Satellite Radio- once again!

[Delirium]

I'm going to put in a Satellite Radio system in my car and I'm looking for recommendations (what system to use, what set up, what wiring, etc etc). I'd like to learn what to do and what not to do and I'd appreciate all the help and advice I can receive.

Thanks in advance...

[Delirium]

*taps mic*

Anyone home?

[Gunslinger]

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Upper right hand corner there is a button

Use that, it's much quicker

[crowMAW]

Yup...there was a thread on that subject within the last couple of weeks.

I have XM, my brother has Sirius.  Both are good.  XM is cheaper per month.  Sirius has 3 instead of 2 satellites and therefore usually more consistant reception.  It used to be that Sirius had more alternative & punk/punk lite stations, but XM has added a few more so that may not be true now.

My city is a near monopoly for Clear Channel , so satellite was a must for me to escape the endless talk and commercials during rush hour periods.  Would have never thought I would pay for radio, but it is worth every penny now.

[Delirium]

Gee thanks.... I did that before I posted this, not a single thread states what wiring and system is recommended.

You're a real good guy, Gunslinger.

[Gunslinger]

Originally posted by Delirium


You're a real good guy, Gunslinger.

What can I say  

[crowMAW]

Originally posted by Delirium
not a single thread states what wiring and system is recommended.

Go to the service websites and choose the service that has more of the programming that you like best (I believe you can listen to a sample of the programming on each provider's website).  After that, there are forums specific to each service that can help you decide the best head unit, wiring, antenna/antenna placement for your car, etc.  For XM look at XMfan, and for Sirius look at SiriusBackstage.

I would recommend a head unit that is compatible with the service you choose rather than going the RF car-kit route.  You loose the digital quality if you rebroadcast on RF so that your non-compatable headunit can receive the signal.  

Carfully look at the headunits and what they require to accept the service receiver's signal.  Some require extra items (like the Sony headunits), while others are plug-n-play.  

Also, a ground-loop isolator (available from the installer or Radio Shack) may be needed if you are running power from the cig lighter to your service receiver.  Some installations will have a hiss without it.

For XM there is one headunit with the XM receiver built in...that's the new Alpine CDA9820XM (about $350 retail, $250 eBay/internet).  I probably would go that way if I were to do things today...the Alpine unit is good enough for my needs, if not the ultra-audiophile's dream.

[Delirium]

CrowMaw, thanks!
 
I actually have that Alpine CD  and is XM ready. The problem is that I want to use the new radio at work and at home as well. Only way around is it to buy a Sky type system or buy an extra subscription, or do you know another way?

[crowMAW]

If you want the portability, then you will definitely need the stand-alone XM receiver (like the SkyFi or Roadie).

Since your headunit is XM ready, I'll assume that XM is the way you want to go.

If you use a stand-alone XM receiver then your head unit will need to be able to accept an aux input.  Otherwise, it is back to the RF transmitter eventhough your headunit is XM ready.  On most headunits, the XM ready feature is designed for a non-portable XM receiver...a black box that looks like an amp.

Go to http://www.xmfan.com/.  You can get all kinds of good info to help you make your other decisions.