XM question -again.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,174
Likes: 0
From: arlington tx
XM question -again.
just installed the XM commander via direct connect wiring harnesses so no FM modulator. i like it, but for some reason it doesnt seem as crystal clear as i would like it to be. the highs are whats suffering the most to my ears....i seem to have more highs with the regular CD and also weirdly enuf the FM radio. plus the XM volume has to be turned up a bid farther than the other sources...is this to be expected from XM and if not, what could i try to do to make it clearer? most people probally would not notice it and several people have heard my car and they dont notice any difference but i drive the thing and i notice it. input welcomed. thanks.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola FL
I just completed the same install using the wire harness and RCA plugs and I believe I have the same problem... Overall, it sounds ok, but not as good as I would like. I definitely think it is an improvement over the FM modulator but would appreciate any advice as well.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 316
Likes: 140
From: Metro Atlanta GA
I had the Skyfi, so this might not apply...
On the menu options, you can control the output level. Even at the max, the XM had to be turned up more than other inputs.
Even at min output, it had more noise than acceptable. Direct connect, no FM modulator. "CD Quality" my azz.
Dropped my subscription - not worth it. $100 digital receiver should be better than that.
BTW, tried different power supplies, power converters, and tried it with no car involved at all (home system). Same noise.
On the menu options, you can control the output level. Even at the max, the XM had to be turned up more than other inputs.
Even at min output, it had more noise than acceptable. Direct connect, no FM modulator. "CD Quality" my azz.
Dropped my subscription - not worth it. $100 digital receiver should be better than that.
BTW, tried different power supplies, power converters, and tried it with no car involved at all (home system). Same noise.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
I have to agree with everyone's comments thus far. Definitely not "CD" quality. I've got the Alpine XM tuner and I think it sounds a little better than FM, but not by much. Definitely noticible lack of highs. To me, XM sounds like a .mp3 most of the time. 
Some channels seem to be better than others.
I remember reading some articles a few years back about the compression scheme XM was planning to use. The writers of the article weren't too happy with it and i'd have to agree. I think XM could have done a better job in the SQ dept.
The programming is excellent, and I can't stand the commercials on FM, so I guess I'll just have to live with it
Some channels seem to be better than others. I remember reading some articles a few years back about the compression scheme XM was planning to use. The writers of the article weren't too happy with it and i'd have to agree. I think XM could have done a better job in the SQ dept.
The programming is excellent, and I can't stand the commercials on FM, so I guess I'll just have to live with it
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,174
Likes: 0
From: arlington tx
im wondering if adding a set of tweeters to bring what highs there are closer to my ears would help any in tricking me to thinking they were there....just a thought. of course then i'd have to majorly adjust the treble on the other sources...haha oh well. i like the programming and actually now i can know what the song titles are when i hear them so i dont seem so musically ignorant hahahahaha
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 5,808
Likes: 1
From: Sierra Foothills California
I installed the "RoadyII" in my 2000 and was using the modulated signal for ease of installation. The audio quality was no better the the FM radio (no surprise). I invested around $100 for the direct interface equipment (replacing the CD changer for the direct audio inputs) the audio was somewhat better, but nowhere near CD quality. Eventually I scrapped the whole thing and bought more CD cartridges for the changer 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,682
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
Its crazy to me, this is the only forum where people constantly bash XM radio quality. There are two issues here.
1. CD quality doesn't equal no noise. I have plenty of classic rock CD's (store bought) that are full of noise. It is because the original recording had noise. Car Audio and Electronics did a review of XM and Sirius. The editor actually like the "noise" on some of the recordings on the Classic Rock station because of the "authentic reproduction of the sound".
2. Adding anything via FM modulated, or RCA AUX inputs to the stock system is introducting extra noise because of the low level output from the XM unit itself. If go aftermarket with a direct connect XM radio signal from an XM radio ready HU, you'll be very impressed.
1. CD quality doesn't equal no noise. I have plenty of classic rock CD's (store bought) that are full of noise. It is because the original recording had noise. Car Audio and Electronics did a review of XM and Sirius. The editor actually like the "noise" on some of the recordings on the Classic Rock station because of the "authentic reproduction of the sound".
2. Adding anything via FM modulated, or RCA AUX inputs to the stock system is introducting extra noise because of the low level output from the XM unit itself. If go aftermarket with a direct connect XM radio signal from an XM radio ready HU, you'll be very impressed.
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