XM sound quality
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
XM sound quality
I have installed an XM radio in my truck and it is running through the FM modulator. Some stations on XM sound better than others but still do not sounds like a good FM channel with great reception. It almost sounds muffled or as if it were streaming over the internet. My question is, will adding the PIE adapter to utilize the AUX button make the XM channels sounds that much better than throught the FM modulator? I have read threads on here that say it will not so save the 80-90 bucks you would spend on one. Help me out those of you that went from FM modulator to the PIE when using XM radio.
Thanks
Thanks
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 185
From: Dedham, MA
My XM Roady sounds muffled on the lower channels but is much better on the higher ones, if you can find an open one in your area. It sounds better than FM, until a strong station starts to cut in on the signal. Have you tried increasing the units output volume?
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
I have the TERK Commander, and have the output volume on 8. That is the highest level. I thought about a higher FM channel, say something in the 100's, but have not done it yet. I guess my real question is, is this what I should get used to XM sounding like or should it have good digital clear sounds quality?
Thanks Guys
Thanks Guys
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Get the PIE. I've had xm for a few years now and was never satisfied with the sound quality from the fm converter. Got my new 05 Screw with audiophile and also bought the terk commander hooked direct thru the PIE. Great sound. Just make sure that when wiring the PIE you use a constant power source, otherwise some have had issue with the OEM head not recognizing it. I just tapped off of the cig lighter and everything works great. Good luck.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 185
From: Dedham, MA
I had the tape adaptor in my previous vehicle, sound quality was WAY better than the FM modulator. I was told by most XM sales folks that the FM modulator is the least clear of all hookup methods. Also keep in mind that this is not guaranteed to be CD quality music, due to the nature of the transmission source.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Thanks Dog'em, and ReForder. Im not expecting CD quality, I was wrong to say digital quality before, but better than i am hearing, and it sounds like the PIE is the way to go. Thanks for the input fellas.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Trending Topics
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
I got mine here www.logjamelectronics.com
But I've seen one on PIE.com that has a power source for your XM Commander. They all sell for around $85
But I've seen one on PIE.com that has a power source for your XM Commander. They all sell for around $85
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 185
From: Dedham, MA
Dog'em, how hard of an install was this thing? Looks pretty straightforward. What color wire did you tap off of the cig. lighter? And did you just ground it to the dash? I hadn't even thought of doing this until you posted that link to Logjam. Thanks.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 170
Likes: 1
If you do a search, you will find a very extensive installation detail for a PIE adapter and Terk Commander. I followed it, and am very happy with not only the install, but also the sound quality. I had to use a modulator in my wife's Expy, and the sound quality is nowhere close to the PIE direct hookup.
I ran a wire over to my fuse box and tapped in there, but the cig lighter will also work.
Good luck!
I ran a wire over to my fuse box and tapped in there, but the cig lighter will also work.
Good luck!
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by ReForder
Dog'em, how hard of an install was this thing? Looks pretty straightforward. What color wire did you tap off of the cig. lighter? And did you just ground it to the dash? I hadn't even thought of doing this until you posted that link to Logjam. Thanks.
I then stuck the xm commander brain up under the dash with zip ties and put the controller in the ash tray. You just have to drill a hole in the bottom of the ash tray assembly to run the wires. Works great, when the ash tray is closed everything looks stock. Good luck
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,666
Likes: 4
From: Sunny tourist infested FL
I'm using a delphi FM direct adapter. And it sounds great! It plugs in between the truck antenna and the radio.
I move my XM from vehicle to vehicle.
I have no problem with radio stations overriding the xm signal. The adapter "turns off" the trucks antenna. The installation took all of 5 minutes.
I move my XM from vehicle to vehicle.
I have no problem with radio stations overriding the xm signal. The adapter "turns off" the trucks antenna. The installation took all of 5 minutes.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
WildCard- i dont have problems with radio stations overriding the XM signal, the modulator is doing what it is supposed to by blocking the FM frequencies and only allowing the XM to come through. It the almost muffled sounds that I am getting from the XM, its there and its clear its just not loud and you dont get sound like you would like a high quality FM station would. But thanks for the reply.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 185
From: Dedham, MA
Let's remember that terrestrial radio has much stronger broadcasting strength than satellite. This lends to it's increased reception quality but also to it' limited range. I guess I accept the almost limitless reception capability of the satellite over the quality of the FM signal, at least until I hardwire it in somehow. I like the AUX input idea the best.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,479
Likes: 4
The problem with using the FM tuner, is frequency modulation is limited in it's frequency response. Since XM and Sirrus are digital, you could loose dynamics and the full digital fequency spectrum going thru the tuner.
Typical frequency response of an FM signal is anywhere from just under 50HZ to about 15K HZ, yet digital has information below 20HZ and above 20Khz. Even though lot of folks can't hear the full range of 20hz to 20Khz, you can still feel the dynamics, which the FM tuner will attenuate. In otherwords the digital type quality will be limited! Just nature of the beast! The PIE connection will offer you the full preamp and power amp capabilites.
Typical frequency response of an FM signal is anywhere from just under 50HZ to about 15K HZ, yet digital has information below 20HZ and above 20Khz. Even though lot of folks can't hear the full range of 20hz to 20Khz, you can still feel the dynamics, which the FM tuner will attenuate. In otherwords the digital type quality will be limited! Just nature of the beast! The PIE connection will offer you the full preamp and power amp capabilites.
Last edited by KevinM; Mar 15, 2006 at 10:50 AM.