Factory Radio Question
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 560
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From: Prattville AL
Factory Radio Question
Ive already tried this in the electronics section and I got ZERO replies, so lets try this section:
Ive been wanting to put XM in my car for a while, but the more I read about it and its sound, I know a headunit would be the best route to take. I found a Pioneer headunit from Best Buy that is XM ready and has mp3 capabilities for around $170 and it also has a $20 rebate on top of it. I thought about getting this radio and a XM receiver ($50 from BB). How would this setup sound with the rest of the sound system being stock? I have the Delco/Bose system that came in the 98s that has a tape deck an a external 12 disk changer. I am on a budget and cant afford an expensive radio and can't afford to replace the speakers at the same time. Input is appreciated!
Ive been wanting to put XM in my car for a while, but the more I read about it and its sound, I know a headunit would be the best route to take. I found a Pioneer headunit from Best Buy that is XM ready and has mp3 capabilities for around $170 and it also has a $20 rebate on top of it. I thought about getting this radio and a XM receiver ($50 from BB). How would this setup sound with the rest of the sound system being stock? I have the Delco/Bose system that came in the 98s that has a tape deck an a external 12 disk changer. I am on a budget and cant afford an expensive radio and can't afford to replace the speakers at the same time. Input is appreciated!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 2
From: Wesley Chapel Fl
Well your 12 disc changer will no longer be usable with the new headunit and you will need a Bose adaptor to make the radio work properly along with a dash kit. Have you looked at FM modulated XM recievers? You can keep the factory radio and changer if you go that route. Also is going to cost you less. Another item you forgot is the XM antenna...that is needed with either route you take.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 560
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From: Prattville AL
Originally Posted by EatRice
Well your 12 disc changer will no longer be usable with the new headunit and you will need a Bose adaptor to make the radio work properly along with a dash kit. Have you looked at FM modulated XM recievers? You can keep the factory radio and changer if you go that route. Also is going to cost you less. Another item you forgot is the XM antenna...that is needed with either route you take.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2
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Take a close look at the Terk XM Commander. There are a number of threads here and on xmfan.com on the install.
I just installed a Commander and wired it into my headunit (no CD changer) but you can use the FM modulator as well. The best part of the Commander is that if you put it where the ashtray is then everything can still look stock.
I just installed a Commander and wired it into my headunit (no CD changer) but you can use the FM modulator as well. The best part of the Commander is that if you put it where the ashtray is then everything can still look stock.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 118
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From: Birmingham AL
Many members have FM modulators with the display either where the ashtray was (me included), or even mounted in the ashtray door. I have an Alpine unit, but several also have XM commanders in that place. Whatever you do, either put the antenna on the dash if it is a micro, or run it behind the brake lights. With a plastic car, there is no need to put an antenna external. Mine is a glass mount hanging from the underside of the rear bumper cover. I cringe when I see vettes with a glass mount antenna on the glass. Several have also mounted ground plane antennas (looks like a computer mouse) in the same place with good results. One problem that has a fix that I have not figured out is the delayed accessory power. There are 3 power lines coming out of the fuse box: ground, switched 12v and unswitched 12v. No delayed. When you turn off the car, the radio stays on until you open the door, but XM turns off, and you get static. There is a fix and hopefully someone will chime in. It has to do with the FM antenna. There is supposed to be delayed 12v there but I have not found it. I need someone to hold my hand.
Good luck
Gary
Good luck
Gary
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 2
From: Wesley Chapel Fl
I have not seen or heard of anyway to use the RAP function. It is controlled through the BCM. There are rumors that a few companies such as PAC are trying to make something that will allow that feature to be retained.
Shpynx...you have mentioned better SQ with an aftermarket headunit. You will not notice better SQ with an aftermarket head unit and the stock Bose speakers...in alot of cases the quality is actually less. In my professional opion with your budget you are best off with a fm modulated piece. Maybe the Alpine as previously mentioned or Pioneer makes a small unit also.
Shpynx...you have mentioned better SQ with an aftermarket headunit. You will not notice better SQ with an aftermarket head unit and the stock Bose speakers...in alot of cases the quality is actually less. In my professional opion with your budget you are best off with a fm modulated piece. Maybe the Alpine as previously mentioned or Pioneer makes a small unit also.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 801
Likes: 1
From: Ashburn VA
Originally Posted by EatRice
I have not seen or heard of anyway to use the RAP function. It is controlled through the BCM. There are rumors that a few companies such as PAC are trying to make something that will allow that feature to be retained.
EATRICE worked on keeping the RAP feature on my car for a while and there is no way to do it without someone making some sort of adapters. We installed my commander in my ashtray and it works great. I've heard of a lot of people putting the antennae in the rear bumper and not having any problems. Just a heads up. I did that a few weeks ago and I have a lot of drop outs around town here. I refuse to put it on the dash where you can see it, so I just deal with it, but it's pretty frustrating. I guess it just depends on the terrain in your area. Eventually I plan on replacing the whole system with Alpine, speakers, amps, subs, the whole deal, but I went with the commander in the mean time to have XM capability. Now I just need to start hitting E-bay and buying all the new stuff a little at a time. I'll be calling you when I'm ready for all that Randy!
