Thinking about adding Sat radio, just a quick question.

archer75 · 07-16-2006, 04:34 PM

Mine sounds really weak when listening to FM. It almost sounds like listening to AM. Just horrible sound.

However, when I plug in the ipod through the aux port the stereo sounds 10x better. It sounds like a completely different stereo and one that i'm happy with.

I wondering from those who have the OEM Nissan XM or Sirius sat could tell me if it sounds as good as listening to an MP3 player through the aux port? Or does it sound as crappy as the FM radio?

Would it be better to get a stand alone sirius unit? Can it plug directly into the back of the stock RF stereo and leave the front aux port free for ipod? If so I assume there is a special cable that is needed. Would the steering wheel controls still work?

**nmanley** · 07-16-2006, 04:36 PM

Better thru the aux port. XM Roady here.

eakes · 07-16-2006, 07:17 PM

The OEM satellite radio (Sirius or XM) connects to a cable that is presently in the area above the brake and gas pedal. This cable routes to its own connector at the rear of the HU. Yes, the steering wheel controls work with this configuration.

One of the commercial (non OEM) satellite radios requires use of the AUX input to connect to the radio. Steering wheel controls will not work to change channels, etc. with this configuration. Control will be via the satellite radio's control panel. There is an available adapter (made by PAC) which will convert the OEM satellite input of the HU into two AUX inputs. Use of this adapter would leave the front panel aux input free.

To my ear MP3 recordings are seriously lacking in frequency response and do not sound very good no matter how they are played. Satellite radio is much better than MP3 in quality and sounds better than 'regular' CD audio when connected via the aux input - it (and any other music source) is lousy when connected using an FM modulator.

A non-OEM satellite radio will cost less than the Nissan OEM. The Nissan OEM radio works with the steering wheel controls to change channels. The non-OEM radio uses it's own control panel and it must be mounted at some convenient location (there are a number of posts on this forum showing various mounting techniques - do a search).
Personally, I would opt for a non-OEM unit. The control panel is much more versitile and is not difficult to mount. If you buy the AUX adapter for the HU satellite connector the total cost will be less than a dealer purchased OEM satellite radio.

I have an XM Commander that has been installed in three different Nissans.

Good luck with what ever you purchase!!

grunge311 · 07-16-2006, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eakes

The OEM satellite radio (Sirius or XM) connects to a cable that is presently in the area above the brake and gas pedal. This cable routes to its own connector at the rear of the HU. Yes, the steering wheel controls work with this configuration.

One of the commercial (non OEM) satellite radios requires use of the AUX input to connect to the radio. Steering wheel controls will not work to change channels, etc. with this configuration. Control will be via the satellite radio's control panel. There is an available adapter (made by PAC) which will convert the OEM satellite input of the HU into two AUX inputs. Use of this adapter would leave the front panel aux input free.

To my ear MP3 recordings are seriously lacking in frequency response and do not sound very good no matter how they are played. Satellite radio is much better than MP3 in quality and sounds better than 'regular' CD audio when connected via the aux input - it (and any other music source) is lousy when connected using an FM modulator.

A non-OEM satellite radio will cost less than the Nissan OEM. The Nissan OEM radio works with the steering wheel controls to change channels. The non-OEM radio uses it's own control panel and it must be mounted at some convenient location (there are a number of posts on this forum showing various mounting techniques - do a search).
Personally, I would opt for a non-OEM unit. The control panel is much more versitile and is not difficult to mount. If you buy the AUX adapter for the HU satellite connector the total cost will be less than a dealer purchased OEM satellite radio.

I have an XM Commander that has been installed in three different Nissans.

Good luck with what ever you purchase!!

Satalitte radio is actually only 64kb mp3s. . . . . as crappy as they come, but infinetly better than fm..
if your mp3s sound worse than sat radio then you have either really low bitrate, the encoder sucks, or its your aux in thats the problem (04/05 have crappy aux)

archer75 · 07-16-2006, 10:00 PM

All i'm curious about is what would sound better: OEM Nissan sat or just picking up a sirius unit in the store and plugging it in the aux?

And would either of those methods sound as good as an ipod in the aux?

Or perhaps should I forget about sat and just get a new headunit? If so I would get a Pioneer HU and then a wiring harness and just plug it in. Would the steering wheel controls still work with this? The aux port? Worthwhile increase in sound quality even though i'd still be using all stock speakers?(I don't have the cash to swap out speakers and put in subs/amps, etc. and not likely to for quite awhile)

triadpc · 07-16-2006, 10:04 PM

I would say just pick up a Sirius or XM unit and plug it in via the AUX port on the front of the head unit. Get yourself a remote and save $$$ over the Nissan OEM head unit.

I've got the XM Roady2 and that's how I've got mine hooked up (using the AUX input). Sounds infinitely better than using the wireless FM modulator.

grunge311 · 07-17-2006, 07:29 AM

I would bet the OEM would sound better, but I don't know if it would justify the price.

The 04/05 aux port is junk, but the 06 is good, so if you have an 06 it might not make a difference at all.

archer75 · 07-17-2006, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grunge311

I would bet the OEM would sound better, but I don't know if it would justify the price.

The 04/05 aux port is junk, but the 06 is good, so if you have an 06 it might not make a difference at all.

I have an 06.

Galaxian · 07-19-2006, 09:46 AM

My '05 aux sounds great with xm or ipod.

Inspector_Gadget · 08-04-2006, 10:48 PM

yournissanparts.com has the XM factory add-on and bracket for $277.99 Beats the $350 Nissan wants. I think I will go for it.
I did a similar thing with my '05 Altima and the XM sounded great (not like CD though). I prefer the factory look. It is cleaner...

archer75 · 08-05-2006, 07:04 AM

I just went with a stand alone unit. I'm not paying that much to integrate it into the stock stereo, it's a rip off.

My stand alone unit costs less than half of that and does alot more.

*TexasTitan05* · 08-05-2006, 08:36 AM

I have the Starmate Sirius Sat, and plug by iPod into my AUX.... It's really up to how much $ you want to spend. This is how my Sirius is set up (I had Circuit City do it), b/c your SAT has to come out of your top break light.. I wasn't even going to attempt to do that install.

Drink More Beer

ruauman2 · 08-05-2006, 09:17 AM

I didn't know the satellite was only 64kb sample rate...thats pretty bad. I try not to get any mp3s that are worse less than 128kb sample rate.

My only problem is that the Sirius receiver plugged into my aux jack is much lower volume. I need to get an inline booster but haven't done it yet.

Galt · 08-05-2006, 10:44 PM

I have been waiting a while on the SAT radio, but after we put a new panasonic head unit in my wife's Xterra and added Sirius, I was hooked.

The OEM sat unit is far too expensive and the display on the stock stereo is too character limited. You might as well take advantage of all the information they transmit with satellite radio. I decided to install the Starmate Sirius receiver pictured above. I did it in an hour or so.

For now it is mounted above the glove box with the velcro and all the wires are easily hidden and it is in close proximity to the AUX port and the power supply.
I read that with the 7mm deep socket it is simple to losen the rear break light to run the antenna. The wire easily slips under the interior trim. I would like to have a more advanced dash install, but I am not willing to tear the dash apart at this time.

My main point here is the AUX port on the 04 is awful. The audio level resulting from my very small MP3 player is pathetic and the new Satellite radio is a bit better. There is just not enough signal amplification. For the 04 and maybe the 05 (if the same) replacing the whole head unit would be the best option, but if you don't replace the headunit, the small modular portable receivers are much more functional than the OEM. I have less than $100 invested.

GALT