I am looking to purchase a satellite radio system after my wife purchased a vehicle that comes with XM. I have a few questions:

1. With the upcoming merger, is XM or Sirius a better fit? I know that the programming will remain seperate for a period of time after the merger, but is there a reason to stay clear of either XM or Sirius? My wife has XM, so we would get a discount by signing up a 2nd vehicle with them. However, I have heard that Sirius is better.

2. I like the look of the XM Commander unit installed in the ashtray. Is this a complicated install process and will most audio shops install it this way if desired for little or no extra cost? Are there any known issues with installing the unit here?

2a. If I decided to go with the Sirius brand instead, is there a Sirius unit that is the equivalent of the XM Commander in size so that it could be installed in the ashtray, or at least, out of the way?

3. What other locations and receivers have y'all used that you've found to be appealing/unobtrusive, effective, and easy-to-install? Pictures would be great!

4. Any other advice or recommendations to a satellite radio newbie would be helpful.

Thanks!

 

If I understood correctly, the deal for Sirius and XM to merge has not gotten a finally FCC approval yet. If you decide to switch to Sirius you will be able to have a second unit for half the cost of $6 per month more. I have 4 Sirius satellite units and am currently only paying for 2. Sirius has failed to disconnect the services for the unit I have on my '06 Honda Gold Wing and I have not had to pay for new service in my '07 Screw so far after 8 months of service.

 

1. It all comes down to your taste in music and programming, personally I prefer Sirius. I like the rock stations that it has over XM's

2. Look for the Sirius Starbase, it's pretty much like the commander.. I got it in my truck

3.I put my Starbase here..vv


4. Consider buying the lifetime service! it's worth it if you like sat. radio, imagine if you could do the same for sat. T.V.

 

I think it also depends if you want to replace the factory streo as well. I have a 97 F150 and replaced the stock radio with a JVC KD-G310 head unit. The unit is Sirius ready (there are other brands available, both for Sirius and XM) Had to buy the Sirius tuner box, but it mounts out of sight and hooks directly to the head unit. All controls for the Sirius are through the head unit. Makes for a cleaner instal IMO, but it all comes down to taste.

 

1. Depends on your taste. Music whise, they are nearly identical. Sirius has the NFL, the NBA, and Stern. XM has Baseball, Hockey, and, well, Marth Stewart, haha.

2. Most shops will put it where ever you want it. I know tahts what we do at best buy. The only thing we charge extra for is if there is a bracket needed. Other then that, theres no extra charges.

As the guy said above, the starbase (good luckfinding one) and starmate are about the smallest units your going to get from sirius.

3. Assuming you have an overhead console, that is another location to mount a satalite radio. They fit very nicely into the flip down sunglass holder.

4. GET AN FM MODULATOR!!!!! I cannot stress enough how much better sound quailty you will have versus a regular fm transmitter.