Satellite Radio
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AngryJohnny
New member
Here is my XM install.
Most people would agree that generally XM has better hardware than Sirius. XM has a lot larger subscriber base than Sirius (>4 million vs ~1 million?). Most agree that XM's playlist is a lot larger (more variety). Sirius has dumped a ton of money to get sports, Stern, and Martha Stewart but I don't know how they can afford to do it in the long term? I personally like Opie and Anthony a lot better than Stern.
Go to the free online trials and check them both out I suppose.
Also, XM Fan is an XM message board and I'm sure there are a lot of threads about pro/con of XM vs Sirius.
Good luck!
Most people would agree that generally XM has better hardware than Sirius. XM has a lot larger subscriber base than Sirius (>4 million vs ~1 million?). Most agree that XM's playlist is a lot larger (more variety). Sirius has dumped a ton of money to get sports, Stern, and Martha Stewart but I don't know how they can afford to do it in the long term? I personally like Opie and Anthony a lot better than Stern.
Go to the free online trials and check them both out I suppose.
Also, XM Fan is an XM message board and I'm sure there are a lot of threads about pro/con of XM vs Sirius.
Good luck!
Does anyone has images of installed Satellite Radio except AngryJohnny? Guys, please, post some images. Need to decide which unit to get and how can I mount it.
ZonaT4R
New member
I have a Sirius Sportster unit. The one you should get should depend on what your listening preferences are.
AngryJohnny is right, XM does have deeper playlists. This can be a plus or a minus. You may hear the same song more often on Sirius but I found often on XM, they are playing some random stuff that I don't want to hear. Its preference.
XM generally had the hardware edge but I think they are pretty close now. XM does have a larger subscriber base so that is a plus. However, that could be because they used to be cheaper than Sirius and had a head start. Over time, they had to start offering all the same services as Sirius did (no comercials on music channels, no pay channels, free streaming audio, etc.). After doing this, they raised their price so XM and SIRIUS are equal in that department.
Either way, you can't go wrong. Go over to CC or BB and listen to both and choose for yourself. If you need MLB, go with XM... If you need NFL, go with Sirius. Also, like XMFAN.COM, there is SIRIUSBACKSTAGE.COM. There is a lot of info out on these sites but be careful when reading comparisons. They are often very one sided. (whatever I have is best and the other one sucks mentality).
Anyways, here is a link to my Sirius install pics. I put it in the cupholder and ran an aux power supply, PIE adapter, and antenna thru a hole in the cupholder (i.e. clean look).
Good luck!
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5208&perpage=15&pagenumber=2
AngryJohnny is right, XM does have deeper playlists. This can be a plus or a minus. You may hear the same song more often on Sirius but I found often on XM, they are playing some random stuff that I don't want to hear. Its preference.
XM generally had the hardware edge but I think they are pretty close now. XM does have a larger subscriber base so that is a plus. However, that could be because they used to be cheaper than Sirius and had a head start. Over time, they had to start offering all the same services as Sirius did (no comercials on music channels, no pay channels, free streaming audio, etc.). After doing this, they raised their price so XM and SIRIUS are equal in that department.
Either way, you can't go wrong. Go over to CC or BB and listen to both and choose for yourself. If you need MLB, go with XM... If you need NFL, go with Sirius. Also, like XMFAN.COM, there is SIRIUSBACKSTAGE.COM. There is a lot of info out on these sites but be careful when reading comparisons. They are often very one sided. (whatever I have is best and the other one sucks mentality).
Anyways, here is a link to my Sirius install pics. I put it in the cupholder and ran an aux power supply, PIE adapter, and antenna thru a hole in the cupholder (i.e. clean look).
Good luck!
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5208&perpage=15&pagenumber=2
AlexJet
New member
ZonaT4R said:
I like the way you manage to mount you satellite radio. Could make some more images and post it, because this place is definitely one of the best mounting solutions. You also said that you wired power through the additional connector under 12V power outlet. I have the same one, but I couldn't find power cable there. I used 4Runner electric database and found that it should be pink/blue cable, but mine doesn't work. Which one did you used?
md4runner
New member
Sirius PNP-2 Installed w/USA-SPEC iPod Adapter
I had my Sirius PNP-2 for almost 2 years now, and I finally decided to have it professionally installed after it was sitting in my passenger cup holder for the majority of the time. I purchased a Panavise mount made specifically for the 4runner from cellularmounts.com along with a swivel tilter, which allowed me to view the display clearly from the driver seat w/o the install getting in the way of the A/C controls. The Sirius is hooked up via the Auxillary inputs on the USA-SPEC iPod adapter, so there's no more static since I'm not longer dealing with the FM modulater. Plus, the PNP-2 is wired directly to a power source, so there's no need to use my cigarette lighter, anymore. My iPod sits in the little compartment below the A/C controls and I can use my steering wheel controls to control my iPod. Below is what the install looks like. I'm very satisfied with the install, b/c it looks very stock.
For more views of the way my Sirius PNP-2 in mounted checkout this thread:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11875
I had my Sirius PNP-2 for almost 2 years now, and I finally decided to have it professionally installed after it was sitting in my passenger cup holder for the majority of the time. I purchased a Panavise mount made specifically for the 4runner from cellularmounts.com along with a swivel tilter, which allowed me to view the display clearly from the driver seat w/o the install getting in the way of the A/C controls. The Sirius is hooked up via the Auxillary inputs on the USA-SPEC iPod adapter, so there's no more static since I'm not longer dealing with the FM modulater. Plus, the PNP-2 is wired directly to a power source, so there's no need to use my cigarette lighter, anymore. My iPod sits in the little compartment below the A/C controls and I can use my steering wheel controls to control my iPod. Below is what the install looks like. I'm very satisfied with the install, b/c it looks very stock.
For more views of the way my Sirius PNP-2 in mounted checkout this thread:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11875
Last edited:
SQ not that great
I had Sirius installed about a month ago. This is hooked up to a satellite ready Eclipse HU, so the SQ should be about as good as you can expect with satellite.
For anyone thinking that the SQ will be "near CD", don't buy into it. It is not even close. In fact, there are times when I wonder whether the satellite SQ is as good as an FM radio with a strong signal.
Don't get me wrong, satellite has its place --- it provides a good alternative when you are burnt out on your CD's and I hardly ever bother with listening to FM since I have satellite. Just don't overestimate the SQ you can expect. Although you don't have to worry about static, you are not going to get the detail that you get with CD.
I had Sirius installed about a month ago. This is hooked up to a satellite ready Eclipse HU, so the SQ should be about as good as you can expect with satellite.
For anyone thinking that the SQ will be "near CD", don't buy into it. It is not even close. In fact, there are times when I wonder whether the satellite SQ is as good as an FM radio with a strong signal.
Don't get me wrong, satellite has its place --- it provides a good alternative when you are burnt out on your CD's and I hardly ever bother with listening to FM since I have satellite. Just don't overestimate the SQ you can expect. Although you don't have to worry about static, you are not going to get the detail that you get with CD.
CuzzinOlaf
New member
I'll post some pics of mine tonight.... it came out great. I have it wired right into the radio and have a great connection... I bought XM for Opie and Anthony... the new smaller Pioneer color unit that records and is like a walkman. Love it.
MW 4Runner
New member
I guess I'll join in the fun...
XM Delphi Roady XT hardwired in with the FM Modulator Adapter from Crutchfield.
Here (CLICKY) is my write up on the install.
And here is a picture...
XM Delphi Roady XT hardwired in with the FM Modulator Adapter from Crutchfield.
Here (CLICKY) is my write up on the install.
And here is a picture...
I have XM and couldn't do without it now. I traveled across the country a year or so ago and only lost signal for about 10 seconds while we were going through a mountain pass. I have a coworker that has Sirius and he loves it. I think that whatever satellite option you pick, you'll never go back.
The XM on my '07 SE is via the factory JBL Synthesis HU.
The XM on my '07 SE is via the factory JBL Synthesis HU.
CuzzinOlaf
New member
Mountaineer
New member
It seems like I hear more people complain about the sound quality of Sirius than XM. I have XM hardwired into the auxillary input and it sounds good. It's not CD quality but I don't have any complaints. The only time I've heard Sirius is in a couple of my friends cars played through the frequency modulator which I know on my XM sounds terrible compaired to having it hard wired . Has anyone compared the two to see if one has better sound than the other? I know there are a lot of variables involved and everyone has different views on how a system sounds but let me know what you think.
tarheeltp17
New member
The reason XM sounded bad compared to Sirius is because sirius violated FCC regulations with the power of their frequency transmitters.
rugger bugger
New member
thank god they broke the rules...because my quality isnt great...i can only imagine what it would be like if it was below the max output power...i need to look into hardwiring it...but removin the entire dashboard of my 94 is a huge hassle...
tarheeltp17
New member
haha no way... a 94 is EASY. If I remember right it is 2 screws behind the air conditioning controls and everything else snaps off.
