Best XM setup for C5?
Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 531
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
Originally Posted by 1FunC5
Guys,
This is the setup to get....
xm commander
pie xmc-gm10 adapter
12 disc changer wiring harness (if you dont already have one)
This adapter has power, ground, and signal right there in the trunk. The commander ant can be put inside back bumper on ledge above the tag. display can be put in ashtray completely concealed. This is a direct input setup and I guarantee you has cd quality sound. I just did this in my 04 vert and love it!
This is the setup to get....
xm commander
pie xmc-gm10 adapter
12 disc changer wiring harness (if you dont already have one)
This adapter has power, ground, and signal right there in the trunk. The commander ant can be put inside back bumper on ledge above the tag. display can be put in ashtray completely concealed. This is a direct input setup and I guarantee you has cd quality sound. I just did this in my 04 vert and love it!
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Upper Marlboro MD
Originally Posted by NCSU SEE 5
Here is where I put the antenna. Not too noticeable
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One thing I didn't like, which is my main gripe with satellite radio. When you go under any bridge or in a wooded area with trees overhanging, you lose reception. I know this can happen with any radio signal, but the point is that the signal on satellite radio is much more sensitive to obstructions than normal FM radio, in my experience.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Chesterfield Virginia
I had xm in my truck, and loved it. xm was built into the stock radio. No reception loss, ever. Went to Best buy and had them install a roadie in my wife's Envoy, and couldn't believe how much worse it was. Reception problems, very weak sound quality. They carry baseball games, and you had to turn the volume all the way up, to hear the game. Of course you forget the volume is on "blow your speakers" and change to music, during breaks.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,941
Likes: 1
From: Central CA
Originally Posted by lynxshooter
I had xm in my truck, and loved it. xm was built into the stock radio. No reception loss, ever. Went to Best buy and had them install a roadie in my wife's Envoy, and couldn't believe how much worse it was. Reception problems, very weak sound quality. They carry baseball games, and you had to turn the volume all the way up, to hear the game. Of course you forget the volume is on "blow your speakers" and change to music, during breaks.
What brand cd player is good? I have been out of the stereo loop for ages... I love Alpine.. they used to be great... are they still?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,413
Likes: 0
From: Greensboro, NC "REALITY IS MERELY AN ILLUSION, ALBEIT A VERY PERSISTENT ONE"...ALBERT EINSTEIN"
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by sandmanusd
Ok, thanks, that is what I was worried about.. I figured there had to be some quality issues with getting the little fm modulator ones...
What brand cd player is good? I have been out of the stereo loop for ages... I love Alpine.. they used to be great... are they still?
What brand cd player is good? I have been out of the stereo loop for ages... I love Alpine.. they used to be great... are they still?
Based on my experience with the Delphi unit I have in my beater(using cassette adapter) and the FM modulator when I had the Commander, think the problem of reception is in the XM unit and not the FM modulator. With all of my units the XM reception can be a bit sketchy based on the location of the XM antenna and a host of other factors like terrain, and direction of travel. All of mine have been on the dash. All of the factory units are roof mounted and therefore get much better reception. Even with good reception, I have found that the levels are lower with XM than either the CD or FM tuner.(Much more noticeable with the Commander) I have also found that the levels vary quite a bit between the different XM channels.
Kinda long, but I hope this helps.
If you go with the Alpine you won't be dissapointed. Other that being a bit hard to see in bright sunlight I love mine.
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