Satellite Radio w/o using AUX input

[BAMFH2]

Came across this unit tonight while shopping at Best Buy.

Audiovox Sirius Satellite Radio - uses an FM Modulator versus hardwiring into the Aux input. You basically tune your FM radio to 88.1 (or others) to receive the Satellite signal. No cracking open the dash for the install - and the unit is cheap - $149.99.

link to unit on Best Buy site (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1059573942484&skuId=5709003&type=product&cmp=%20%20)

Anyone have any experience with this unit?

Help Computers
www.helpcomputers.net (http://www.helpcomputers.net)
720-205-HELP

[BAMFH2]

Came across this unit tonight while shopping at Best Buy.

Audiovox Sirius Satellite Radio - uses an FM Modulator versus hardwiring into the Aux input. You basically tune your FM radio to 88.1 (or others) to receive the Satellite signal. No cracking open the dash for the install - and the unit is cheap - $149.99.

link to unit on Best Buy site (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1059573942484&skuId=5709003&type=product&cmp=%20%20)

Anyone have any experience with this unit?

Help Computers
www.helpcomputers.net (http://www.helpcomputers.net)
720-205-HELP

[Patriot]

I thought about going that route too. The only problem is you will only ever have "radio" quality sound.

I want the digital sound by directly inputing the signal into my head unit.

To each his own...if the type of sound quality is not overly critical to you, then the FM modulator is a very economical and easy install way to go.

Good luck...

[HUMMUH]

I have an FM modulated unit and have been hearing others say the sound sucks. I agree it can't be as good as a unit integrated to the head end or CD quality but I have run a test with 3 o my friends and their human ears can't accurately distinguish whether I am playing a CD or my XM radio. Hence I think the quality is undeterminably as good and the less intrusion to the factory unit is a good way to go. JMHO

Svennw
2004 H2,Lux, Nav, Air Suspension, Whipple Supercharger, MC2 Hum-Loc II Wheels, Delphi XM, Rear Tire

[Patriot]

HUMMUH,

I have heard that as well. Maybe I will see if I can find someone w/ and FM mod unit and try for myself. It would save a BUNCH of money and would prevent tearing into dash.

Also, you could probably use the "modular" type units that can go from car-to-car, or car-to-house. With the P-bus type, the unit is "dedicated' to the H2. BUT, with the P-bus type, you don't need another interface mounted in the cockpit since the head unit would act as the XM interface.

Decisions...decisions....

[BAMFH2]

I went back to Best Buy tonight - listened to both the FM modulated version and a direct connect version. Could not distinquish between the two. Actually turned my back to the speakers and had the sales rep switch back and forth while I guessed which one was playing. Just could not tell the difference.

I am sure there is a difference (sales rep says less than 5% loss of signal integrity) between the two of them, but in an H2 environment I doubt I will ever be able to notice a difference. That coupled with the flexibility of easy removal, flexibility to bring the unit inside the house and the ease of install = SOLD. Being installed tomorrow.

Will post pics if anyone is interested.

Help Computers
www.helpcomputers.net (http://www.helpcomputers.net)
720-205-HELP

[drouke]

Keep in mind that in the store you aren't getting the humm associated with acceleration and an RF Modulator. I'm using an RF with the Video setup I'm running now and it sucks. As soon as my PIOGM1 comes in I'm hooking it up direct to the radio.

[Starbuck]

I disagree. XM modulated is not as clear as a digital connection, after owning a 2003 Tahoe with XM integrated and installing an XM Commander (FM Modulated)in my H2...big difference in sound quality. Every once in a while you get a terrible washed out sound in the background and have to "modulate" on a different FM station (very frustrating). When you connect digtally you get much cleaner highs and better bass response on the upgraded BOSE system.

[Klaus]

IIRC the XM Commander can do FM modulation and has RCA out jacks for direct connection.

Klaus

"God made some men big and some men small, but Sam Colt made them all equal."