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I've owned a number of this model radio over almost the past 10 years. I think it's the best for getting the most out of a Serius subscribtipn but the S50 does have it's problems. I own Three right now, one active and two that are not and just used as MP3 players. This model has a major problem with the memory failing. I've had 3 or 4 fail over the years. When the memory fails it will not let you save or add, delete or playback any saved programing. The radio will only function as a Sirus radio receiver and the MP3 function becomes disfunctional. This problem is not a fluke and unfortunately you take your chances regarding how long it will take or when you can no longer save or play back programing. The other issue is the software for putting your own playlists on the radio is Windows XP 32bit compatible only. You will need an old 32bit machne to use the software to add anything to the radio that is not directly downloaded from the receiver function. I would not reccomend this radio to the casual user or to someone that is not familiar with it. Sirus will no longer support it technically so the radio should now be considered disposable.Read full review
No other satellite radio can match the S50's timeless styling (It still matches well with my new car's interiour, despite its design's age of over 10 years) and it's ability to record limitless number of songs. A feature quickly taken away by Sirius on their later model radios after getting pressure from the recording industry to do so.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
The S50 was Sirius' first radio paired with what is essentially an MP3 player. The S50 performs quite well as a satellite radio, but then also records Sirius content for later playback. You can set the S50 to automatically record a Sirius show, however this only works in environments where the S50 is powered up all the time. So don't expect this to sit in your car all night and record content while it is turned off. This unit also has an EXCELLENT display, more like a computer screen than the scrolling LCD displays of other units. If you're listening to NFL games, the enitre score is displayed on the screen. If you have a favorite sports team and register it on the S50, you will get a display alert when they play, plus the score of their game shows up on the display regardless of what channel you're listening to! The S50 has a favorite song button, pressing it while your song is playing automatically stores the song for later playback. The S50 is always recording the channel you're on, so you can "go back in time" to listen to that traffic report you just missed! Some important things to keep in mind: 1. The Sirius S50 can function as a stand-alone MP3 player, and its small size is convenient. But it does not play live satellite radio when in the portable mode. It will play recorded content of several channels you have stored. 2. The S50 will store content you load to it from another source, such as iTunes, or a CD that you rip. To do this however you need the USB cable specific to this radio, and the Sirius My Studio Software. Songs you stored on the S50 from the satellite cannot be removed from the S50. 3. Memory size is 1/2 GB, which by today's standards is anemic, but I haven't filled mine up yet and besides, this is a 3 year old model. If you can get an S50 at a good price, buy it. Get the car kit and a USB cable if you can. I have 2 of these and enjoy them both.Read full review
I purchased the Sirius S50 receiver recently on eBay since it is no longer manufactured. I was disappointed with newer versions of the Sirius receivers since the FCC made manufactures comply with reduced signal strength of the FM transmitter of their units. The features of the Sirius products are numerous and excellent but the FM transmitter feature of the older units are superior to newer units. I travel and being able to utilize the radio to it fullest extent allows me to enjoy the subscription much more allowing me to get my moneys worth. With the stronger FM transmitter of the S50 receiver I can park my vehicle outside of my hotel room and tune an FM radio in my room to enjoy Sirius radio whereas I usually cannot get a line of site for satellite reception from the window of the room utilizing the S50 Executive System docking station. Firmware update is required of the S50 receiver if it has not already been applied in order to update firmware you will need to install "My Sirius Studio" software on your computer and connect the receiver with the proprietary Sirius USB cable to your computer. Not updating the firmware leaves the S50 with weak satellite reception causing audio breakup (skipping). My S50 application firmware updated version is 1.5.6 be sure to follow all instructions and warning to the "T" failure to do so could damage the unit. Once the receiver is updated you will be required to update the car docking station as well, it updates from the receiver. Since I updated the firmware it works flawlessly. Believe me if you purchased a newer unit such as the Starmate 5, as I did, you will be disappointed once you've experienced the older units. For excellent reception of the newer units in a vehicle one would need to install an FM direct adapter model FMDA25 which is an additional expense and in some cases is difficult or additional expense to have installed whereas with the S50 you only move it tune your radio and listen worry free. without the FM direct adapter I have all kinds of interference on newer units but with the S50 it will over ride local FM stations allowing me to enjoy it without additional equipment making it easy to move it from vehicle to vehicle.Read full review
This reciever is in my opinoin is Sirius's best radio. I was pretty upset when I heard they discontinued it! My favorite feature is the ability to pause live content. I also like the favorite button that saves songs you like so you can play them later(it also sorts those song buy genre,group,most listened. etc.) I also own the home car dock, home dock, and the executive radio dock for work. Let me tell you this radio lasts a pretty long time considering hte hours I put it through. E-bay now is the only place that you can buy them now.
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