Satellite radio question...

4009 Views 14 Replies 7 Participants Last post by SE Off Road1, Jan 3, 2006

linusbox

Discussion Starter · Dec 23, 2005

I'm thinking of having a satellite radio installed in my '05 Armada. I read somewhere (here or another Nissan forum) that installing any of these devices screw up the electrical system on the Armada. Is it better to get the satellite radio from the Nissan dealership or have a third party like Best Buy install it? What's the real scoop on adding satellite radio?

Also, to all satellite radio subscribers, which one do you guys prefer and why? XM or Sirius satellite radio?

Thanks for all the help.

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casinojames

· #2 · Dec 23, 2005

linusbox said:
I'm thinking of having a satellite radio installed in my '05 Armada. I read somewhere (here or another Nissan forum) that installing any of these devices screw up the electrical system on the Armada. Is it better to get the satellite radio from the Nissan dealership or have a third party like Best Buy install it? What's the real scoop on adding satellite radio?

Also, to all satellite radio subscribers, which one do you guys prefer and why? XM or Sirius satellite radio?

Thanks for all the help.

Never heard of aftermarket electronics screwing up the electrical system when professionally installed. Most pro shops will gurantee there work as well. As for which is better I'll leave that to someone who actually has one or the other.

05BLIZZARDLE

· #3 · Dec 24, 2005

I personally like the plug and plays...I can take it between my cars and house and pay 1 subscription fee. Although discontinued, I really like my Clarion Calypso Unit. Total price for the receiver,2 car kits and home kit was $180. Sound is excellent thru aux input. I would go w/ SIRIUS...Howard Stern in January!!!!

casinojames

· #4 · Dec 24, 2005 (Edited)

05BLIZZARDLE said:
I personally like the plug and plays...I can take it between my cars and house and pay 1 subscription fee. Although discontinued, I really like my Clarion Calypso Unit. Total price for the receiver,2 car kits and home kit was $180. Sound is excellent thru aux input. I would go w/ SIRIUS...Howard Stern in January!!!!

Hmmm.... that was a question I had. If you have a dedicated unit in your car and your house do you have to pay two subscriptions? That doesn't seem very cool to me!!

Okay answered my own question. Quote from XM site.

"Do I need to have a separate XM subscription for each radio?
Each radio that is activated will be charged its own set of fees. "

Ahhhh...but Sirius only charges half price for upto 3 additional recievers.

So 10.99 for activation(internet) 12.95 mo plus 6.99 for each additional reciever.

Obviously this makes Sirius much more competitive for you froogle shoppers.

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Campfamily

· #5 · Dec 24, 2005

XM pricing is similar for multiple radios, with no activation fee before 31 Dec.

Also, for you DirecTV subscribers, XM is provided with your normal programming. Check out Channels 801 and up. I have my stereo hooked up through my satellite receiver, and the only downside is that you have to turn on the TV to see what channel you're tuned to.

Keith

ftnssn

· #6 · Dec 24, 2005

sirius comes on dishnetwork

casinojames

· #7 · Dec 24, 2005

Campfamily said:
XM pricing is similar for multiple radios, with no activation fee before 31 Dec.

Also, for you DirecTV subscribers, XM is provided with your normal programming. Check out Channels 801 and up. I have my stereo hooked up through my satellite receiver, and the only downside is that you have to turn on the TV to see what channel you're tuned to.

Keith

There website mentioned the free activation but in the FAQ it says you pay the same for each unit(see quote above). Did I miss something? Do you pay a different price?

Campfamily

· #8 · Dec 24, 2005

casinojames said:
There website mentioned the free activation but in the FAQ it says you pay the same for each unit(see quote above). Did I miss something? Do you pay a different price?

From the website...

Why let the XM experience end when you get out of the car? Add up to four additional XM Radios to your account for only $6.99/month per radio for basic service.
Multiple XM Radios = BIG Savings!
Add up to 4 additional XM Radios to your account for only $6.99/month per radio for basic service.

Already have more than one XM Radio?
Switch to the XM Family Plan today and start saving. Just call Listener Care at
1-800-XM-RADIO (1-800-967-2346) to get started.

casinojames

· #9 · Dec 24, 2005

Campfamily said:
From the website...

Why let the XM experience end when you get out of the car? Add up to four additional XM Radios to your account for only $6.99/month per radio for basic service.
Multiple XM Radios = BIG Savings!
Add up to 4 additional XM Radios to your account for only $6.99/month per radio for basic service.

Already have more than one XM Radio?
Switch to the XM Family Plan today and start saving. Just call Listener Care at
1-800-XM-RADIO (1-800-967-2346) to get started.

Sweet!! Good stuff. They need to update there FAQ section.

05BLIZZARDLE

· #10 · Dec 25, 2005

I am not sure about XM but w/ SIRIUS you pay 1 subscription fee per receiver not antenna. So with my one plug n play receiver I am able to move it between both of my cars and my house. I did have to buy an addtional home and car kit for $49.99 each, but definitely worth it. The only down side w/ plug n play receivers is that you have to find a spot on a sometimes cluttered dash to mount the unit.

linusbox

Discussion Starter · #11 · Dec 26, 2005

Thanks for all the info. It's confusing sometimes to read the ads. It's better to ask current subscribers.

NorCalJay

· #12 · Dec 30, 2005

I have the Sirius Sportster unit mounted to the vent between steering wheel & stereo. I had Circuit City easily install cradles/antennas hardwired on 2 vehicles. No preference over XM/Sirius. I got it for Stern but love it alone for the music/news. I also have XM on Directv & the music is basically the same. It's like what cable tv is to local channels, you'll never go back.

PROS:
+Great location - visble display & within reach - all wires hardwired to AUX & hidden. (DO NOT mount below stereo...too dangerous for driving.)
+The new Sportster (blue led) has a 45 minute rewind/pause.
+Remote control - must have - if you channel surf it'll save your arm.
+Artist/song display - my wife has Sirius built in -no readout sucks.
+Preview guide - see what's on other channels without changing current one.
+30 station preset - I use all of them...never did that with radio.
+Program to skip channels from guide
+Unit is cheaper, mobile & has better display than dealer installed unit.
+Sirius controls are easy & much better than the Armada stereo controls.

CONS:
-Low volume inline feed - MUST get $30 inline "PIE" booster (helps but not as loud as radio/cd)
-Plays best with LOUD amp/speakers/subs where volume is not an issue.
-Switching receiver unit to vehicles/home/work (really not an issue)
-Monthly fee - worth it (I may upgrade & keep the first for $7/mo)

Warning tip: Mount as high as possible. Don't mount the top of the receiver unit below the top of dash...even there you can dangerously take your eyes off the road.

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05BLIZZARDLE

· #13 · Jan 3, 2006

Do you have any pics of your install that Circuit City did? I might have them install it for me here. Price was decent plus w/ warranty.

NorCalJay

· #14 · Jan 3, 2006

05BLIZZARDLE said:
Do you have any pics of your install that Circuit City did? I might have them install it for me here. Price was decent plus w/ warranty.

I found an older post of mine & it has pics.

http://www.clubarmada.com/forums/showthread.php?t=939&page=1&pp=10

Sat radio (non factory) is a worthy setup . Good luck!

SE Off Road1

· #15 · Jan 3, 2006

NorCalJay said:
I found an older post of mine & it has pics.

http://www.clubarmada.com/forums/showthread.php?t=939&page=1&pp=10

Sat radio (non factory) is a worthy setup . Good luck!

Not sure if I would want my AC Vent blocked. Your radio will stay nice and cool though.

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