2. misc-audio
  3. 1053092050

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
hgeifman
2,187 posts
 
At the Home Entertainment Show in San Francisco, I was told the antenna could be placed on top of my TV (approx 12 feet away from a window). Before I purchase, I need to know the antenna requirements to receive the XM signal. If you are using the Delphi SkyFi unit (connected to home stereo), please tell me where you have the antenna located and what placement works? Can I just place the docking kit antenna on top of the TV? Do you have any reception problems? thanks..
hgeifman
2,187 posts
 
Regarding XM Radio antenna placement, I receive the answer below from XM Radio:

"In most home applications in the US, the XM radio antenna will require placement in a window with a clear view of the Southern sky. The antenna features a weather-resitant design and can be mounted otdoors if that is the only way to obtain a clear Southern exposure.

Delphi is releasing a 50' antenna extension with improved design in an effort to mitigate any field issues that may arise from using the now out of stock design.

Approximate date of availability is the week of July 14th. And of course, we apologize for any inconvenience, but felt it important to release the new product without retired inventory remaining in the field. The new design should also address concerns about use in the boom box as well".
ubetit
8 posts
 
I returned my unit after a disappointing amount of hiss with my system. I've heard other units sound much better but wanted the Delphi for portability. Delphi will now give you a high impedence cable if you have the same problem.
travis's avatar
travis
239 posts
 
I'm so lazy that I take it out of the shelf next to the receiver unit and place it on the arm of the couch. This is about 15' from the bay windows which face south.
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