glove compartment or take it with you for security reasons. Lightweight. 9 programmable presets that you can choose which stations to flip to by pressing the preset channel. Rewind up to 45 minutes of music, and store up to 20 favorite songs/artists, and be alerted when your favorites are being played. If you're a sports fan, choose which teams to follow, and unit will alert you when the game is on, or when there is a scoring update. All around great value for your money... CONS: No multicolor display or enhanced graphics. (Blue screen/Black text only) Does not have the ability to save songs/tracks on memory like the Stiletto. LED is very sensitive to higher temperatures, and can sometimes respond to extreme temperatures by going light or blank...but the radio WILL keep broadcasting the channel. With the extreme temperatures also comes the loss of contrast in screen. (If you're from Houston, like I am, where the weather is like a sauna, then you may want to upgrade to a Stiletto) Protective plastic covering the LED is very thin and easily damaged. I just had to replace my original unit because the screen cracked from falling off of my dashboard. I went with another ST2 b/c I was used to it. Suction cup mount is a little archaic & troublesome. It works when the glass/dash is spotless and clean, but in temps of 90 or higher, it loses suction capability, and the unit can fall off, like mine did. Preset channels are cool, but YOU have to remember what channels are which, it doesn't remind you. I usually only store about 4-5 channels b/c I can never remember what channel is where. If you are able to remember them all...there are only 9 presets, so if you listen to a wide array of stations, you can only save your top 9. Is not self-powered or battery operated like the Stiletto...has to be plugged in, or used in connection with the Sirius Boombox...does not operate on batteries or rechargables. If you're looking for a simple, easy-to-use Sirius unit (that's also compatible with Sirius/XM programming) to enjoy when you're on the road or working in the yard (boombox) then this unit is the way to go. After 4 years, I can't see why I'd ever go back to AM/FM radio.Read full review
I bought this one to replace a unit that "just stopped working". Several attempts at restoring communication with my old unit were fruitless. This unit has the higher powered FM transmitter, so FM reception is crystal clear. Newer units have auxilliary FM antennas that clutter up installation and, frankly, don't work as well. Lastly, this unit runs on 12 volts, so I could hard wire it to my vehicle's wiring (the power button stays "on" and the radio poweres on and off with the ignition key)The newer units have a transformer (built into the head of the cigarette lighter plug) to step the voltage down. I did have success with a hard-wire installation of these newer types by disassembling the power cord to retain the transformer, but it's tedious. The BIG CON: Just as my old Starmate quit working, I got a teaser from Sirius inviting me back with an offer of 5 months for $20.00. I called and accepted th offer, but, several attempts later, it became apparent that the radio that I had was malfunctioning. I was advised to 1.) buy a new radio head 2.) ask if Sirius had any refurbished units, or 3.) to find a used radio. It seems that Sirius doesn't offer any type of repair service. The newer radios didn't interest me, and Sirius had little to offer in the re-furb department, so I opted to hold out to buy a used radio. The Sirius tech that helped troubleshoot the radio problem offered to put my 5 month contract "on hold", stating that I could re-activate my service once a replacement radio was found. I bought the replacement and called to resume my service. Only to find out that, since the subsription was activated with one serial number radio, and was now going to continute with a second serial number radio, I had to pay a service "transfer" fee. I explained that the radio swap was necessary due to technical issues, but this made no difference. Still, I'm back on Sirius and the radio works great. Oh well.......Read full review
Replaced a Siriusxm Starmate ST2 that stopped working after many years. The buttons were wore down so you couldn't read them. Plugged this in and looked brand new and sounded great.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I owned one of these several years before purchasing this one. These receivers are Sirius' most reliable product. It uses the same size plug-ins for antennas and power supply as the newest ones. I like that standardization. I also like the 30 station preset ability. This unit is a lightly-used radio. I'm sure I'll have several more years of listening pleasure from this radio.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I used to work out in the high desert and didn't get very many stations out there so I decided to get satilite radio and I was amazed on the quality and durability of this starmate2 replay radio. This unit seems to get better reception than even some of the newer models, I have the starmate 5 which I just got recently and just by holding each one you can tell right of way the quality of the st2. And also the boombox that they sold for the st2 is awesome. On a scale from 1-10 I give this unit a 10 for it's user friendly operation and great reception, a well built radio.
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