Flashman

I finally got XM-Radio installed by Ultimate Audio in Orlando. They did a fantastic custom installation, I highly recommended them. I should note that my car was by far the 'lowest cost' car in the lot (they had about 25 today for installs). Interesting though, they had about 4 Avalanches in at once, that must be the new macho car.

First we have the antenna (they cut a hole so no cables show through).

Flashman

Then we have the control unit. They built a plastic plate to raise it up from bottom of the ashtray and hold it in tight. A factory style look. Ashtray opens and closes without problems. It is also wired into constant power, so it can be turned on when car is off.

Flashman

Helps if I attach the pictures.

Flashman

Close up

chawk

Thanks for the pics! Was this connected via FM mod? If so, how's the reception quality?

sdcaclint

very clean install. that shop takes pride in their workmanship. how much did the whole job set you back?

Flashman

Yes, it connects via the FM modulator. They didn't have to cut anything, as they had the proper MB antenna adaptors in stock. When the Pioneer XM Radio is turned on, it actually disables the car antenna. That insures as little FM interference as possible. When I first turned it on, the default frequency was in conflict with a local station, but you'd never notice. Just that when you turn the XM Radio off, the local station then comes in.

In any case, to make it as clean as possible, I changed it to tune in via 90.1 FM, a frequency that is not used in Orlando. I can still use the steering wheel controls for volume.

The quality is amazing. I know that it is not CD Quality (reading the specs), but you'd have a hard time telling when inside the car. The distortion is so low it feels like I got a new stereo system, you can play it loud and clear.

My only pet peeve on all XM Radio systems is that there is no keypad. You have to 'scroll' to get to stations. Not too bad, as you can scroll categories to jump quickly, but I'd love to just dial in a channel number instead.

Flashman

Roughly I paid a little over $100 for the installation above the product cost. In comparison, Best Buy charges $75 for their slap-it-together work.

Silver_Lana

Do you know if they have installed this in a car with COMMAND ever? The reason i ask is because cars with command come with an audio AUX input in the glovebox so that might be a really good thing for audio quality.

Lynn

A member who doesn't post anymore installed a Sony XM receiver using the COMAND Aux input. He originally used an FM modulator, because he didn't know about the aux input. After he switched, he reported a significant improvement in sound quality.

Silver_Lana

Thats just as i expected.... thanks!

young

i assume that the same physical limitations apply for having the antenna on the trunk cover? the wiring runs underneath and you cannot remove the cover anymore? or did your installer find a way to do so?

it looks very clean; nice job.

Flashman

Yes, but his original FM Modulator installation was using spliced wires (Best Buy) vs. recently available antenna connectors. That makes for a much cleaner installation. I'm sure that AUX-IN is an improvement, but from the quality I'm getting now, I'm not sure how much more is possible. It IS crystal clear.
Actually, they thought about that and left about 3 feet of slack inside the side panel. That allows the cover to be removed, turned sideways, and remain there. For extreme cargo needs, you can just unplug the antenna off the pioneeer main unit (which is next to the rear fuse box) and pull out the antenna & cover entirelly. The antenna could also be removed off deck cover, as it is only held by velcro, clip the cable out, and take the cover out. The wires are held to the bottom of the cover with easy fast-off cable clips.

Silver_Lana

Nicely done!

brabusCcoupe

Did you still have the install pics of your XM satelite radio install and is this place still available in Orlando.

Thank you.

CitronC230K_03

ill post some pics of mine tonight after work. his antenna was mounted on the rear shelf if i remember right. cant remember wher his recieve location was though. this was an old post!

brabusCcoupe

Thank you, i appreciate it.

I see you got your name back. You are also a member of mbklasse, right? Thanks again.

CitronC230K_03

yes, im a member of mbklassse and benzworld as well. this is my main hangout though.

brabusCcoupe

I saw all the pics of your guys last meet. Really cool. I wish there were meets here in Florida as in Cali. I use to live in Vacaville when i was station at Travis AFB from 95-98. My 9 year old son lives in Nut Tree in Sacramento area. Sometimes i miss Cali. , especially seeing my son more often and the mountains. Take care.

Mike

CitronC230K_03

yeah im hoping we can get bigger meets together. im happy with the turn outs so far. i love cali. grew up all my life. i couldnt leave it. the weather is perfect, and i hate humidity. i was stationed in okinawa for a year, and fort gordon, GA for a couple months. i hated the humidity. fortunately i got stationed at camp pendleton for my remaining 3 years in the marines.

brabusCcoupe

Yep the humidity does suck sometimes, i love the winters here though, they are pretty nice. I grew up in Madrid, i havent back since 1998, i plan on going there next year though. Would you recommend getting the euro command vs. the US one?
I still need to get my Brabus rims installed before i get anything else. Little by little. Thanks again for the help.

scottisha

Flashman,
What part of Orlando do you live in?
I'm in Oviedo...


Scott