XM receiver question plus other stuff

[Mr. Slippery]

Can I use any brand of XM tuner with my factory JBL? Will this Pioneer unit work without a matching Pioneer HU?
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/p ... 54,00.html

I assume yes, but wanted to check to be sure.

I'm finally getting my azz in gear and installing my system that I've had sitting around from 3 cars ago. I've been out of the audio game for over 5 years now, so I'll be asking for advice here and from my friends brother that does high end installs. It's gonna be pretty old skool equipment, with a clean classy install.

Check it out, I've got 2 Solo Baric s12d's (prolly only use 1), an MTX 2300 sub amp, old Fosgate -forget the model-amp for the interiors, and a Phoenix Gold EQ 230 b/c I'm a sound quality nut. Also all nice Stinger wiring and distributor blocks and 1 farad cap (pretty much just for looks). I know it's mad old equipment but it bangs. I still haven't figuered out what I'm doing for interiors yet.

[Jack Soulfire]

I doubt a Pioneer XM unit would be compatible with the JBL head unit.

[joebxr]

I've been looking for 6 months and there is still no aftermarket XM or SIRIUS module available that will plug-in to the JBL HU.

[Mr. Slippery]

Nobody knows for sure huh?

O.K. I'll ask this way. What XM tuners do you all use with the factory JBL? Does everyone havr the one they got from the dealer?

Ive read in a couple places that Pioneer tuner is universal, and some that don't give any info at all. Are all the plugs in XM ready HU's the same or do they vary?(I mean where the tuner cable connects to the hu)

[joebxr]

There are no modules available yet, other than the factory modules that will work.
No, Pioneer is not a universal module. Even if connections to HU are the same, it is the signals that the module sends to the HU that are important. Take a look on Directed Electronics site...they have different modules for Pioneer, Sony, Alpine, ETC.

I share your pain, but we are stuck right now. I've contacted Directed, and they told me they nad no immediate plans for a Toyota module.

[Mr. Slippery]

so the only way to get the xm thru the factory hu is to get the overpriced unit from toyota? I think I'm all set spending that $.

[MCOjerry]

99.9% sure that's the only way to connect directly. I didn't want to spend $299, so I got a plug & play unit. You can hide the wires pretty well, and it was only $89. The FM transmitter works GREAT.

Mine is Sirius though, cuz I gotta have my Howard Stern.

I have my radio suction cupped to the windshield on the driver's side with some $2 suction cups bought at Target (didn't want to permanantly modify any part of the car). Routed the power wire and antenna wire down the side of the dash, hidden by the door. Then I put the wires up under dash, so they can't be seen. The power cord goes into the outlet in the console under the stock JBL radio. The console door closes over the wire, so basically all you can see are two wires coming from the satellite radio (can only see about an inch) and the power cord coming out of the console. This one fits snugly against the plastic of the side of the console, so it's minimally visible...I hope that all made visual sense.

I was afraid I'd hate it because of the non-integrated look, but it's not bad at all.

[kgzero1]

Yup, cheapest way is to do what MCOjerry said.
I had the same problem with my xA, but decided to shell out the money, as I did not want extra stuff in my car. I bought it from Sparks toyota on their website and installed it myself. I bought it for $250 or so (I don't remember), and they also threw in a year of XM free! (XM gift card for $130)
They are giving away 6 months free (activation is also covered) for the stock Solara XM unit. Their webstite is http://www.trdtoyota.com Make sure you choose the one that says with free 6 months of XM, if you decide to get it.

The Sirius one comes with 90 day trial and free activation. If you get that make sure to buy both the receiver and fit kit. You need both.

For my Solara I bought a different head unit and then bough XM direct receiver and adaptor (for Pioneer) and installed that myself. I then added that as part of the family plan for $6.99, since I had the one on the xA already.

[Mr. Slippery]

No xm for me it seems, thanks guys.

[MCOjerry]

Really, the plug and play unit doesn't look bad. You can even get ones with blue backlight that will sorta match the blue/white dash lights.

If you really are set on XM but want to spend a reasonable amount of money, just get a plug & play. Mine even has a remote, so it doesn't have to be withing reach.

[joebxr]

They are giving away 6 months free (activation is also covered) for the stock Solara XM unit. Their webstite is http://www.trdtoyota.com Make sure you choose the one that says with free 6 months of XM, if you decide to get it..

Best prices I've seen so far. SIRIUS for $178 and fit kit for $88...thanks for the lead.

[MCOjerry]

$178 + 88 = $266. That's only $33 dollars cheaper than Toyota charges for the unit, and complete installation. That's not much of a deal if you ask me.

[joebxr]

$178 + 88 = $266. That's only $33 dollars cheaper than Toyota charges for the unit, and complete installation. That's not much of a deal if you ask me.

Don't know what dealer you are talking with or whatever, but go get it.

From Toyota pricing, factory installed,
Sirius Satellite Radio (P2) $449 Suggested Retail
INVOICE PRICE $359

3 local Toyota dealers quoted $449 + TAX + Installation.

So yes, IT IS A GOOD DEAL !!!!!

[MCOjerry]

I was quoted $299.00 by David Maus Toyota in Orlando, Florida. Complete install with receiver and antenna. I do have the JBL satellite ready readio, maybe thaty makes a difference??

[joebxr]

I have JBL also. For $299, I would strongly urge you to get it...let us know if they really honor the price. If they do, I'm headed straight to my Dealer.