XM Radio Installation 05 Legacy GT Ltd Sedan

[Rimfaxe]

Last week I went to Crutchfield in Charlottesville VA to have XM installed on my new 05. In the process they measured the car for their catalog and website and offered a good deal- free installation on anthing.

I was disappointed to learn that the XM would not fit the OEM antenna/radio. I have also posted this on the NASIOC forum here: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=591255

Here's the XM unit that I wanted to install: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-7TodwnOT4dm/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=18&g=176950&I=209XMCMNDR&o=p&a= 0&cc=01&avf=N&search=

The nice thing about this is that the display face would go in the center DIN and allow the door to close to keep it out of sight when not in use.

Does anyone know when/how to obtain the proper parts for the funky OEM Subi Head Unit?

I did end up installing some Infinity Speakers- They do sound a little better in the mid and high ranges, but I'm still on the fence if they were worth the $$$- even with the free install. I'm sure that they sound somewhat better (particularly with the built in tweeters and the additional tweeters installed near the door handles. Anyway, they were a pretty easy install with the adapter ring at Crutchfield, but the whold thing was hardly worth the 90 mile drive and the wasted day. Here's the speaker link FWIW: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-7TodwnOT4dm/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=10&g=52000&I=1086002SI&o=p&a=0& cc=01&avf=N&search=infinity+%2Dharman&SearchDispla y=Infinity

Anyone have any thoughts on getting an 'adapter thingy' so the XM would work?

Rimfaxe

[rao]

For the time being the only way is going to be to use a FM modulator, that is what the person in the other thread was talking about and they are very easy to insall but the sound quality is not as good as some real line level inputs (though with radio it shouldn't matter). Until someone comes up with an adapter plate of a clever way to hack up the stock radio plate, the stock radio is going to be the only game in town, although you could put a receiver in the upper pocket behind the door but that would be a PITA to use and it would look goofy.

[Th3Franz]

Yeah other than the FM modulator, I don't think you have much for options besides getting a new head unit..

I still think I want to try putting a head unit in the glove box and eventually hooking up satellite radio to that. I need to download the service manual first though so I can read how to open up the console and stuff.

[JoeGT]

Rimfaxe,

Did you ever contact Shadrool to verify if his adapters worked for the LegGT? Since I'm not familiar w/ the XM radio, w/ the RF antenna adapter, do you still need the regular XM roof mounted antenna?

[Rimfaxe]

I sent him a PM yesterday. He's looking into it, but I'm not encouraged. I've seen the same information re: antenna adapter posted here as well. I'll probably have to wait until they come out with something.

I wonder who will come through first: XM adapter or Rockblocker pattern for the front end? I guess time will tell :roll:

add: I am planning on locating the XM antenna where the center brake light is currently installed. I'll remove the light and fab a piece to fit over the hole (they don't make them yet). This will keep the antenna internal and low-key, yet still give it pretty good reception IMO. The control display for the XM will be located in the center DIN- I may even make a backing plate so that it fits flush, allowing the door to close. Again, this will keep it out of sight and low-key. Just need to get the adapter....

[firedawgs]

I just install the Roady 2 XM fm modulator in my Legacy GT. It is the smallest XM out there. I hard wired it, and used the magnet mount antenna; which is also the smallest antenna out there. I placed the unit left and lower of the auto shifter. Best Buy was running a sale for $119.00 with a free FM modulator and a rebate for the home kit. I am very happy with it.

[quest]

where did you mount your antenna?

[firedawgs]

The antenna is center front roof. I ran the wire down the windshield.

[gcbinc]

FireDawgs,
I have the Roady in my WRX right now, and looking to get the leg and looking for an install point...Can you put up pics of the install? I would like to see how you did it exactly.

GeoB

[*Jedimaster*]

I'd appreciate some pix too- especially of where you mounted the antenna- I've done a little web research and the consensus seems to be that you can actually moount the antenna in the cabin without loss of reception.

[NoblePrawn]

Last week I went to Crutchfield in Charlottesville VA to have XM installed on my new 05. In the process they measured the car for their catalog and website and offered a good deal- free installation on anthing.

When they measured the car did they give you any idea how long it would take get the updated measurements into the online catalog?

-NP

[Rimfaxe]

QUOTE:
When they measured the car did they give you any idea how long it would take get the updated measurements into the online catalog?



I just checked the site and it looks like they have it up! Here's what I had installed: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-B4FB4GUvhAC/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=10&g=52000&I=1086002SI&o=p&a=1& cc=01&avf=Y&search=

And of course they put them on sale at $20 bucks off the 99.99 price (Figures :x ) Anyway, I think they are better matched to the Head Unit than the Infinity Kappas. At the very least, they will hold up better over time than the OEM speakers. Even though I like the Kappas better, it takes more power to get the best sound out of them- and I just don't think the OEM HU is up for this. It there comes a time when the parts are available for a good-looking HU swap-out, then I'll put a whole new system in from the ground up. Until then, I can live with the stock HU and the Infinity speakers- its not really that bad....

Anyway- have fun and let us know what you install and how you like it!

Rimfaxe

[firedawgs]

I'll post pictures as soon as I get home. I am activated in the military right now. I am not due home until mid-September.

[MiloX]

Thanks for your service firedawg.

Come home safe!

[Lee MD]

I have the XM SKYFi unit and want to install in my GT. Should I trust Circuit City or Best Buy to install the FM modulator or should I go to a stereo specialist?

[MrVvrroomm]

Any word yet on the antenna adapter for the '05 Legacy/Outback? I'm another XM waiter.

Thanks,
Bruce

[RockBlocker]

The RockBlocker kit will be ready Sat for sale. SOme good news :o

[c_hunter]

Bruce, look here -- this was my solution which ought to work with XM as well, if you're using an RF modulator.

http://www.legacygt.com/viewtopic.php?t=3029&highlight=

Craig

[TAckhouse1]

I'd appreciate some pix too- especially of where you mounted the antenna- I've done a little web research and the consensus seems to be that you can actually moount the antenna in the cabin without loss of reception.

I can say first hand, my XM antenna is mounted inside my car (on the rear deck, right infront of the 3rd brake light. And I have no issues with signal strength.

-Nick

[TAckhouse1]

QUOTE:
And of course they put them on sale at $20 bucks off the 99.99 price (Figures :x ) Anyway, I think they are better matched to the Head Unit than the Infinity Kappas. At the very least, they will hold up better over time than the OEM speakers. Even though I like the Kappas better, it takes more power to get the best sound out of them- and I just don't think the OEM HU is up for this. It there comes a time when the parts are available for a good-looking HU swap-out, then I'll put a whole new system in from the ground up. Until then, I can live with the stock HU and the Infinity speakers- its not really that bad....

Anyway- have fun and let us know what you install and how you like it!

Rimfaxe

I agree with Rimfaxe, the references are so so IMO. Kappas though a little more expensive, sound better to me. But either way, a nice 4 channel amp hooked up to either (40 or 50 watts a channel) will really bring them alive.

-Nick

[ritual]

im in the process of installing a new head unit in my 2.5i. do i need to get/make an adapter to get the antenna to plug into the standard radio plug for an aftermarket headunit? or is all this just to get an fm modulator to work?

[Screaming2.5]

While you have your center console apart, would you take a picture for me. I'm specifically interested in a picture with that shows how the radio is mated to the manual climate controls/console face plate. I didn't take a picture when I had mine apart. Thanks!

[plunk10]

I have the XM SKYFi unit and want to install in my GT. Should I trust Circuit City or Best Buy to install the FM modulator or should I go to a stereo specialist?

:lol: You answered your own question ;)

[Rimfaxe]

OK, I started this thread a long time ago. I still don't have sat radio and I must admit, I'm a little Pi$$ed. I've been waiting since June to get a good solution. I don't want the FM modulator. I'd like to get the adapter and wire things in directly. What's thee latest on this?

On a related note, I removed my center brakelight from the rear window when I had the windows tinted. Anyone find a cover for the hole yet? I'll prob. install my sat.antenna there, but in the meantime I suppose I could fabricate a cover for the ugly hole. Is there a market for these? it seems stupid to make only one. If they're available somewehere else, please let me know.

[c_hunter]

I think you are mixing up the terminology -- FM modulator is hardwired in through the antenna wire while an FM transmitter is wireless (and generally poorer quality).

Search seems to be broken now, but when it's back up look for my thread (in interior/audio) on how to hook up an FM modulator.

Craig

[Rimfaxe]

My bad- thanks for the correction,
er....I don't want that FM transmitter thingy. Yeah, that's it. It reminds me of the old "FM Converters" in my dad's old car (that had only AM radio).

JD

[c_hunter]

Ooh, I remember those. My dad had FM converters in several cars. I guess he was too cheap to spring for a real FM/AM radio!

Craig

[firedawgs]

I installed the Delphi Roady2 with FM modulator back in June. I was not going to go through buying a new head unit to use my Pioneer XM receiver. The unit is small enough. And just today I bought the home kit for XM for $40 so I can just unplug the unit from the car and place it in the house and listen away.

[plunk10]

I'm kinda wondering if Subaru will make XM or Sirius an option on the 06 models. If that becomes the case, perhaps we can retrofit.