What is the simpliest XM car stereo to install?

Question

I want to surprise my husband with a satellite stereo and want to go with XM...which stereo is the easiest to install in a car?

Answer 1

The simplest is probably the "Sportscaster" XM radio unit, simply because it has a very small size which makes it easier to find mounting locations. However, just about all of the portable XM radio tuners work the same way; there will be a magnetic-mount XM antenna which needs to be placed on the roof or trunk lid of the vehicle, and a power plug for the cigarette lighter.

To listen to the satellite radio through your vehicle's factory radio, you'll probably need to use either a cassette adapter (if your car is equipped with a cassette player) or the XM unit's built-in FM modulator (which is often very poor sound quality). If you don't have a cassette player or a radio with an auxiliary input, you'll want to purchase an "FM-direct adapter" for the satellite radio. This allows for better sound quality but makes the installation much more difficult in many vehicles.

You might want to consider buying at a store that offers professional installation for your satellite radio unit.

Answer 2

I see there was another best buy employee answering but I will to throw my hat inthe mix.

While the Sky-fi 2's are a great unit, I would also consider the roady XT, both because of thier FM modulation Range. We have a roady XT on display that can clearly transmit signal about 25 feet away, so you would have no issues getting clear sound into the car. the roady XT can also change it's display colors to better match the dash and radio colors of the car.

Both units come with docks, so you can get a Home kit or additional car kit to put into another car or in the boat.

If he travels, you might want to consider the Wired FM modulator, the "FM Direct". not only will it increase signal clarity, it will also prevent the need of searching for a better radio station once he enters a different area.

And with the possibility of a XM/Sirius Merger, there is nothing to worry, because all equipment will be compatible if/when it happens.

But for the installation is concerned, for a wireless hookup, its a matter of installing the antenna, (which can be a pretty difficult task, depending on where you put it) mounting the Radio, and plugging it in. to install the FM direct, this can get a tad more difficult, as it requires removal of the radio.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

I always liked the XM Roadies, they are simple to read, use, and install. The roadies have a stronger FM modulator than the skyfi units, but that is all I can offer, I am not familiar with the sportscaster model. I assume most of them are about the same these days, the biggest difference being the cosmetics.

Answer 4

the sky-fi2 will be your best bet. the fcc really cracked down on the fm transmitters that the units have. however for some reason the sky-fi2 made by delfi has and excellent fm transmitter. you may ask why this means anything to you. here is why it is important. if you get any other unit i highly reccomend you gettin the fm modulator kit. what this does is when you have the xm reciever on it will cut out and stoop you from recieving fm stations. this provides the best sound quality free of static, fuzz and fading. if you got the sky-fi2 you would save about $20 and the hastle of installing it. if you get it pro. installed it will save you about $30 on the install. good luck and i hope this is best answer

Answer 5

In all honesty guy, i could easily decide for an o.e.m stereo purely through fact it is going to have plenty extra suggestions as far as the way you want to customize your eq, on a inventory head unit you have bass and treble, that's it. you would be waiting to extra efficient customize your sound on your guy or woman listening suggestions, yet on the subject of the amp question as nicely, your inventory head unit already has an amp besides the fact that it incredibly is vulnerable and purely meant to capacity inventory audio device, the aftermarket amp you will deploy will capacity the aftermarket audio device, not the inventory amp interior the top unit. wish that helped!!

Answer 6

XM roady XT made by delphi