Detailed XM install

[The Stig]

I was speaking with one of the members here about a questino I have, I was hoping for some more help as well.A friend of mine is looking to install the new SkyFi2 into his 2003 Pontiac Vibe GT. He has the 6 disc changer and is wondering which way he can hook up his SkyFi and obtain the highest quality sound possible. The member I spoke with mentioned something about getting a new head unit, but that is not an option.I need to keep the stock stereo.Can you guys help me or point me in the direction of some detailed walkthroughs as to how to do this. All of the XM threads I have seen have only been pictures of handiwork, but not how to get there. Thanks for all the help.

[Piper]

Hello! As some one that went through this process last weekend I would have to say that you are up a creek as far as audio quality if you decide to keep the stock head unit. If the head unit is an after market unit and has an IP Bus interface you can get an IP Bus connector cable that then converts to RCA. From RCA you can plug almost anything into it. My Pionner DEH-7400mp has just such a port and I got the cable from Crutchfield and it works great! So here is the setup that I have today. -Delphi Skifi2-Orion Speakers-DEH-7400mp The bad news is that I had to remove the NAV unit and CD changer. I weighed that loss with the gain of virtually unlimited music and audio content. My longer term plan is to replace my current head unit with a pioneer DvD/NAV/MP3/XM/ anything goes head unit. There are converters and connectors that Crutchfield sells that feed off your CD changer but I am unsure as to the quality of the sound. For me it’s about the sound. You will never know the full power of the music that you have until you release it onto a truly good system. For most mortals that just want the convenience of Xm radio in a stock setup a FM modulator is the easiest way to go. This project took 16 hours and included modifications to the doors, removal of the stock Nav/head unit and cd changer, installation of a GBX mounting kit (gbxdirect.com), and adapter kits from crutchfield. I have been playing CDs through the system and the difference is amazing from my old Polk speakers and stock head unit. Bottom line if you want the best sound get a IP-Bus cable and go direct connection. I think that most people out there would agree with me that there has never been a factory radio setup that can come close to an after market install. Lets face facts folks! Auto manufacturers are good at making cars not sound systems. Cheers, Piper

[GMJAP]

Quote, originally posted by The Stig »A friend of mine is looking to install the new SkyFi2 into his 2003 Pontiac Vibe GT. He has the 6 disc changer and is wondering which way he can hook up his SkyFi and obtain the highest quality sound possible. The member I spoke with mentioned something about getting a new head unit, but that is not an option.I need to keep the stock stereo.The 2003 6CD unit won't accept any external interface. As far as I am aware the two options you have are:1) FM modulator as previously mentioned2) You can hardwire into the 6CD with a switch and relay to select between the CD and the XM. This will give better sound, but is much more work.A thread with detailed instructions can be found here: (The author did it to hook up an iPod, but it will also work for any line or headphone level output)http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=11735