I'm thinking of getting XM radio for my car in a little while. I have a Clarion DRX9375R w/ an EQ that I have lying around and was going to use that, but it's not XM ready so I'd rather get something new and possibly sell this unit in the future. I'll miss the nice blue screen from the Clarion as well as the fact that the EQ settings ran through the head unit, so no extra pieces in the dash

Anyone have experience with XM? I hate commercials and like to listen to metal which they have currently. I'm sure the list of stations will be expanding, too.

Thanks,

Mark

 

I've heard good things about it and saw some test on TechTV that had rave reviews. They said the reception was good during a long trip and XM is installing repeaters all through the country to make reception even better.

I can't stand the huge antenna though...

 

I just found out about Sirius Radio as well. Looks like eventually all head units will be both XM and Sirius compatible, but for now you have to choose. I'm kind of leaning toward Sirius just because their metal seemed a lot better.

Mark

 

Sirius had their satellites in place before XM but they still haven't launched the service because of technical problems. I would be wary...

 

Well, I don't really know anyone with XM, but if you go to XMradio.com you can acutally listen to the stations.

I listened to a couple of them and they're really good...definately a lot of variety.

Sirius lanuches TODAY....I'll be watchin the live broadcast of the launch while I'm at work

I'm sure you've probably already seen these, but just in case

Here's some direct links to the XM-ready receivers:

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S...p?I=130DEHP440

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S...p?I=130DEHP740

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S...p?I=130DEHP930

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S...p?I=130DEHP640 (My friend has this one...it's pretty awesome!!)

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S...p?I=130P3370XM

And here's a link to Sirius' product catalog:

http://www.siriusradio.com/servlet/s...n=1&catID=Upgr

 

I may eventually go with the Kenwood MP3/CD player and Sirius. I really like their playlists better, but I think they're more a month than XM Oh well, still have some time before I get anything so I'll wait and see what becomes of these two... who knows, they make a player that is both XM and Sirius compatible.

Mark

 

I am leaning towards the Sony modem with the FM modulator. I already have a 6 disc in dash cd changer, and I like the fact that it "plugs" into my exsisting stetup, and I can get the home Kit for the sony, and hook it up to my home theater. The antenna is about 3" tall, and doest look to bad. I have have bad things about the Trek Glass antenna's reception, to let you know......

 

Mark: I have a Kenwood MP8017 mp3 player. It works pretty well. It took a little bit of time to get used to the controls. I really don't like how it cuts the folder names down to only a few letters. When you burn mp3s to play on it, make sure you have all the id3 tags in order or you will have a ***** of a time trying to figure out what you are playing. The bass doesn't seem up to par to the bass I got from my old Pioneer cd player. Even after a bunch of tweaking. Maybe thats because I had 2 12" subs going, but I do recall getting a bit more bass from only my 2 Pioneer 4way 6x9s.

Well, even with the shortcomings I love it and would recommend it to anyone. Nothing beats listening to a 2 hour Oakenfold Essential Mix. And still having about 8 hours more music to go.

I plan on getting the Kenwood Z828 for my Evo. Unless Pioneer comes out with an mp3 player by then. Anyone have any experience with the Z828?

 

I'm right there with you on the Z828. I'll probably get some Boston Acoustics or MB Quart components, JL Audio sub, and RF Amp

I still have a nice Clarion DRX9375R head unit w/ eq sitting in my house, but I really want MP3 and Sirius.

Mark

 

Good man! Stick with JL.

 

Hmm, the price dropped on the Z828 with the new models coming out, but it only has a 93DB s/n ratio.

I found another unit that appears to be much better overall... the KDC-MPV7019:



105dB s/n ratio anad it's a CD / MP3 Player. The display also has 67 different colors you can choose from so you can match your interior lighting as well.

I also found this place called AudioMyth.com that sells the unit for only $246.99... seems like a good price, but I have no idea how reputable they are. Here's the link:

http://www.audiomyth.com/AMStores/it...82&AddToCart=1

Mark

 

it's over priced if you ask me...

 

Do you know of any other head units w/ over 100 s/n ratio, CD / MP3 that are cheaper? If so please tell because I don't want to buy this unit and then find something that was better.

Thanks,

Mark

 

That spec/price combo seems like a great deal. I really like Kenwood too. They usually have just very good audio specs without all the fluff (25 DSP sounds, and 500 other buttons). Any receiver for $250 is a good deal for that kind of S/N ratio. With all those extra features thats even better. I might look into it as well.
If you want I can stop into crutchfield and check it out in a couple of days.

 

Russ, if you are interested in the unit and have time to stop in that would be awesome. I may try and look at the unit at a local shop around here as well.

Mark