6 weeks into owning my X/F, and I'm not so enamoured of the audio system. So... who's replaced their head unit, and with what model, and how would you rate the install? Anybody replaced the speakers, with what and how did that go?

Anybody added satellite audio?

 

David�c check through the different topics; there's quite a bit re changing out the radio.

 

:evil: after spending a few HOURS reading threads, I'm not making much headway, other than lotsa complaints about "dim" LCD's on factory radio's.

Actually, I was HOPING to get a thread going where EVERYONE :lol: posts the radio mods, where new people coming along can find lotsa radio info by reading just one thread. Would be better than reading depressing news about DC cutting the price right after I bought mine

 

OK�c

I live in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where even the best of radios can have signal problems. Re the XF, its small embedded antenna exacerbates this problem, so the reception I was getting sucked, technically speaking. Couple that with the almost unreadable display, and a change was in order.

I went with an Alpine unit with the XM feature. It fir right in, with only a slightly darker bezel to hint that it isn't OEM. Reception was improved significantly. However, it is the XM radio that really sold me. I've been an XM subscriber since last August�c I have a portable unit that I use it in the house, in the yard, in my RV (great on long trips). Now, with the hardwired one in the car I'm Xm'ed up the wazoo. Can't say enough good about it.

The only problem I have with the Alpine is that the blue light behind certain controls cannot be dimmed�c it's bright. The display itself can be dimmed, but not that blue. At night I like as little as possible light in the cab.

 

cool...mind telling which model?

I too am particularly disappointed with the FM reception of the stock unit. I live about 30 miles (i.e.... JUST over the horizon enough to be out of direct line) away from any FM stations to which I'd listen. Thinking of going XM or SIRIUS, especially if I could get a "transportable" unit that would move from my car to the wife's car to the house to the office to... whatever.

 

I installed an XM Delphi Sky Fi receiver in the X-fire. I use it in my Jeep and got an extra cradle and profit mount for the x-fire. New small antenna and an FM modulator and it works great in either vehicle. I listen to XM all the time & get great reception.

 

I added XM because of horrible radio reception in my area. Problem with the Delphi is where to place the unit. Its near my right knee. Huge improvement over the factory radio.

 

Xfire:

I mounted my Delphi tuner to the left of the glove box using a Profit mount designed just for the purpose. Therefore it is out of the way but does block the passenger heat vent and adjustment somewhat.

 

David, here is a repost from when I installed my Alpine.

I was in a spending mood today and went out and purchaced a
Alpine CDA-9807, installed price $369. It has aux inputs, changer controls, MP3/WMA reader, XM ready, wireless remore ( really needed ). First off, you can read it in the sunlight it has much better overall sound quailty than the original. Looks good in the dash. Radio station reception is difforent, im not sure I would say better, little antenna the weak link it think. I still must spend time and read the instuctions and see what else I can make thing do. I figured there was not much point in waiting for the Chrysler replacment if all I was going to get was a display I could read.

 

Cool, thanks for the info. I'll look at that model. Any chance you can up a pic of it installed?