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Anyone else running XM thru a decent 2 ch system?

I got XM about 18 months ago (one of the first 5,000!) and I have grown totally addicted to it. The subscription price for the service is $10.00/mo. I would give up both my cable TV at home and my A/C in my car before XM.

As far as sound quality goes, it is a notch below CD's, but very acceptable on the music channels (more bandwidth is allocated to them), especially if run through tubes.

I am using the SkyFi (~$200.00) unit, with a car cradle (self explanatory) a "boombox" cradle, which makes it totally portable, and a home cradle, which bummed me out at first as it has a line level mini-plug out.

I found a supplier for sterling silver twisted pair mini --> RCA interconnects, which should help over the one-step-up-from-basic cable I have now.

While some here would poo-poo the idea of digitally delivered radio, let me say this. The content is stunning, in both breadth and quality. I have it on nearly all the time - car, house, work. I have found that it has really altered my listening habits. I am buying fewer CD's, but the ones I am buying are titles really good stuff that I would have likely never heard of before becoming an raving XM fanatic.

If anyone is interested in augmenting their system with what is basically the ultimate content device, get the SkyFi, by Delphi. It is the best suited for connection to a home system, and can go anywhere.

If you are into discovering new music on a daily basis, you are in for a treat.
grahamndodder
grahamndodder OP
9 posts
 
The SkyFi, by Delphi can take your XM pretty much anywhere.

The basic radio costs 129.95, but needs a cradle. The home cradle is 69.96 and gets you to your stereo easily.

The car cradle is 69.95 and uses a dummy cassette interface. You can go straight via 1/8" stereo patch if your auto head unit has an aux input. Otherwise, there is a (50.00) FM modulator that sounds surprisingly good. Remember, there is a lot of ambient noise in a car, anyway.

They also have a "boombox" cradle, which is 99.95. It is exactly what it sounds like, except it looks really slick - kinda like something designed by B&O. Runs on a/c power, 12v or D batts, but it is pretty power hungry for usinf the D's all the time.

I use it in an extended way with one of those 29.95 emergency car starter batts with a 12v cord when I go down to the courts to shoot baskets for hours at a time with it.

The beauty of this system is that one subscription (9.95/mo) gets you XM everywhere.

The PCR (what you are looking at) is only 69.95 total, but limits you to one location. It uses either USB or 1/8 mini for sound out. I am not sure. It is cheaper because it uses your computer for display/software intrerface. You would need a PC there, no matter what.

The SkyFi would be much more flexible for you.

GnD
vectorman67
42 posts
 
Grahamndodder, you're right... and I agree with your assessment in terms of flexibility. What I like about the PC version is its ability to rapidly view the entire line up, and that it can notify me of pending air play of favorite bands, etc.
Yes, it's a drag that it happens only at your PC, which is why I'm interested to find out if there is a way to channel that music to my system, as I do with my MP3 library (via my Audiotron). But I would be in heaven if I could have unlimited access to my MP3s and XM. Especially now, with their 'Family Plan' rates for those with multiple XM receivers.
leftistelf
87 posts
 
Any links on where to find more info on the Delphi model? Cheaper to buy it online or at a local store (which stores?)?
grahamndodder OP
9 posts
 
Links for SkyFi:

Tuner and system, except for boombox:

http://www.delphi.com/electronics/skyfi/

Boombox:

http://www.delphi.com/electronics/skyfi/

FAQ:

http://www.delphi.com/electronics/skyfi/skyfi_faqs/

As for pricing, it is almost the exact same price everywhere. They can't keep them in the stores, no incentive to discount.

BTW, the tuner comes with a remote control, which works no matter what cradle you are using.

GnD
travis's avatar
travis
239 posts
 
I don't think you're going to find a bargain. I bought my home unit at Best Buy, same price as the Web.

I agree about the selection and generally about the sound. Only problem I've had is the "level management" (their term) and how it works (poorly) on the classical channels. Classical music can have silences between the notes and this is where the "level management" stinks the most. Notes kind of crumble as they decay into silence. Sometimes the silences after a note can be instantaneous, like dropping into a black hole suddenly. I've asked them about it but like most corporations, they're heavily into denial.

I still like it, tho'.especially for the jazz stations. You have 30 days to like or not to like.
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