How to install XM Radio?

[carnivalcarl]

I have the RF w/bench audio system with an AUX and SAT button on it. Can I bring my truck to a stereo shop and have XM installed and still get the same sound quality as my old Chevy with factory XM. The reason I ask is because I installed XM on a 2003 Chevy w/out the factory XM and the sound quality sucked. Thanks for any input.

[WIS-key]

Most of the aftermarket XM (or Sirius) kits use an FM modulator to hook into your stereo. The sound quality can range from crappy to decent.

I chose to get the OEM parts for the XM sat. radio and install it myself. It costs more, but the sound is terrific, and it's nice to have the whole thing integrated into the stock stereo system.

Too bad you live so far away... I have a standing offer to do another install so I can take pics and post a How-To here.

Check out the price at www.titanparts247.com - Jamie's been great to deal with for aftermarket accessories. (No, I don't work for or with him...)

-Rob

[bestatchess]

If you want to maintain integration with your RF SAT button, you need to use the Nissan receiver. Here is a link to the install instructions:

http://www.courtesyparts.com/satelli...04%20Titan.pdf

I installed the Nissan (mfg by Clarion) receiver, but used a Terk Micro roof mount antenna and splitter, mounting the antenna wires through the third brake light. The Nissan XM receiver is a dual lead type so if you use a single lead antenna (like the Terk) then you need a splitter.

The sound quality if fine.

[eakes]

Originally Posted by carnivalcarl

I have the RF w/bench audio system with an AUX and SAT button on it. Can I bring my truck to a stereo shop and have XM installed and still get the same sound quality as my old Chevy with factory XM. The reason I ask is because I installed XM on a 2003 Chevy w/out the factory XM and the sound quality sucked. Thanks for any input.

Let me sum up your options: The quick and dirty way to connect a satellite radio (XM or SIRIUS) to an auto radio is via an FM modulator. This works reasonably well if the auto radio handles FM well. The Titan mid-level and RF headunits are lousy FM receivers. The sound is horrible connected this way.

Another connection method is via the AUX input. This way works and sounds much better than using an FM modulator. Unfortunately, the Titan radios require a large signal input for the aux to sound properly. The result is one has to crank the volume up excessively to get a reasonable sound level from the satellite receiver.

The Nissan XM radio connects directly into the headunit and should sound as good as any properly connected satellite radio. However, it is way over priced.

I have an XM Commander satellite radio. To get it playing quickly I first used the RF modulator - poor results - no low frequency response (see lousy radio above). Connected via AUX input - sound was much better but volume cranked way up. Switching from AUX to CD would blow you out of the truck.
My solution: Scrap the Rockford-Fosgate radio for an aftermarket one. This one has a 'real' aux input which matches quite well with the satellite radio.

[dcrobt]

jamie is THE MAN!!!!!!!
hooked me up bigtime!
ty jamie!
order the kit and take it to the nissan delaer and have it installed
get 2 free months and it will def sound better than the 2003 chevy xm like i had too!
monte carlo ss by400 pace car

rob