Difference between std. factory radio and one with XM

[Mike E]

f5fstop, great info. I greatly appreciate it. That kit looks easy to install. I wonder if I could use the antenna already (onstar) on the H3 instead of mounting a new one?

[westcoastchick]

XM came standard with my 6 disc changer. My question, good folks, XM is free for however long then I have to pay for the sevice. I never use it since I listen to CD's, what are the advantages in keeping it? TIA

[f5fstop]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by westcoastchick:
XM came standard with my 6 disc changer. My question, good folks, XM is free for however long then I have to pay for the sevice. I never use it since I listen to CD's, what are the advantages in keeping it? TIA </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I had three months standard, believe that was the same for all H3s. Advantages of XM for me was freedom from having to listen to disc jockeys who were funny only in their own minds. Access to almost any type of music from heavy rock to classical, access to FOX news and other news services plus weather while driving, and driving anywhere in the US and now Canada.
It is all personal. Since I have the MP3 radio, I have also made up some MP3 discs for long trips, but for me, I will always use XM.
But, it may not be right for you, as it is not right for everyone.

[f5fstop]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Mike E:
f5fstop, great info. I greatly appreciate it. That kit looks easy to install. I wonder if I could use the antenna already (onstar) on the H3 instead of mounting a new one? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I can't answer that, but maybe I'll take a look today. Since Onstar is standard on all H3s, I would have thought GM would only use one antenna that had both connections for XM and for Onstar. However, some on this site who have installed XM have stated that there is only one lead from the antenna going to Onstar. I have not verified this, but maybe I'll get around to looking this up today.

[DarthKarl]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by westcoastchick:
what are the advantages in keeping it? TIA </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I like XM just from the fact that you can listen to any possible type of music anytime (commercial free). If you feel like top 20, bluegrass, 40's music, or anything else under the sun, it's immediately available to you. To me this is an even bigger advantage since I live in a part of the country where there just isn't much variety in radio stations. Plus you can keep up on the weather and the news 24/7.

Like f5fstop, I have the MP3 radio and a whole mess of disks I have created, but regardless I always seem to end up listening to XM. My wife, who was pretty skeptical of satellite radio at first, loved it so much that I got her a receiver for Xmas and installed it in her mini-van a week or so ago.

[f5fstop]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by f5fstop:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Mike E:
f5fstop, great info. I greatly appreciate it. That kit looks easy to install. I wonder if I could use the antenna already (onstar) on the H3 instead of mounting a new one? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I can't answer that, but maybe I'll take a look today. Since Onstar is standard on all H3s, I would have thought GM would only use one antenna that had both connections for XM and for Onstar. However, some on this site who have installed XM have stated that there is only one lead from the antenna going to Onstar. I have not verified this, but maybe I'll get around to looking this up today. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Our computers were down all day, and maybe down tomorrow (thanks EDS), so I could not check the antenna part numbers to see if there are more than one. Maybe tomorrow they will be back up and running.

[Mike E]

no problem. I definately would want to use just that antenna. I talked to the dealer, they unlocked the radio and when I asked him (just for the heck of it) about adding the XM module, etc, he said I would be much better off going aftermarket than the dealer. Costs are way to high. At least he was honest.

[westcoastchick]

Thanks guys..

[H3Eric]

Mike E, Others have swapped their standard radio to a 6 disc moonsoon radio as well and they said that the volume was considerable lower because of the whole amplifir issue. Are you experiencing the same?

[NEOCON1]

when they swapped to monsoon did they add the 200 watt amp that is standard with monsoon

[H3Eric]

I meant the volume difference between the standard radio and the moonsoon without amp.

[Mike E]

H3Eric, I tested it out last night. I don't notice any difference in the volume output with the new radio from the old. Sounds the same for me. They did not install anything else. Just swapped out the radio. I kind of like the 6 disc changer, the cd's sound great! even with the standard speakers! Originally, I thought just by putting in this stereo that it would allow me to have XM but after f5fstops help on this thread it turns out I need to buy the kit with the XM module and attach it in the dash in order to add XM to the stock radio. I plan on purchasing the Terk XM kit in the near future and adding it to the stock stereo. My only challenge is that I want to use the OnStar/XM antenna already on the vehicle and not add another one. But I'm sure it can be done.

[H3Eric]

Mike E, just to make sure, is your new radio the moonsoon version. I actually don't know if there is a 6 CD/w XM without moonsoon. I have the same one here at the house ready to install mine is a GM PN: 15261537.

Thanks,
Eric

[cmeinck]

Still waiting for my factory radio to come via UPS. Thanks for all the helpful replies, yet I'm still not sure of a few things.

1. Is there a difference between the Monsoon 6-CD factory radio and the Monsoon 6-CD XM-Ready Factory radio? If there isn't then I assume I just bought a radio that I already have?

2. It looks like I'll have to get the TERK kit which includes the XM Module. That's around $169.

3. Since swapping factory radios requires the dealer to activate, do I have to get it installed at the dealer? If so, that's going to be a nice added expense.

This is a great and helpful thread. Thanks to all who have responded.

[f5fstop]

Base stock radio, cannot be equipped with a Monsoon amplifier, but can be equipped with XM, and since there is only one part number available via GM service parts, I have to assume, the base radio, will display XM information and play XM if an XM receiver is installed.

MP3 radio can only be obtained with a Monsoon amplifier, and can be equipped with XM. Since there is only one service part number, I have to assume if it is shipped from the plant without XM, if an XM module is installed it will play XM.

6-Disc radio is hard to say. It appears that all 6-disc radios come only with Monsoon, and are all XM compatible. However, there are two different service part numbers, but the descriptions are identical. Therefore, I can’t assume anything on the 6-disc radio.
I would take a wild guess, but I would prefer someone (partsguy ) to help define the information on the 6-disc system.

It does appear there are two different antennas, so I have to assume one is for Onstar only, while the other is for Onstar and XM.

[Mike E]

Guys, I'll post what I know at this point. f5fstop can probably provide more info when he can.

1) i'm not sure there is a difference between the monsoon 6 disc and the 6 disc that I have. I think they are the same radio with an amp hooked to it to make it a monsoon system. I could be wrong.

2) Yes, if you do not have XM from the factory in your H3 you will need the Terk kit for $169.

3) you can install the radio yourself. The connections are the same on the 6 disc versus the standard radio. Remove the chrome panel around the radio by inserting your fingers in the two outlets at the bottom and pullin up and out. You may have to move the shifter back and then turn the key off. Make sure you set the parking brake. Then, there are 4 bolts holding the radio in. Remove them and the radio pulls out. once the radio pulls out just unplug the two plugs and plug the new one in and screw it back to the dash. When you power the car back up the new radio might work for a few seconds before it locks. That's when you call the dealer and make an appointment to unlock the radio. My dealer charged me $50 yesterday to unlock the radio. You HAVE to take it to a dealer because it requires a special device in order to unlock it.

I hope this helps you guys out!!! Live and learn!!

[H3Eric]

Mike E, thank you very much! I will install the radio this or next week.

[WPBGUY]

Did someone say "Navigation System"?!?!?!?
My ears and eyes popped out!
Can I get it, huh, huh, maybe, yes, huh!!!!
I want it, badly!!!!!