OK guys, I installed a Sirius Starmate Replay in my 2004 TSX the other day. I've got the antenna on the back parcel shelf near the 3rd brake light, and I'm using the FM modulation.

I was expecting the FM modulation to sound "not great", but it actually sounds more like AM radio. I've tried several different FM presets with no improvement. My sat signal strength is full, so I don't think that's the problem.

Is it supposed to sound this bad? Do you think I should try relocating the antenna to the trunklid to just see if it helps? I really didn't want to splurge for the hard wire since the car is a lease and I didn't want to mess around with the dash much.

The Sirius sounds great in the house, but I just can't enjoy it in the car with it sounding like this! I'd love suggestions. Thanks.

--jkw

 

I put the exact same system in my 04 TSX. I also have the antenna on the rear shelf (the magnet actually sticks to the key lock in the center of the back shelf.) I also use FM modulation.

It doesn't sound 100% as good as FM radio (the sound level drops a little), but it's not as bad as what you describe. Definitely not like AM radio. And it's something I can still enjoy. You may want to try a different radio channel.


Installation Pic

 

I'm not even using the FM Modulator (I bought the Blitzsafe adapter, with the Starmate Replay in my 04 TSX) and I'd say it sounds very much like a clear AM station. There are a lot of forums out there dedicated to satellite radio (both Sirius and XM) and they all seem to complain about poor audio quality. I love the programming, but the audio quality definitely leaves a lot to be desired. I think they compress it too much. Just listen to the talk stations - most have that "warbly" sound. That Howard channel must have gotten a lot of bandwidth because that seems to sound the best.

Don't they advertise "CD quality" sound?

 

It would sound a lot better if they didn't make the recievers so damn cheep.

If u look at the first gen ad on tuners they were $300+ they sounded clean as hell. Unfortunately they didn't move so now they've stoped pushing the sound quality aspect and started pushing these cheepo Serius, Delphi, Terk, DEI pieces of shizzle.

 

yes even with the blizsafe adapter I agree that the compressed sound sucks. its almost painful to the ears to play it loud for some stations. if satellite radio could figure out a way not to compress the sound they would have an absolute winner of a product.

 

to answer your questions you HAVE to get a blitzsafe adapter, using the FM modulator makes it sound like shitty AM.

 

Yep...it's still not great, but you'll go from shitty AM to clear AM.

 

OK, thanks for the advice guys. I had read that the receivers were down in quality, but it honestly doesn't sound bad being played through my home theater system. If I could get close to that in the car, I'd be happy.

This probably deserves another thread, but should I go with the Blitzsafe or the SNHOND3? Any difference? I'll probably get it installed at the local Ovation Audio-Video. Are they going to have a clue what they're doing with the install? I really just don't want the dash all jacked up if they start pulling it apart. I'm sure I could do it myself, but I really don't have the time. Thanks again!

--jkw

 

i say blitsafe, only because i bought an SNHOND3 and it was defective. The blitzsafe piece "looks" to be of higher quality also.

 

I bought the same receiver and installed it in my 02 TL-S with factory HU. Im doing the FM modulation and I hate it. I am thinking about returning the unit and giving up on the idea of sat. due to the poor sound quality. I have tried several stations, all with the same poor sound quality results.

 

For 12 dollars a month, Sirius is worth it, even if you only listen to the comedy, Stern, and news/talk channels. But for regular music, no good. Doesn't matter how ya hook it up.