I posted this in the audio forum but only got a couple replies. I hope to get more here.

I have installed an Audiophile HU in my 05 F150. I have also upgraded the door speakers and installed a powered sub. I love the way CDs sound on the system. I am extremely disappointed how the radio sounds though. Sounds very flat.

Is Satellite radio something I could consider as an alternative to my flat sounding FM? If so, will I need a direct hook-up to overcome the same flatness I now experience.

Thanks for any help you can offer to help bring me into the 21st century.

 

I'm a little confused by your question but I'll try to take a stab...

First, just to clarify, sat radio (XM or Sirius) is a different type of service. Obviously, as the name suggests, it is broadcast via a satellite(s). Terrestrial radio, like your local 'FM' or 'AM' station comes from a tower strategically placed to service a particular area. In short, these are two very different things... I think you probably knew that but, the way you phrased your question, I wanted to address it.

Now, as for Sat radio, I've had both services XM and Sirius... the sound quality, IMO was comprable. What wasn't comprable is how you can hook the sat up to your system.

There are a couple of routes to consider:

1. Run it through your AUX input via a PIE adapter. Try a quick search for PIE and you'll see a wealth of information. I had one on my truck before I upgraded head units and REALLY liked it. It's LIGHT YEARS ahead of the next option, FM Modulation, in sound quality.

2. FM Modulators -- this is a device that runs through your antenna plug on the back of your head unit. It basically 'tricks' the stereo into believing that there's a signal on 87.7 or another low range frequency (they vary). The sound quality here will be, in my opinion, slightly better than FM but, you're still recieving the signal in the same manner that you would a regular FM station -- through the antenna jack. This option is for someone who just wants to 'hear' the sat radio and not really care about sound quality. From what you describe, this isn't your best option.

3. Upgrade head units to something that is XM or SIRIUS ready. This way you'll have a brain box mounted somewhere in the cab. It'll interpret the satellite signal via the antenna that will be installed somewhere with a clear view of the sky. Then it will, in turn, send that translated signal to your head unit via an IP Bus cable or some other form of cable in a digital format. Obviously, the clarity is very good with this option.

There are a few other options that might be available but they're basically variations of those three....

Does that help a little?

RP

 

Thank you RP. That helps a lot.

 

I have Sirus and I used a PIE interface to make the audio out from the sat radio feed directly into the HU.. I have the 6 CD MP3 unit and the PIE fakes the HU out to think it is the DVD/CD unit from the DVD package. Better than listening to the CD. That is the good news.. the bad news is at the time I bought mine in Sept '05 that unit was not compatible with your radio. Check it out before you order. It is possible that they have additional models.. now..

Jack

 

Hmm.. I have the Audiophile and it works/worked fine with mine...

 

Is this the correct adapter?

http://i21.ebayimg.com/01/i/05/b8/00/5b_2.JPG

 

I think I know what you are getting at... I have factory Sirius in my 06 and no it doesn't sound as good as CD. I would rate it in the middle of regular FM radio and CD, not bad but not as clear and loud as CD. To be honest I was hoping it would be as good as CD but it's not.... Hope this helps.

 

That looks like the one that I used to have... I sold it via the f150online.com classifieds a while back though...

FWIW, I snared mine at logjam electronics -- I think several folks here did in fact. Personally, I had a good experience with them...

RP

 

I installed a Sirius Sportster, for the first week I played it through my OEM stereo and just let it broadcast on the default FM radio band and was very disappointed with the sound quality. I quickly ordered the PIE adapter because of the positive comments I had read on this board - HUGE difference - I would rate it above CD quality.

 

I would avoid the FM modulator method...its the most convenient but it doesn't sound as good in my opinion...PIE or new head unit is the way to go.

 

I've got an '06 with the factory Sirius...is there any way for me to hook up an ipod without losing the sat and without using the PIE?

 

Interesting. When they first came out I remember that they had references on it not being compatable. They must have fixed them. I remember that because I almost bought the Audiophile radio and decided at the last min to not loose the rear area room for the speaker.. Things change all the time!

Jack

 

wasnt the problem if you had the Audiophile and the rear DVD?

 

So you are comparing CD quality with FM quality??

That is like cable internet vs Dial up internet.

 

I guess I was trying to get a comparison between direct hook-up (no fm modulator) satellite and cd quality.