I just purchased a 2004 Outback VDC a few months ago. I am looking to install Sirius Satellite Radio in my car. I am looking at either an FM Modulated tuner or buying a new head unit and dedicated tuner. Right now I am using an Audiovox SRSPNP2 with an FM Modulated cradle. If I am in an area with no local stations on the selected frequency, it works well, otherwise I get crossover noise.

Some questions have come up I would like to put out here.

Does the McIntosh have any way to directly input my audio without having to use an FM Modulator?

What is my McIntosh indash changer worth? (If I decide to pull it).

I just bought a hardwired adapter for the Audiovox cradle that will let me change from broadcasting the fm modulation to hardwired to the antenna connector. This will supposedly cut out incoming FM signal when the Sirius tuner is on and eliminate outside radio stations from getting in past the adapter. Hopefully this will be acceptable and allow me to keep my McIntosh.

Anyone else work this out?

JV

 

I'm working through a similar issue with my WRX. From what I've read, there aren't any inputs on the factory head unit so I'm going to give the FM way a try... I have the same Audiovox setup you do.

I am going to resist replacing the factory head unit indefinitely, because I really like the in-dash 6 disc changer, and aftermarket solutions that offer that are just too expensive in my opinion.

I literally just activated the Audiovox unit less than 24 hours ago so I haven't been through the pros and cons yet.

The questions I'm looking at answering:

1) What's a good mounting position for the unit (I was thinking of squeezing it down near the cigarette lighter).

2) What's a good mounting position for the antenna (I'm thinking inside on the rear deck, so I don't have to run a wire outside and can still get the thing out of my sight).

3) Is the FM-based solution poor enough (sound-qualitywise) that it really does warrant an alternative? How does that antenna-connector work? How hard is it to install? That sounds like a route I'd go if I can't put up with the sound quality... like I said, I'm very hesitant to replace the head unit altogether.