XM Radio sound quality is very poor?!?!?

sbechtold · 04-05-2006, 06:04 PM

I had XM Radio added to my FJ, because I have it in all my other cars and I love it. I am less than please with the sound quality of the Toyota XM Radio. It actually sounds like it is running in mono vs. stereo. The FM band sounds better.

All other functions CD, MP3, WMA, FM and AUX all sound great, but the XM just isn't cutting it for me. I have tried adjusting the BAL, BASS, TREBLE and FAD while in the SAT function, but it doesn't help. It is almost like the XM function is under powered for some reason. When I connect my IPOD to the AUX port the sounds system sounds very good, so I know the FJammer is capable, but just appears to be under powered when on the XM function.

Anyone else have this problem? Any thoughts on how to address it?

sbechtold · 04-05-2006, 06:24 PM

I just found a section on STEREO vs. MONO in the owners manual on P.158. It basically states that if the signal is weak the HU will reduce channel separation to decrease noise and if the signal becomes extremely weak it will switch from STEREO to MONO.

Now I would think that this only applies to the FM band. Could it apply to XM as well? Hmm, I think I'll be calling my buddy at Toyota in the morning.

other1 · 04-05-2006, 06:37 PM

Quote:

sbechtold previously said:

I just found a section on STEREO vs. MONO in the owners manual on P.158. It basically states that if the signal is weak the HU will reduce channel separation to decrease noise and if the signal becomes extremely weak it will switch from STEREO to MONO.

Now I would think that this only applies to the FM band. Could it apply to XM as well? Hmm, I think I'll be calling my buddy at Toyota in the morning.

While you're at it ask him when Stephen Rolfe's FJC is going to get here in Mass.
Thanks

sbechtold · 04-05-2006, 06:44 PM

Quote:

other1 previously said:

While you're at it ask him when Stephen Rolfe's FJC is going to get here in Mass.
Thanks

Sorry he's in Service not Sales, but I'm sure the standard sales line would be "Any day now..."

MtnhighNC · 04-05-2006, 09:13 PM

Sbechtold...

I have the same issue with xm in my fj....very poor quality..at a very expensive price...factory xm was a must for me...let me know if you come across a "fix".....thanks

Scott9000 · 04-05-2006, 10:16 PM

Wonderful..... I am installing mine on Saturday.

sbechtold · 04-05-2006, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Scott9000 previously said:

Wonderful..... I am installing mine on Saturday.

While you've got everything apart do me a favor and look at the XM module that goes in the back over the wheel-well. See if there is any way to adjust the line output. Also look at the back of the HU and see if there is anything there that would allow you to adjust anything... thanks!

Scott9000 · 04-05-2006, 10:48 PM

Sure. But just looking at the parts here in my box I don't see anything like that.

Brain Fate Stoker · 04-06-2006, 06:43 AM

I have the same problem with my XM, and I am not pleased with the $450 price tag to get that unit installed and have it sound like sh*t. Toyota needs to take some responsiblity for this and provide a fix.

***Bostonian1976*** · 04-06-2006, 06:50 AM

all cars w/ satellite radio have this. Go onto VWvortex and do a search for XM or Sirius sound quality....those GTI's come standard with it and everyone b*tches about how bad it sounds. It's highly compressed data........which loses a lot of sound quality on both the highs and lows. Satellite radio may very well be a thing of the past in 5 years, with other options that are coming out...