OEM XM radio option for stock HU

[rob_c_401]

Anyone tried using a non-Scion XM receiver on a TC stock HU? I refuse to shell out $400+ for the Scion XM add-on. I found this link that advertises Toyota OEM XM receivers for below $150. Anyone know anything about this product? Will it work? Or would other aftermarket ($100) products work on the Pioneer HU?

XM Direct Toyota/Scion Car & Truck Complete XM Satellite Radio Kit - XMDTLK at TheRadioPlace.com

Thanks,
Rob.

[Howard Bunger]

from what i have read, you will need the toyota interface box to get the oem head unit to run the xm. Being a xm install veteran, the xm units connections are universal, as to facilitate hook up to any antenna and HU. So any brand of xm receiver will work with any xm ready HU on the market. Its all a matter of having the correct interface cables.

Now it you plan to keep the car longer than lets say 3 years, IMO, go the stock install route, but do it yourself to save the install fee. the directions to do it are easy to find and to follow.

If you are like me who trades cars like sex partners, then go with a Roady or a portable type xm unit that uses the RF input for the xm, sure you will have to hide some wires and may not have cosmic sound quality like a hard wired unit, but only your dog will really know the difference. And when you trade up for a new ride you will have xm johnny on the spot ready to go in your new ride. The Roady is practically free if you go through COMPANY SERVICES | XM.COM to buy it, with rebates and all that or shop on ebay and compare.

I hope this helps

hjb

[rob_c_401]

Thanks Howard. I've been using the Roady xt XM receiver for a year or two.. I was interested in improving the audio quality with a hard wired setup. It just seems ridiculous to pay $400 - $500 when you can get XM for an aftermarket HU at Myer Emco for little over $100. I've just installed a 08 tC stock HU (ipod standard), but the price on the stock XM upgrade makes me wonder if I should just sell and replace the HU with an Alpine for $300+, and add the XM for another $100. Still a lot cheaper than the 08 HU ($300 w/cables for HU) with XM ($400).

I don't suppose there are aftermarket cables for a reasonable price that will match the stock HU and aftermarket/OEM XM receiver?