Carrera Sirius Radio Install Questions

[bento]

Now that I'm a commuter again, I am entertaining the various options and was all sold on ditching my current Kenwood Excelsion head unit (it was a big deal that it played MP3s when it came out) and getting this:

Kenwood EZ 700 SR

The cool thing about this unit is that it's a one piece item as opposed to the other head units that require an external box to act as the midpoint between the satellite antenna and the head unit.

The only problem is that the head unit will not function at all if Sirius is not activated. This means that if I change my mind in a couple of months and want to ditch the service, the head unit will not play terrestrial radio nor be a functioning cd-player.

Has anyone installed a Sirius tuner?
If so, did you use the Sirius hardware or go with a different head unit that allowed for satellite radio?
Does anyone have pics of a sano install (sano = VW Trends reference for those in the know)?

Thanks in advance.

david

[vincenza]

David , I had the same unit installed in my 911 from Best Buy and I just love Sirius radio. You won't want to discontiue it .
Besides I bought 3000 shares last year of Sirius stocks @ 5.50 now it is almost $ 7.00 .

Add to the Kitty !!!


Vinnie from Ventura
1989 911 Silver Anniversary

[bento]

i suspect that will be the case, but i'm looking for the range of options.

how did you install the antenna?

db

[wilke3169]

I installed Sirius with the two component set-up. Head unit and seperate box for sirius. I mounted the box under the passenger footboard so it's outa sight outa mind. The antenna is actually in the back window stuck to one of the metal speaker covers. It never seems to have problems except on those tree lined country roads that seem so inviting. As far as worrying about liking Sirius I can't imagine why you won't.

[wcc]

I have XM radio right now cause I prepaid for the year to get a better deal. When that's over I'm DONE with XM and satellite radio all together. At least untill they are better. There are dead spots on the expressway! Sometimes when I get into another area where they use the same call letters there is a fight between satellite and their station. I don't know how Sirius is but next time I buy a head unit it'll have the function to hook up my IPOD to it so I can download my songs and no CDs to skip.

Good Luck!

[CBRacerX]

I am also considering Sirius and would like to get it working without changes to the existing sound system - which means I am looking at an FM link

[Bill in OKC]

I can't imagine that the entire EZ-700 would become non-functional if you don't activate Sirius. Are you absolutely sure? It is just another band like am or fm but you'll also have sirius that may or may not be activated. I am also considering this head unit - and it's twin the EZ-500 that doesn't have built in sirius but you can add a sirius module to it for $100. I've got a JVC FM broadcast sirius setup now and it is great except for the above-mentioned interference when you roll into another large city on the interstate that uses the same frequency. You can either listen to local radio or find another freq for sirius - both kind of suck. Best to have the direct-connect setup.

[wcc]

Thinking about it more I wouldn't do it. I would look around more. I wouldn't want my head unit dependent on Sirius for tunes. Let's say that you do get it and don't like the service. Now what? You are stuck with them cause nothing else works.

No Thanks!

[Bill in OKC]

That is why the ez-500 might be a better option. you can have either a xm or sirius or whatever future modules might become available - or nothing at all.

[bento]

Yes, the head unit is dead as a doornail if you don't have the sirius activated. That is the main problem that I see. Beyond that, every other head unit requires the auxillary module to be mounted elsewhere in the car.

No way I would do an FM modulation. Terrible on my ipod, don't expect anything more from the Sirius in-unit modulator.

I will check out the 500, thanks for the tip.

Any pics of installations out there? I checked the Sirius forums but no one with a Porsche has posted re: their install.

db

[Bill in OKC]

Thank you for the tip too. I was considering the ez-700 but not any more. That is a lot of money to spend on a radio that won't work without paying a monthly fee.

[bento]

From a stereo review site:

Kenwood 700 SR
Features

Built-In SIRIUS Satellite Radio
Magnetic mount SIRIUS antenna included
No additional equipment needed
SIRIUS activation required for any stereo operation

MP3 & WMA File Playback
Flip-Down Removable Faceplate
Full Dot Matrix Display with White LED Backlight
Large Rotary Volume Knob with Rubber Grip
Matching Multi-Function Jog Dial
Glossy Ebony Finish
Red or Green Selectable Illumination Color
CD-R / CD-RW Compatible
CD Text with Disc Naming
System Q EX Equalizer with User Memory
50W x 4 (max) MOSFET Amplifier
Internal Amplifier Mute
3 Sets (Front, Rear, & Non-Fading) Preamp Outputs
High-Pass and Low-Pass Electronic Crossovers
Dual Zone / Dual Source Output
Rear Auxiliary Input
Source Tone Memory
24 AM / FM Presets
Station Naming
Programmable Security Code
HD Radio Ready
CD Changer & Music Keg™ Control
Faceplate Carrying Case
Grip Type Remote Control
Features Unique to the Kenwood EZ Series:
Full Dot Matrix Display with White LED Backlight
Large Rotary Volume Knob with Rubber Grip
Matching Multi-Function Jog Dial
Glossy Ebony Finish

[Rich76_911s]

Can I ask a stupid question? Why not just get one of the handheld units so that you can use it in the house too? Thier is probably an aux input on your current CD player that you could wire the handheld sirius player into the stereo. I guess cosmetically there is a wire hanging loose in the car and you have to use the handheld unit to change channels, but I would rather do that than buy a new stereo and only be able to listen to satellite radio in my car or listen to sirius threw the computer?

[bento]

Unfortunately, no aux in on my Kenwood Excelsion head unit. I was suprised to find this when I tried to hook up my Ipod using the same method. Otherwise, this would be the clear choice.


db

[Bill in OKC]

I just saw that on the Crutchfield site too - but they say the ez-700 is no longer available and now it is the EZ-900 but you STILL have to activate sirius for any functions to work... The only reason (good reason) I can think of is that IF your shi+ gets stolen, they can deactivate it and the thieves won't get squat for their reward. I'm still looking - for a head unit that is not out of star-wars. Shouldn't your Excelon unit have a pod you can connect for sirius?

[bento]

Kenwood + Mandatory Sirius activation = Quite a racket.

db

[therotman]

I have sirius via FM broadcast in my other cars and am getting sick of all the interference I get through Los Angeles- there seems to be no clear frequencies to broadcast on.

I just noticed this last time I was at a electronics store and want to pick one up- the reviews seem to be good:



http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/SIRIUS-FM-Module-Relay-DEI-14110-/sem/rpsm/oid/124111/catOid/-12898/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

[mjohnson]

I installed the Alpine unit a few months ago.

Head unit was as usual.

The Sirius box got screwed to the smuggler's box cover (already holey from the previous owner's CD changer) with power coming from under the dash.

The antenna is on the ledge between the hood and the windshield, about 4" in from the passenger edge of the hood. I seem to have great reception.

One benefit to that install is easy removal or concealment of the antenna: open hood, unstick magnet, chuck into trunk

Maybe photos tonight if I remember...

mike
'78 SC

[CBRacerX]

I like the "injection" antenna adapter option for my _older_ cars.