I’ll preface my question(s) with the fact that I don’t know much about audio systems. I’m looking for suggestions on a new receiver for the truck in my signature. My main goals are satellite radio and USB or auxiliary input for my iPad or Android phone. I don’t really need Bluetooth since I have a nice Plantronics Voyager Pro HD. It would be nice to do Bluetooth audio streaming but not really a requirement. Also I don’t need GPS. I have a Garmin I’m happy with plus an iPad (and my MiFi) and Driod Razr Maxx I have plenty of ways of getting maps. My budget is around $120 plus whatever the satellite unit costs (I want it integrated or direct interface, i.e. SAT ready). I don't have a preference on brand as long as it's one of the big brand names. I’m consider the Kenwood Excelon KDC-X395 simply because Crutchfield is offering $50 off and a SiriusXm is offer $50 rebate on the satellite unit.

Is this a good receiver for the price? It seems to have all the features I want and good reviews on Crutchfield. Is there any other unit I should consider? The fact I can get this whole unit including satellite for about $130 I am really leaning towards this but want some other input before I plunk down the cash.

 

Hey Mike,

That unit got good reviews on Amazon as well and is $20 cheaper there, although you'd have to talk to the seller regarding any warranty issues, sometimes it's "as is" when the prices are that cheap. I'm not sure that unit will integrate with an iPad, but it does have the majority of the inputs you're looking for. Also note that the BT functionality looks like it requires a separate adapter. If you wanted to save a few bucks on Sirius, if you have the internet connection on your Sirius account, you could fire up the Sirius app on your phone and just plug it into your deck and listen through the stereo. Only problem with that is that you need cell signal to do so.

If you can find an inexpensive, brand name unit (Kenwood, Pioneer, etc) that has all the features you're looking for, then I say go for it.

 

Thanks Matt. I didn't think of checking Amazon's prices. I've been price shopping a bit at Sonix Electronics. I actually learned there is a difference between "SAT Ready", "XM Ready", "Sirius Ready" and "SiriusXM Ready". The SiriusXM Ready is the latest standard and looks like SiriusXM offers universal satellite unit for any receiver that supports the new "SiriusXM Ready" format. After doing some filtering on Sonix Electronics site and Crutchfield's I'm leaning towards the Sony CDX-GT660UP. Cheaper price than the Kenwood and I can get the SiriusXM unit for $9.99 after rebate. Looks like it's got good reviews as well. Only thing I see a problem with is AM and FM reception. I do listen to local sports stations on both AM and FM but I guess I'll see if it's really an issue.
As far as using the SiriusXM app it's OK if you are in a larger metro area or an area with good cell coverage but driving any distance and it will cut out or will not pick up at all because lack of cell coverage. I don't want to miss a second of Howard or sports! Plus, if you get a call it's a pain to resume it. I like just being able to turn the volume down on the radio, have my call and turn it back up. I'm willing to pay extra for the convenience and uninterrupted coverage (structures and trees aside).

 

I pulled the trigger today on the Sony CDX-GT660UP and the SiriusXM SXV200V1 satellite tuner. Both purchased from Sonic Electronix. I got a decent head unit with a USB and AUX input and direct SiriusXM control for $170. Plus it loos like I can get $50 rebate from SiriusXM.

 

Nice!

You're gonna love having a remote. I still miss mine on my old Pioneer AVIC unit, even with the steering wheel controls (which are obviously worthless when turning).

Keep us posted on the install.

 

I will. I'll need speakers eventually as well. Mine are still the original factory speakers and are pretty buzzy but that will have to wait. That's something I'll really need some advice on since I'm even more clueless about stuff like that.

 

When you get a little time on the unit I'd like to know what you think of it. I've got XM on a separate unit mounted in one of my vents. I've been thinking about getting something like that to free that vent up for more AC.

 

Will do. I should have it by tomorrow but will probably try to install it Saturday. If not on Saturday it will be at least a week. I have a towing trip coming in few weeks so I'll need to get it up and running and will be making good use of the satellite.

 

Anything will be an improvement over the factory speakers. You can get a decent pair of name brand ones from Best Buy or even Walmart (I know there's one near you ) for around $50-$75. Or find a decent a pair at a brick and mortar and buy 'em online.

 

I've been tempted to buy some Pioneer speakers that my local Walmart. I don't remember the model number but they are 3-ways. With just sending my oldest daughter off to college last week I've been pretty hesitant on spending any more money so I don't know if I'll actually go through with it.

I agree though that just about anything will be better that the factory speakers especially the condition they are in now!

 

You gotta spoil yourself sometimes Mike! ha ha.