I’m writing in the hope that folks here will know more about XM installation than the dopes at CC, BB, and so far, ALL the car stereo stores here in Santa Cruz. Here’s the deal:

I have a 2001 Acura CL Type S with navigation and in-dash CD changer. After hours on the web and about 30 phone calls I found that I have an unused CD changer port behind my console and can indeed have a Delphi or Commander direct-connected to my existing sound system. Blitzsafe was absolutely instrumental in helping me figure this out (got questions call Christian at Blitz – 209-569-5000, the guy is a wiz!)

Great thought I, no cassette connection, no FM modulator, best possible sound! All I needed was a an installer to do the work.

Well EVERY single installer I spoke to argued that direct connect was impossible regardless of the parts, because there is no input for direct connect on the Delphi or the Commander (Blitz makes a connection for the Commander as well - #HON-XM-DMX-CMD V.1). No less than 5 guys insisted I was wrong, that the Blitzsafe part was only for XM ready radios and tried to sell me an FM modulator (or depending on who I was talking to, a cassette connection).

I left local shops, BB and CC EXTREAMLY frustrated!

Of course by the time I got home Blitz, who is on the east coast, was closed.

So help, please, am I crazy, is the Blitz guy pulling my leg or just wrong, is it true that it’s impossible to direct connect the Delphi or Commander b/c they have no output for direct connection. Or are the Stereo install guys just completely clueless.

BTW- I got this from Bose this morning -

"Hello Mike, Thank you for your inquiry regarding the Bose Music System in your 2001 Acura CL. In answer to your question the factory installed head unit does not offer additional ports for adding after market components. You will need to use and after market adapter/fm modulation to use this type of format.Thank you for choosing Bose Corporation. Patty Bolack Consumer Relations Division"


Yet I see that people are using the Blitzsafe connection so please can you give me the real scoop. Feel free to write or call 831-661-0186. One thing if a woman answers the phone don't tell her why you're calling, this is meant as a christmas gift for her.
m_j_salerno@sbglobal.net

Mike

One more thought, is using a seperate head unit a better soultion than the delphi or commander?

 

mike,
your stock stereo has a port in the back that can be hooked up with a Blitzsafe or Peripheral adapter to allow you to attach an XM or extra MP3 cd changer (or whatever you want to add to it depending on the adapter).
In your case, you want a XM, and with the Blitz's part #, it looks correct to me. If you have that adapter in front of you, you will noticed that one harness off that is a rectangular plug. This plugs right into the back of your stock radio. You can do it yourself and safe tons of money from the installer. I wouldn't trust giving my car to those installers, especially when they said "impossible"....it is possible...it has been done..I did.

You can follow SilverKnight's instruction to remove the middle pannel, and the right side of the stock radio (panel) and kind of reach in there to plug in that connector and attach your XM to the other connector on your Blitz adapter and you're done. If you can't reach in there (need a small hand and some patient), then you can go ahead and take the other side out too and slide the radio out and plug in your connector....

I installed mine adapter without having to remove the radio...it's a little tricky but can be done.... Good luck.

 

goes to show you...

never trust installers at shops, they often have less knowledge than you'd think would be required for that job :P