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Question on Hardware

Mike Sheridan

Mike Sheridan

Is there any difference in the sound quality of a built in XM radio versus the little tuners that you can plug into your radio's AUX jack?

I have thought about buying a new Pioneer head unit for the car, the XM chassis looks really big compared to a RoadyXT.
 
I started off with a Plug and Play tuner back in 2002 when I first subscribed (SONY, can't recall the model no. anymore), moved on to SkyFi, SkyFi 2 and a couple of other units, including the Onyx, and finally installed an in-dash XM capable stereo recently. IMO, the audio from the in-dash unit sounds a bit better than any of the Plug and Play units did using the auxiliary jack on my previous stereo. Since you plan to check out Pioneer systems (I have a Pioneer myself), I say go ahead and do the upgrade. 8)
 
scanman1 said:
I started off with a Plug and Play tuner back in 2002 when I first subscribed (SONY, can't recall the model no. anymore), moved on to SkyFi, SkyFi 2 and a couple of other units, including the Onyx, and finally installed an in-dash XM capable stereo recently. IMO, the audio from the in-dash unit sounds a bit better than any of the Plug and Play units did using the auxiliary jack on my previous stereo. Since you plan to check out Pioneer systems (I have a Pioneer myself), I say go ahead and do the upgrade. 8)
Click to expand...

This is the wrong time of the year to buy myself presents ::) I may have to wait for the income tax refund.
 
I have an Audiovox that was produced before they were forced to lower the power output. I can take the unit on my Harley and my buddy a quarter of a mile behind me can still tune in. Fact is, after a 2 yr lapse I reactivated the unit for the $25.00 for six months offer. Have only listened to it for a few minutes but the playlist still seems fairly restricted. But,,,, the 25 bucks........
 
FRR said:
I have an Audiovox that was produced before they were forced to lower the power output. I can take the unit on my Harley and my buddy a quarter of a mile behind me can still tune in. Fact is, after a 2 yr lapse I reactivated the unit for the $25.00 for six months offer. Have only listened to it for a few minutes but the playlist still seems fairly restricted. But,,,, the 25 bucks........
Click to expand...

I think it depends on what channels you listen to. I have more choices with satellite radio than my local stations. Yesterday I listened to Watercolors, Chill, 60's, 70's and Escape. I heard lots of songs I couldn't find on local radio....and no commercials!
 
Based on only 2 vehicles, I found the built-in Buick XM to sound pretty decent (lots of tone controls) but the built-in Chrysler Sirius sounded like a swirly POS crap and the 3 tone controls weren't able to make it sound worth a dime.
Plug and Play XM (SkyFi2 era) were great sounding radios until they started chipping away at the XM bandwidth on the music stations from 48K to 42K to 40K (and some as low as 32K).
 
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