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This has been a major source of pain for many satellite radio and iPod owners. How do you get the music to play well through your system?
Well, there are basically only 4 ways to do so:
1. Wireless FM Modulator
This allows you to play the music from your sat radio/iPod through your stereo by broadcasting through an FM transmitter. You, typically, only have a few settings as far as which frequency to use. This is a problem for people who live in areas with a lot of radio stations (like I do near NYC). It's not really an option for those people. I have heard of many people who don't live in areas like this have success with them, however. One other major problem is you lose audio quality. I usually have noticed the mid-tones missing when using these types of modulators.
2. Wired FM Modulator
Just like #1 except it's hardwired to your antenna connection on your stereo. This eliminates the problem for people like me who live in an area with a lot of radio stations. You don't get the interference you may get with #1. You do, however, still have problems with audio quality.
3. Tape Deck Adaptor
If you have a tape deck you can get an adaptor and play your sat radio/iPod through your stereo this way. You just select tape on your stereo and away you go. You will notice better audio quality (by far) than with an FM Modulator (wireless or wired). You may, however, notice tape deck noise while listening. This is how I listen in my 9-5 and I notice squeaking on cold days. Almost like the little wheels inside don't like the cold. The other problem is it's not a terribly clean-looking install. You've got a cable hanging out the front of your stereo. It does offer good audio quality (although not perfect).
4. Replace Head Unit
You could also just replace your entire head unit with a satellite radio ready receiver. You can even find them with an aux audio input so you can just plug your iPod in as well. This, unfortunately, isn't a very good solution for Saab owners because the computer is so integrated with the stereo. I understan you can do it but you'll lose your computer functions (or at least some of them).
There's also a way you can use an adaptor to play through a CD changer interface but that's not an option for Saab owners. Myself and a few others around here looked into it and it's not possible due to the anti-theft systems built into the radio and CD changer.
So there really isn't a perfect solution for us. It's a shame. I really wish there was an aux input on the OEM stereo. I love the stereo--it sounds great--it would be better if I were able to use it the way I want to.
Hope this helps.
The Rickster
posted by 67.82.46...
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