Sirius Radio Module

[joebxr]

Okay, NOOB question...sorry. I searched this and other forums and cannot find an answer.

Just bought '06 SLE V6 w/JBL system. I believe the radio is made by Panasonic...can anyone confirm?

I want to add Sirius module, but dealerships know little about it. My opinion is that it's ridiculously expensive...so next question, anyone know of aftermarket plug-in module that will work with factory radio? I'm not interested in separate controls or FM modulation, etc. I want plug-in. Your help is greatly appreciated.

[mmcdonald]

I tried using Sirius and it was a bust. I then went to the XM tuner that works with the JBL head unit. I found it at Toyotaparts4U.com for $270, and haven't looked back. I found a shorter easier route for the cabling, and installed the whole thing in a couple hours. It works great, sounds great, and no fiddling with aftermarket pieces.

I strongly recommend the XM tuner for the car. Sirius and XM are much the same. I have had subscriptions to both services and find I like XM better just because it works so well with the car.

HTH

[joebxr]

I tried using Sirius and it was a bust.

What module did you use? I use a Kenwood w/cassette adapter right now until I can find a good price on the Sirius plug-in module. I have Sirius because of the NFL pkg.
Thanks

[mmcdonald]

I had the Blaupunkt SR04 America. It sucked. I didn't have anything against Sirius, just the module. I went to the XM tuner since it was meant to work with the stock head unit. I don't think there is a Sirius tuner that works with that head unit.

[joebxr]

I don't think there is a Sirius tuner that works with that head unit.

For '06 they do have the Sirius module. Factory installed it's $449...ridiculous!!! I've found I can buy it for about $250, but that is still really high. I'm going to hold off for awhile and see when a less expensive module becomes available. I have the SLE with the JBL system. Best I can determine, the radio is a Panasonic.... so I just have to be patient for awhile.

[mmcdonald]

Dude, I held off for awhile and ended up getting the XM module, and wish I had done it right away. It works so well. I would just get it and start enjoying it right away. We can help you get it installed. I came up with a nice shortcut under the carpet and along the "tranny tunnel."

[zoomzoomthis05]

I held off on getting the xm.. I ending up getting it for my birthday. got it installed at circuit city.. think it was about $220.00.. Wished I would have gotten it form the beginning.. I love it!

[cablemn]

I had XM for a while. I originally wanted it for the Opie and Anthony show but those guys are constantly talking about men and gay stuff. It never used to be like that. So i dumped it and would like to get sirius. My other car has it and it wouyld only cost me $7 a month for the second one. I'm going for the plug and play so i can use it in my work vehicle but i would like an interface from the plug and play to my stereo so i can get the best sound. Anybody know where i can get a plug in interface?

[joebxr]

I had XM for a while. I originally wanted it for the Opie and Anthony show but those guys are constantly talking about men and gay stuff. It never used to be like that. So i dumped it and would like to get sirius. My other car has it and it wouyld only cost me $7 a month for the second one. I'm going for the plug and play so i can use it in my work vehicle but i would like an interface from the plug and play to my stereo so i can get the best sound. Anybody know where i can get a plug in interface?

I wanted something that wouldn't run over the FM signal while waiting for a plu-in module. So I bought the Kenwood from the Sirius site. It comes with home and car kits, everything you need, and uses a casette adapter for the signal...so if you can do that, I'm getting great sound. The whole unit fits into the cubby hole of the console...but it does generate a lot of heat. It really works great, so give it a try...especially for the price.

[cablemn]

I had XM for a while. I originally wanted it for the Opie and Anthony show but those guys are constantly talking about men and gay stuff. It never used to be like that. So i dumped it and would like to get sirius. My other car has it and it wouyld only cost me $7 a month for the second one. I'm going for the plug and play so i can use it in my work vehicle but i would like an interface from the plug and play to my stereo so i can get the best sound. Anybody know where i can get a plug in interface?

I wanted something that wouldn't run over the FM signal while waiting for a plu-in module. So I bought the Kenwood from the Sirius site. It comes with home and car kits, everything you need, and uses a casette adapter for the signal...so if you can do that, I'm getting great sound. The whole unit fits into the cubby hole of the console...but it does generate a lot of heat. It really works great, so give it a try...especially for the price.

Yeah the cassette sounds better but i hate having wires hanging out of the head unit.

[FLUXEMAG]

I use a Sirius SIRPNP3 and put it right down under the AC controls so I can close the lid and it goes away. No steering wheel controls but it came with a remote control. I had bought it before I got the car or I would have gotten the XM. Only because of the steering wheel integration. I love Sirius, I just won't give it up. The built in FM modulator works better than any I have ever heard and there are no wires showing because the 12V DC outlet is inside that cubby with the lid. I really wonder if the content on XM is as good, has anyone used both?

I had to drill a hole in the back of the compartment for the antenna. It isn't visable and nobody will ever know.

Gen2
2005 SE Sport V6

[mmcdonald]

I have had both Sirius and XM. I don't notice a difference, but some sports fans might. I don't think Sirius had a golf channel, so I am not missing football. XM has that, too, I think.

Anywho, I didn't like FM modulation. Trying to reset the damn Sirius fm modulator like every ten miles driving from Baltimore to Boston was a total freakin pain. That's when I got the XM tuner for the trunk.

World of difference. I drove to Atlanta listening to the same station the whole way with no interference or signal degradation, of course. I feel like a freakin millionaire with technology that works perfectly. And the text features, the type feature etc are great. Can't get that with the FM modulator. And I HATED the stooopid remote. Who wants to work a remote when you are driving?! And then wait for the signal lag with the remote waivering in the air while you are trying to drive. I felt like a dork. Give me the steering wheel controls every time. 15 presets pretty much cover it for me.

I wouldn't have minded using Sirius if they had had a unit that works with the tuner. But I don't notice any difference between XM and Sirius. No goods or bads. It is like VHS and Beta, and I think Sirius is Beta.

[PXLpainter]

OKay -I have an '06 SLE Convertible with the JBL system (not the Nav unit) and there's already a "SAT" button on the head unit. From what I understand, it's a plug-and-play install...

BUT... I only can only find a Sirius kit for the Coupe - and NOT the Convertible. Anyone know why this is? Does it have something to do with the antenna?

They do make an XM kit for the Convertible tho' - but I really would rather have the Sirius service.

Thanks for any insight - JF

[KansasSolara]

... I only can only find a Sirius kit for the Coupe - and NOT the Convertible. Anyone know why this is? Does it have something to do with the antenna?

I got the XM OEM module, the antena mounts on the trunk lid (magnetic) but the module is bolted to the wall of the trunk, my guess is that in the convertible the mount for the module might be different (not sure though)?