I'm considering either XM or Sirius Satellite radio - who has done this, and where did you mount the head unit? I'd love to see pics if you have them.

Stew

 

I got XM but I havent installed it on the RX8 yet... I just boughtmy car last week and I havent had time to get it done....I had this system installled in my WRX and if was great......I Highly recomend it!!!!>
I will be installing it thsi weekend so I will post some pictures as I get it done.

 

cool, thanks!

 

I've been wary of installing sat radio into any vehicle via the FM modualtor. The sound quality from XM and Sirius is supposed to be 'CD quality' but when I hear it through the factory sound system (via FM modulator) in my brother's '02 Protege it sounds like a bad MP3. The highs are really 'tinny' and the sound lacks depth. But, if you play the same songs off of CD it sounds great.
OTOH, when I've heard Sirius through a Kenwood HU (not via FM modulator) it sounds great!

 

I installed Sirius in my 8. I actually put in the glove box. I have the kenwood - plug in receiver so i can take it out when i'm at work. It has a wireless transmitter and here in vegas it hasn't been a problem, the sound quality is great. I've had it for almost a year now.

 

Did you put the whole set-up in the glove box? Is this a complete unit without the need to install an antenna on the car? I'm moving to the Houston area and looking for some serious music. Any help or info would be great, thanks!

 

I use the XM Commander and PIE audio unit to give me RCA inputs on my 8...i love it, and since then i have bought 3 other XM sets, and will be buying the POLK Audio home set when it is released in December.

 

I just hooked up my Sirius (JVC KT-SR2000) with the car kit and have it in the middle console hooked to the cigarette light in the console with the antena coming out of the front console under the passenger seat out the door and on to the roof. I basically followed this guys setup but didn't go to the back window for the antenna.

RX-8 Console Install

I also have on order the SIRSWB which is an adapter to connect directly to the radio through the antenna port on the RX-8 radio. Had to order it online because I couldn't find one anywhere locally.

I'm still debating if I like this setup because you have to look down to see what you are on. I'm trying to figure out a way to get the suction cup to stick to the dash material to the left side of the glove box.

 

You might try a search in this forum -- there have been LOTS of threads about satellite radio installation, including pics and howtos.

 

i test drove a used rx8 that had an xm radio installed. they put it in the flip down sunglasses holder. it was pretty tight.

 

What about the stock Sirius radio system? Aren't the 05's suppose to have them as an option?

 

VooDoo, yes I did mount the unit in the glove box. I routed the antenna wire behind the dashboard, there's plenty of space back there and the antenna sits on the drivers side of the dashboard. There is no need to tape or glue the antenna to the dashboard because it's pretty level there and has only slipped off once or twice (in a year). I put the unit in the glove box becasue I didn't want anything to alter the "look" of the 8. I ran a wire to the battery from the glove box for power.

 

Did you do this yourself? The ashtray install looks really cool for this unit.

 

My dealer tells me that the head unit for all '05 will have the SAT option installed. As for the '04s, they tell me that for about $400, you can get your head changed out for an SAT equipped one. Then it will be built in, but you can't transfer it to your house, between cars, etc.

 

Just did a JVC KT-SR1000 Sirius install. It uses the FM modulator and I think It works fine but I am not an Audio expert hell I even think the stock Bose unit is good. I did have to attach the mount to the side of the tunnel with screws, the suction cups does not stick to the plastic.

 

I have a XM Roady2 installed. I used the PIE adaptor to hook it diectly to the headunit (must have flash 9.55 or higher). From the adaptor, it runs to a 1/4 inch plug so that I can plug it directly into the Roady2 or an mp3 player. Mounts to the small cell adaptor clip that came with the Roady2 that I glued to the door of the ashtray and slides on and off as I or my riders please. I also installed the direct power setup that splices into the cig lighter wires. Antenna is on the back window deck. The setup works great! I love my XM!

 

head unit install for XM plus pics

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-interior-audio-electronics-24/pie-xm-satelite-radio-portable-mp3-player-install-48978/

 

I just got Sirius and will definitely be installing it thru the mid console compartments like you did - great idea!

 

I bought the XM Comander, it's great. I didn't like all the plugs and units hanging around my car, tacky. I have the unit in my ashtray. A couple others on this site have done the same thing. Been pretty happy with it. I've always had Sirius in other vehicles, factory units, they sound better but satisfied with what i have now.

 

I just got Sirius for Christmas,and installed it in my truck,and work van,but not yet in the RX-8.I got the Sirius sportster model with the car kit.I mounted it on top of the dash in my dodge next to my pyro gauge,and boost gauge.It uses a FM modulator,and seems to work fine to me.I don't care so much about audio clarity,as long as I can hear it over the rumble of the diesel it's fine with me.I think the steroe in my dodge has the capability to be hard wired to the sirius unit but I didn't bother with it.I bought a second car cradle for the work van which cost me only around $47 so now I can move the receiver from my truck to the van and visa versa.I have seem a kit to mount a unit to the right of the center stack without drilling any holes in the dash or stack.You have to remove the front panel around the radio,and heat controls and the bracket mounts behind there and comes through the seam between the trim and the dash.I think this is the link:

http://www.panavise.com/nf/comm/inda...nalimage.html?
modelID=3304657224360556

Cut and paste.Good luck.

 

yet another install option:

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ghlight=Roady2