Sirius in 2004 Explorer with 6CD Changer in Dash

[JeffreyRopp]

Hey everyone.

So far I'm less than thrilled with the sound quality from my new Sirius Sportster receiver. Some have suggested using an FM modulator. Others have suggested this will only result in a minor improvement.

Is there anyway I can hard wire to the stock head unit directly? Or something else?

My ideal solution would also allow me to plug in an ipod or other portable media player as well.

I'm a newbie so if my description is off, please let me know. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Best,
Jeff

 

[jimbo74]

welcome to the site... what units are you trying to interface?

 

[Interstate]

Are you using the stock ford radio? I'd suggest getting a new headunit XM ready. XM sounds better than most radio stations when everything is meshing how it should.

FM modulator wouldn't really help it a whole lot; XM is a digital signal, the modulator would make it analog, then your stereo tries to make it digital again, but that whole process can "flatten" the sound.

 

[JeffreyRopp]

Yes I do have the stock head unit. Am I correct that replacing the headunit will offer more possibilities (sat radio, other input sources, etc.)?

Any pictures? HOw does it look when replaced with an aftermarket unit?
Also, do I lose the functionality of the sterring wheel controls?

Thanks for chiming in...

 

[Interstate]

With the right head unit, you can have a lot more input devices. With pioneers top of the line touch screen 7.5" LCD, I know there can be the AM/FM tuner, XM, TV, DVD, Navigation, CD, and I think two other optional inputs.
I have one of the regular ho-hum pioneer units, which will do CD, AMFM, XM, and an auxilary input of my choice: It replace the 6CD in-dash.

The 6 CD is what, 5 or 6 inches tall? Most aftermarket single CD HU's are at most 2 inches tall. SO, you'll have the head unit and a piece of plastic filling the small gap. I personally don't think it looks too bad since it's black plastic. It also gives a small space to put 3~5 sitches for external lights, or whatever you want. I'd give you a picture, but I don't have my camera here at my dorm. Try Pioneer's site, or look around on this audio forum for a pic, I think there's a good one on the "show quality escape" thread.

You will lose the functionality of the steering wheel controls though. You could always order a new steering wheel from Ford without the controls, But I think they're pretty pricey.

 

[JeffreyRopp]

I should probably note that the head unit appears to be "satellite" ready. Usually you have to buy the vehicle with the factory installed equipment. I wonder if I can do it still? Cost?

 

[briwayjones]

Get a PIE auxilary input converter. It plugs into the CD changer port of the stock HU (CD changer still works) and gives you RCA inputs to plug whatever you want into it. I have one and it works great.

http://www.pie.net/aux_ford.htm

 

[aldive]

Your best bet will be to aftermarket HU with a rear line in inpit.

I have an XM ( Delphi SkiFi unit ) and the sound quality is awesome.

Good luck....

 

[celly]

Get a PIE auxilary input converter. It plugs into the CD changer port of the stock HU (CD changer still works) and gives you RCA inputs to plug whatever you want into it. I have one and it works great.

http://www.pie.net/aux_ford.htm

Good option if they have an adapter for you. I scored one for my wife's Alpine head unit. Unfortunately, her head unit was too old and it wouldn't recognize the adapter. We replaced the Alpine with a newer Pioneer and her Roady works great.

We're a 2 XM family. I've got a Pioneer XM ready tuner with a Pioneer XM receiver under one of my passenger seats. I haven't listened to a CD in months. A 6CD changer would be overkill for me for sure since I can't see myself using CDs very often anymore.

Definitely consider XM over Sirius. $3 cheaper a month. The only advantage I see to Sirius is that they have better sports coverage, if that's what you're after.

 

[Interstate]

Even if Ford's factory radio is said to be XM(or sirius or whatever) ready, it's still a ford radio, and will not give that digital quality of XM radio or sound quality of a CD.

Save your money, and then you can truely enjoy your radio. Pioneer headunits are usually around $250, 4 speakers (depending on quality) will cost about 250-300, I'm not sure on the price for the XM reciever, but I think it's a little over 300, then factor in installation (unless you do it your self).

 

[JeffreyRopp]

briwayjones,

Thanks for the link. I have a 2004 Eddie Bauer Ford Explorer with the Audiophile 6CD in dash changer.
PIE's documentation (http://www.pie.net/appl_aux.pdf) suggests a problem with the 2003 version.
Does that mean that the AUX adapter (DPXTM DIGITAL AUXILIARY INPUT CONVERTERS FOR FORD VEHICLES) will work with my 2004 stock HU?

On what vehicle were you able to install this?

Thanks again,
Jeff

 

[briwayjones]

I have mine in a 2000 XLS. Since it just says 2003 it should work fine with a 2004. Ford must have done something funny with the '03 model HUs. Here is a link for some other brand input converters. I don't know anything about or have experience with any of the other ones though.

http://www.logjamelectronics.com/soundauxford.html