Question About Single CD/MP3 Radio in '07

[jessydog]

Hi Everyone,
I bought an '07 E.B. Explorer last week, and have been reading this forum a lot before and since. It's a great source of info. I have a question I hope someone can answer. I have the bone-stock single CD/MP3 head unit, and it did not come with Sirius. I had XM in my previous vehicle, and while I know I want to have satellite radio in this new Explorer, I don't really care if it's Sirius or XM. I'm really confused about all the different adaptors and harnesses that are out there, and all I really want to know is whether there's a way for me to add satellite radio to the stock head unit. I'd prefer not to have something like the XM Roady, Commander, or some other separate unit stuck to the dash or console. I briefly considered getting the XM Xpress (or similar Sirius product), and using the power port and aux input in the center console, but I'd prefer a clean install with no exposed wires or cables. Does my head unit allow for me to get one of those satellite tuner boxes (kind of looks like an amp), and install it hidden somewhere, and then be able to use the head unit to control it? I can only assume that it's possible, at least with Sirius, since Sirius is an available option on the Explorer. If it is possible, will it still allow me to use the aux input in the center console for my iPod when I want to, or does it "take over" that input on the back of the head unit? I can only imagine that, as clueless as I am, if I go to a car audio install place they'll try to sell me a solution that might be more expensive or complicated than necessary. If anyone has any advice I sure would appreciate it. Thanks!

 

[jakek63]

Stock CD/MP3 Player

Hi Jessy,

I have an 06 XLT that came with the stock radio. I wanted Sirius as well. I looked at different units at Crutchfiled. I ended up replacing the entire unit with a Kenwood EZ700SR. This particular model has the Sirius built right in. Crutchfiled supplied everything from adapters, mounting brackets and step by step documentation (with pictures) on removing the factory radio.
In my case this radio was only a single DIN and the mounting bracket gave me a storage shelf just below the radio. Also with this particular radio you must activate Sirius even for the AM/FM to work.

But even with the factory speakers the sound quality is greatly improved over the factory radio. Check out crutchfield.com. You can type in your vehicle and they will show you everything that fits. You can even do an online chat with a consulant and they will answer any questions. There are may options available.

Jake

 

[jessydog]

Thanks Jake. I'm going to check out Crutchfield. I forgot all about them...I remember drooling over their catalogs when I was in college. Is the Sirius tuner module part of the Kenwood unit, or is it a separate box? If it is separate, where did you hide it?
-J

 

[jakek63]

Sirius Radio

Hi Jessy,

The radio I have, everything is self contained. But if you choose a different radio there is plenty of room to hide a Sirius or XM box behind the console and down the sides where the controls for the AC/HEAT defroster are located. You also have to think about the location of the antenna. Since I live in the city they have repeaters in the area so I can get away with having mine sit in the little holder on top of the dash right under the windshield. They say the best location is on the roof just above the rear hatch.

I checked up at Crutchfield. It seem right now they are only selling re-furb units of the Kenwood EZ700SR. It is also the only model where everything is self contained. It also looks like no other brand does an all in one unit. It my not be a popular option for people since you have to have a Sirius account in order for the radio to work in the first place. For my situation it worked out, removable faceplate was the key for me as well as knowing I will have a Sirius account as long as they are in business.