| jswift2000 |
Hey all.
I know some of you are interested in Satelite radio, specifically XM, but Sirius Satelite Radio is having a promotion offering a $100 rebate on a radio (most would be free) with signing up for service. You can call the following numver 1 800 4669742 or check out the following site: http://www.sirius.com/servlet/Conte...d=1022077284083
I know that XM was first to market but sirius has three satelites as opposed to XM's two and is commercial free. Just wanted to pass this along.
Good luck. |
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| csimo |
I don't know that any of the Sirius tuners will connect to the MDX radio via the Blitzsafe adaper. You'd have to use an FM modulator which kind of eliminates many of the advantages in my opinion.
I don't care if it's Sirius or XM, I would just want to get a direct digital connection into the sound system and not go the FM modulated way. Right now I think that counts Sirius out, but I could be wrong. |
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| mdxxxx |
quote:
Originally posted by csimo
I don't know that any of the Sirius tuners will connect to the MDX radio via the Blitzsafe adaper. You'd have to use an FM modulator which kind of eliminates many of the advantages in my opinion...
My thinking exactly...:4: |
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| Emerald01 |
| From what I read, you can hook up Sirius tuner via a blitzsafe adapter. |
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| Wazowski |
quote:
Originally posted by csimo
I don't know that any of the Sirius tuners will connect to the MDX radio via the Blitzsafe adaper. You'd have to use an FM modulator which kind of eliminates many of the advantages in my opinion.
I don't care if it's Sirius or XM, I would just want to get a direct digital connection into the sound system and not go the FM modulated way. Right now I think that counts Sirius out, but I could be wrong.
I have a friend that uses a cassette adaptor for his XM radio. True, it's not a "direct digital connection," but I don't believe a Blitzsafe would be "direct digital connection" either. However, at least an FM modulator is not the only interface option available. |
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| csimo |
They're all kind of like drinking a fine wine thru a straw. Not exactly the way it's supposed to be enjoyed.
I don't know if the Blitzsafe is a digital connection or not. I thought I read that it was, but who knows. Many have reported significant sound quality improvements when going from a FM modulator to the Blitzsafe.
Now to compare a FM modulator to a cassette adapter? Both are pretty bad in my book. Sitting here thinking about it I've decided I probably wouldn't want to be there to hear the two side by side. I think it would be the best of the worst kind of thing, but I could be wrong (I never heard a cassette tape I liked).
I know some of the XM (and Sirius) data streams are clean (near CD quality). Nothing wrong there. Some of the GM vehicles with decent sound systems and XM sound pretty good for OEM systems. I've not experienced any other OEM satellite system so far. |
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| Wazowski |
quote:
Originally posted by csimo
They're all kind of like drinking a fine wine thru a straw. Not exactly the way it's supposed to be enjoyed.
I don't know if the Blitzsafe is a digital connection or not. I thought I read that it was, but who knows. Many have reported significant sound quality improvements when going from a FM modulator to the Blitzsafe.
Now to compare a FM modulator to a cassette adapter? Both are pretty bad in my book. Sitting here thinking about it I've decided I probably wouldn't want to be there to hear the two side by side. I think it would be the best of the worst kind of thing, but I could be wrong (I never heard a cassette tape I liked).
I know some of the XM (and Sirius) data streams are clean (near CD quality). Nothing wrong there. Some of the GM vehicles with decent sound systems and XM sound pretty good for OEM systems. I've not experienced any other OEM satellite system so far.
"They're all kind of like drinking a fine wine thru a straw."
:D I agree with you csimo! I think the best solution and clearly the cleanest looking install would be the Blitzsafe. As I understand it, the Blitzsafe provides RCA left and right inputs, which you could interface directly with your "headphone" or "line out" outputs from your audio device if your can get the proper adapter cables. However, the downside would be that the Blitzsafe is more expensive, not as readily available and would require a DIY'er (like most of us) to take apart the dash to install.
I have never been able to compare a cassette adapter with the Blitzsafe, but I have been able to compare a cassette adapter with an FM modulator. I've used them both with my MP3 player (iPod). The cassette adapter is clearly the winner. In fact, it actually doesn't sound that bad! (Caveat: I'm not an audiophile.) The difference between the FM modulator and the cassette adapter is most noticeable especially when the vehicle is moving. Depending on the amount of interference, there are noticeable dropouts with the FM modulator. The problem is exacerbated when the batteries start to run low on the FM modulator.
I would be curious to know if anyone has been able to compare a Blitzsafe adapter with a cassette adapter. Anyone?! |
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| mdxxxx |
quote:
Originally posted by csimo
They're all kind of like drinking a fine wine thru a straw. Not exactly the way it's supposed to be enjoyed....
Nice analogy...:4: |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by Wazowski
The cassette adapter is clearly the winner. In fact, it actually doesn't sound that bad! (Caveat: I'm not an audiophile.) The difference between the FM modulator and the cassette adapter is most noticeable especially when the vehicle is moving. Depending on the amount of interference, there are noticeable dropouts with the FM modulator. The problem is exacerbated when the batteries start to run low on the FM modulator.
I would be curious to know if anyone has been able to compare a Blitzsafe adapter with a cassette adapter. Anyone?!
I have certainly had the opposite expreience. I had a minivan with a 12 disk CD changer that had been professionally installed and worked with an FM modulator. The modulater worked off the 12 volts (what batteries?).
It certainly sounded better than the portable I used to use with a cassette adaptor previously. I never had dropouts and it was noise free. Did it sound as good as a direct connection? No, of course not, but the overall audio was at least as good as the best and clearest FM station.
The only thing it lacked with that ultlimate full range especially on the high end you hear with a direct connection on CD playback.
I did not want to spend the money at the time on replacing the entire head unit, and the stock one had no standard preamp outputs. It served for a few years and was very appreciated on long trips. It would seem the Blitzsafe is the way to go now if you don't have standard outputs. |
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| Wazowski |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
I have certainly had the opposite expreience. I had a minivan with a 12 disk CD changer that had been professionally installed and worked with an FM modulator. The modulater worked off the 12 volts (what batteries?).
It certainly sounded better than the portable I used to use with a cassette adaptor previously. I never had dropouts and it was noise free. Did it sound as good as a direct connection? No, of course not, but the overall audio was at least as good as the best and clearest FM station.
The only thing it lacked with that ultlimate full range especially on the high end you hear with a direct connection on CD playback.
I did not want to spend the money at the time on replacing the entire head unit, and the stock one had no standard preamp outputs. It served for a few years and was very appreciated on long trips. It would seem the Blitzsafe is the way to go now if you don't have standard outputs.
Good information, DaleB. It sounds like you had a great quality FM modulator that was powered by your car battery whereas I had a "cheap-o" FM modulator powered by 2 AAA batteries.
Anyway, it sounds like everyone agrees that the Blitzsafe is the way to go. Does anyone know of reputable Internet sites or a store that we can go to purchase the Blitzsafe adapter for the MDX? I know that other threads usually mention to "call Ron," but I usually like to shop around. Too bad we missed the group buy! |
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| Emerald01 |
| Can't say if the blitzsafe is a digital connection or not. But this is the same connection used for the factory CD changer. So it must be pretty good. I have the blitsafe adapter. I have yet to insall it. I started out with a FM modulator wasn't happy with that. Now using cassette adapter, sounds pretty good but looks ugly. I can compare the cassette adapter and the blitzsafe adapter soon. |
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| rblancojr |
Emerald01,
Can you message me (public or private) with the part number for the Blitzsafe adapter for the MDX? I am going crazy trying to find the right part number for my 2002 MDX.
if you also know where I might be able to purchase it, I would apprecaite it as well.
Thanks |
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| SteveLuman |
quote:
Originally posted by rblancojr
Emerald01,
Can you message me (public or private) with the part number for the Blitzsafe adapter for the MDX? I am going crazy trying to find the right part number for my 2002 MDX.
if you also know where I might be able to purchase it, I would apprecaite it as well.
Thanks
HON/AUX DMX V.1
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| rblancojr |
Steve,
Thanks. I was able to pick one up locally.
Setting it tomorrow.
rbj |
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| pacpal1 |
FYI,
I auditioned XM radio while visiting a local specialty car stereo store. The vehicle belonged to the owner who had installed a very complex, high end stereo system (probably more than $5,000 invested). I had always assumed XM would produce "CD quality sound"...but it doesn't...it's actually close to FM quality (please note that I'm not knocking any of you who have chosen to install satellite radio and I do admit to being a snooty audiophile...I'm also very aware of the programming benefits)...anyway, I just thought I'd post the results of my audition, simply since there's so much interest in satellite radio.
I also noticed the following news today:
NEW YORK (Reuters), October 2, 2003 - Broadcaster XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: XMSR) on Wednesday said it added 237,000 subscribers in the third quarter and remains on track to meet its goal of serving 1.2 million customers by year-end. The Washington-based company, whose shares were up more than 5 percent, said it now has 929,648 subscribers. In the second quarter it added 209,000. XM is the leader in a nascent market that also includes Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. (Nasdaq: SIRI). Analysts have said the companies need more than 2 million subscribers to break even. XM on Wednesday said it expects to reach cash flow break-even by the end of 2004. Sirius, which unveiled its service months after XM, has only 105,000 customers. |
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| rblancojr |
I disagree. I don't claim to be a 100% audiophile. I would say about 90%.
From the standpoint of audio quality, especially connected via an adapter as mentioned in this thread, the sound quality blows away FM. FM lacks "pizazz" to use a simple term. High and low frequencies are nonexistent in FM.
XM brings all this out. It is definitely not 100% CD quality, but very near to it. I assume as time passes, this will get even better. In a car that is not by any means "soundproof", a typical ear, and even one of my 90% ones should be EXTREMELY satisfied with the audio quality.
This thing is a no-brainer. Its a very good balance between sound quality, price, and selection. Besides, I am so tired of 5 minute commercials from FM!!!
:p |
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| jswift2000 |
quote:
Originally posted by pacpal1
FYI,
I auditioned XM radio while visiting a local specialty car stereo store. The vehicle belonged to the owner who had installed a very complex, high end stereo system (probably more than $5,000 invested). I had always assumed XM would produce "CD quality sound"...but it doesn't...it's actually close to FM quality (please note that I'm not knocking any of you who have chosen to install satellite radio and I do admit to being a snooty audiophile...I'm also very aware of the programming benefits)...anyway, I just thought I'd post the results of my audition, simply since there's so much interest in satellite radio.
I also noticed the following news today:
NEW YORK (Reuters), October 2, 2003 - Broadcaster XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: XMSR) on Wednesday said it added 237,000 subscribers in the third quarter and remains on track to meet its goal of serving 1.2 million customers by year-end. The Washington-based company, whose shares were up more than 5 percent, said it now has 929,648 subscribers. In the second quarter it added 209,000. XM is the leader in a nascent market that also includes Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. (Nasdaq: SIRI). Analysts have said the companies need more than 2 million subscribers to break even. XM on Wednesday said it expects to reach cash flow break-even by the end of 2004. Sirius, which unveiled its service months after XM, has only 105,000 customers.
There have been a few articles around stating that sirius has a better sound quality. Sirius is also announcing sub #'s at the end of october. Both companies are great and I think the technology is great. When the time comes, I will be going with Sirius - XM has commercials and FM has commercials. Why would I want to pay $10/month to listen to commercials. Sirius may not have the subs that xm has but they're coming. Also, GM has a 12% stake in XM - would you want GM having a stake in anything? |
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| pacpal1 |
Okay...let's pursue this further...I'm very interested in this topic...my 30 minute one way commute is driving me to seriously consider satellite radio. I'm also willing to audition again with an open mind (it was about 110 degrees in the guy's car during my first audition).
Can anyone summarize in layman's terms the compression routines/algorithms used by the satellite radio broadcasters to help confirm what sound quality satellite radio should theoretically provide versus a compact disc? Have Popular Science and/or other periodicals commented on this topic? |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by pacpal1
Okay...let's pursue this further...I'm very interested in this topic...my 30 minute one way commute is driving me to seriously consider satellite radio. I'm also willing to audition again with an open mind (it was about 110 degrees in the guy's car during my first audition).
Can anyone summarize in layman's terms the compression routines/algorithms used by the satellite radio broadcasters to help confirm what sound quality satellite radio should theoretically provide versus a compact disc? Have Popular Science and/or other periodicals commented on this topic?
Various audio/video (HIFI) mags have from time to time. You many also want to do a 'google' on such forums...many I think they have a dedicated site or two...here's one on XM
http://www.xmfan.com/index.php |
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| pacpal1 |
Yes, you're right...I began researching right after posting my question...I should have researched prior to posting my question...I just came from xmfan.com.
Once again, I'll state up front that XM and Sirius offer unparelleled programming selections. Their signals are digital, but my view still remains that they do not produce CD quality sound. However, this is sufficient for 99.999999999% of all listeners.
I read a thread on xmfan.com where a self professed "audiophile" posted his experience subscribing to both Sirius (first) and then XM. He was disappointed with the sound quality of both and posted his feelings for discussion (very similar post to mine here on acuramdx.org). He wasn't trying to insult anyone. Nevertheless, the XM fans that populate the user group gave him a VERY hard time.
Interestingly, several of the posters that punished him for posting his views admitted that XM doesn't produce CD quality sound. One poster (I don't remember if it was the audiophile) stated that XM will not release stats that describe its digital compression routines (sounds a little like Bose not releasing stats on its automobile or home systems). One of the ideas discussed was that XM and Sirius slightly compromised sound quality by offering so many channels...some thought that, if 75 channels were offered instead of 100, significant improvements in sound quality could be gained.
Anyway, what alway seems to happen is that the audiophile misses the point by striving for perfect sound quality (he really can hear the difference). At the same time, everyone else can't hear the difference (either because they really can't or they've never been exposed to a very high quality audio system)...these posters take offense to the guy searching for confirmation of his findings...they're perfectly satisfied with the sound and primarily value the programming selection. |
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| jswift2000 |
| I havent had the chance to listen to a sat radio yet so I cant comment on the sound quality but I cant imagine they are cd quality but have to be darn close. remember... your transmitting so something has to be lost in the transmission. I think sat radio will take off.... Sirius is talking about bring sat tv to the cars. That will be great and make it very popular. |
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| hockeyplayer |
quote:
Originally posted by pacpal1
........my 30 minute one way commute is driving me to seriously consider satellite radio.
30 minutes????:19: (I wish:() I guess my 1 hour morning.....1 1/2 afternoon commutes should drive me to both Sirius and XM (One for each ear:)) I have thought about the notion of the satellite radio simply because the morning radio in Atlanta is the absolute worst. I simply don't give a s#@% about talk shows and that is all we have. |
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| DaleB |
I listened to it once in a rental car (XM) and it was more of a novelty at the time. I did like choosing music by style (sure beats searching stations in a new town), and the signal seemed to be superior to FM unless you are blocked for an inordinate amount of time under an overpass, I would think.
Maybe being satellite it's forte is the open road.
Since it was playing through a standard audio system it was difficult to judge how superior the audio quality over FM it was, if any.
I am sure the program material is chosen for quality, to exceed what typically is used on AM/FM stations, to give it every possible advantage.
I think it may have a better place in a complete mobile audio system, if it is combined with other satellite services as part of a total package. There is potential. |
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| jswift2000 |
HockeyPlayer,
Sirius just signed a deal with the nhl so they can broadcast all nhl games. |
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| hockeyplayer |
quote:
Originally posted by jswift2000
HockeyPlayer,
Sirius just signed a deal with the nhl so they can broadcast all nhl games.
:) ......hmmmmmm......:p Thanks for the info. |
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