radio opinions

[nwclassic]

We pull our 25' Classic w/ a '01 Dodge 3/4T diesel. We would like to replace the radio with one that can play both CD and MP3, has am/fm w/excellent signal reception, a large display and preferably large buttons (because middle aged eyes are ... well, they suck). Anyone that can either offer specific help here (brands, models, accessories, prices), or can contribute some general musing (dos/don'ts,likes/dislikes), please accept our thanks in advance and post up. Failing that, we can wait until our hearing is shot and forget about it altogether!
Brian and Terri

[cosmotini]

Brian & Terri,

Our Dodge Durango has the Infinity stereo from the factory. It has everything you want. Holds 6 standard or mp3 cd's. I've only had 1 mp3 cd that I made that it couldn't play. There is a limit to the number of songs it can read/queue. You may want to check with a Dodge dealer to see if it would fit your vehicle.

Dennis

[BobbyW]

I would also recommend a unit that is XM Satellite ready. You might want to add this feature down the road and this will have you set up to go from the beginning. I like Pioneer units myself.

I love my XM. Music without commercials and good talk radio.

[jordandvm]

Question? If you have an XM Satellite radio in your tow vehicle, and you subscribe to the music programming (monthly about $7), can you also receive the same subscription on your A/S Satellite radio? I have XM radio in both. Has anybody done this?

[gadgetat]

Each XM radio requires an independent subscription. While our new Safari has an XM ready radio we won't be putting in a "new" XM unit. Instead we picked up an XM that is "portable" and has a base unit that can be moved. At home we pop the XM out of our Dodge and bring it into the house. We'll be doing the same with the Airstream.

If you activate more than one radio with XM they do have a "family plan" which provides a discount on each subscription, and that is up to 5 radios. Personally, I like the detachable ones best, as I can always bring it with me.

[Cracker]

Has anyone addressed the antenna issue with the XM radio when used in an Airstream? I love the XM radio in my GMC and I would like to install one in the trailer - but I hate to drill the shell to mount another antenna. Is there anything that would work using the one of the skylights as a "view to the sky?"

[BobbyW]

Is there anything that would work using the skylight as a "view to the sky?"

I have mine in my office pointed out the window at the southern sky. Works well. I get full signal strengh.
-BobbyW

[gadgetat]

There are several portable units now that have "home adapaters". These units usually come with a high gain antenna that can be placed indoors. Delphi just came out with a new adapter for the Roady, and they specifically note that it comes with an indoor high gain antenna.

One of our friends has the XM PC Radio, and that antenna is always indoors. The PC Radio seems to work well for him.

As noted in the last post, with a southern view you should do well.

[nwclassic]

Good thoughts, thanks to all... Rich - how portable is the XM you referred to? Does it sit loose in your Dodge? Can you be brand/model/price specific or would it be better for me to do a search?
Brian

[Don in E Texas]

Don't forget to check out the "other" satellite system: Sirius. About the same cost - same features, but they do have different channels available. Example: NPR on Sirius, Bill Mack (over-the-road trucker stuff) on the other system. You can compare the two at any Circuit City, as one place. Also can compare various in-dash radio systems as well.

Don..

[gadgetat]

We actually have 2 XM radios. My favorite is our newest, the Delphi Roady. If you go to XM's website they actually have the radio advertised on their main page. Delphi makes several other slim models as well, but the Roady caught my attention. You might want to check out their "Commander" as well, just because it sounds like another great setup too!

It has a small car mounting kit. A "wireless" adapter is also available for a few extra dollars. It is a DC power source, and it acts as an RF transmitter for several FM frequencies. So, no "installation" work, few cables, no tape adapter....very nice! Also it detaches from the car mount easily and is very small so you can stash it away in order to avoid drawing attention. Finally, you wouldn't believe how small the magnetic antenna is for it.

The Sirius radios are very similar. Just happened that I signed up with XM. Both work in the same fashion. Check Sirius' web site as well, as some of the programming is different. There are also very similar style radios for their network as well.

I will say this for our older Sony XM portable radio. We did a ride from NH to Banff Canada back in 2002 in our Eurovan. At the time XM didn't "officially" cover Canada. Well, we never lost service anywhere along our trip. Nice having my favorite news stations each night before bed!

[gadgetat]

Originally Posted by nwclassic

Good thoughts, thanks to all... Rich - how portable is the XM you referred to? Does it sit loose in your Dodge? Can you be brand/model/price specific or would it be better for me to do a search?
Brian

Sorry, you'd also asked about price. The Delphi Roady is $119.00 currently, and the in house kit is an extra $20.00. Seems most of the radios for both XM & Sirius are running in the same price range. I just did a quick check at both sites, and the Sirius radios all seem to come in just under $100.

Whichever network you choose I think you'll like the service. We're not putting a TV in our Safari. No need, the XM provides news, great music, and some interesting entertainment (they have old radio shows, and their own "radio theatre" to boot).