XM radio - do you like it?

fishman · Mar 8, 2004

I thought this post was appropriate for those of us who live in rural areas or travel extensively therein. I'm tired of not having decent music to listen to and always hunting for a mediocre station at best. I've been looking at the XM radio as a possible solution to boredom during those long hours behind the wheel. In particular, I like the looks of the Delphi system that supposedly can be switched between cars and also hooked up inside to existing home audio.

So, those of you that have a system, either factory installed or add-on, like I'm looking at: Do you like it and is it worth it? Any hidden costs besides the monthly fee that one needs to be aware of?

Bob_Skurka · Mar 8, 2004

I have the Alpine XM radio. I like XM, but I don't really care for the Alpine unit I have. It is small and fits where I needed it, which the Delphi would not do. But if I had it to do over again I probably would buy a different unit that swapped between cars and home. As it is, we drive the wife's SUV when we take trips and on the weekends because my car is far less practical (convertible with small back seats that are hard to access) so the XM only is used during the week when I take the commute to and from the city.

I will say that it is nice to hear the same station wherever I am. As I drive home the Chicago stations are crystal clear at my office but become staticy as I get near my home. That issue is resolved with XM. And now XM is adding local traffic and weather for many areas so that also resolves another issue.

Spencer · Mar 8, 2004

Bob, I listen to WBBM and WLS on the AM band all the time. Can you receive those on the XM system?

Spence

BillyP · Mar 8, 2004

WLS...that brings back memories. I listened to that when I was a teenager. I've often wondered, now, how I was able to pick it up in Oklahoma?

Bob_Skurka · Mar 8, 2004

WBBM and WLS are, to my knowledge, NOT available on XM.

I listen to WBBM for their traffic & weather when I need that, then switch back to my XM. As for WLS, that is sort of the dinosaur that just won't die, it was my favorite station when I was a kid, but I have to admit that I don't listen to much AM band radio anymore. When I drive down to Indianapolis for meetings, I listen to WLS pretty much the whole way there if I use my wife's car. Other than that I pretty much limit my listening to the XM radio in my car, or WBBM if I am going into Chicago and need to get a traffic report.

But, for those of you who remember the OLD WLS crew, Uncle Lar & Lil' Tommy put out their ANIMAL STORIES on CD and we do listen to those in our offices from time to time.

Docsknotinn · Mar 8, 2004

I have a factory Bose unit that came in my Duramax. I was a little skeptical about the XM at first. It didnt take long to be a firm believer. You can drive all day and never change a channel. There are sooooo many channels it is amazing. The best part is the sound quality is much better than FM. I think it is the best thing since sliced bread /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Bob_Skurka · Mar 8, 2004

I thought BURMA SHAVE was the best thing since sliced bread? /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

fishman · Mar 8, 2004

So the add-on units play through the stereo via an FM modulator. Just turn to the correct station and you're listening to XM. Seems to me I heard that this was less desirable than a direct feed to the system when I was looking at adding a cd changer a few years back. Does anybody know this for a fact?

Bob_Skurka · Mar 8, 2004

fishman. . . I believe you are correct about the FM modulator versus the direct feed. Mine unit is the FM type. Like I said earlier, I would not recommend my unit.

By the way, mine comes with a HAND HELD INFRARED REMOTE CONTROL that can be used to control the unit IN ADDITION to the dash mounted control. Is it just me or is that the most assinine option to use inside of a car? Do I really need to fumble around while driving looking for a remote so I can point it at the dash and change the channel? Car gadgets are really fun when they are USEFUL and help you keep your eyes on the road, but I find this thing to be inane. Maybe I'm just crabby today.

Docsknotinn · Mar 8, 2004

I have heard that from other guys who are using them. I wish I could tell you more but mine was built in by GM as a integral part of the Bose system that's in it. It was a $425 option for the XM alone so I think the add on units are the same price. Some of those I have seen you can take to your desk or inside to play. I think that would be ALMOST as slick as a Burma save /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif