XM radio in the house

[washerboy]

I bought a new car last August and it came with free XM radio for however long, not sure. I've really enjoyed it and will probably pick up the subscription whenever the "free" period runs out.

I'd like to have this in my home as well. Does anyone know if it can be done? I've been wanting a home sound system for several years but never really acted on getting speakers and all. To be honest I'm listing more to radio than I watch tv, went cabe free 3 years ago and haven't missed it once. Thoughts appreciated!!

 

[vintage1963]

We have SiriusXM on in the house as well as the vehicles. All you will need the the home kit and you will be good to go. You can usually find the kits at places like Best Buy, possibly other places as well.

 

[wayupnorth]

I had SiriusXM in my truck 6 months for free and really liked it. When I renewed my subscription, I bought the home kit to plug into my stereo system but was very disappointed with the sound quality coming thru my Bose speakers, so I returned it and cancelled my subscription. It was no where near the sound quality from the Bose speakers in my truck. I signed up for DirecTV in 2000 because it came with SiriusXM. They took it away and replaced it with this crappy Sonic that plays the most obscure garbage and promptly raised the monthly price.

 

[jamiel]

Sure, several options...there are standalone radios, tuners, you can stream S-XM from the internet...I bought my parents a S-XM radio from Crutchfield several years ago.

 

[kb0nes]

Mark,

You should be able to get a stand alone receiver and plug it into the Aux connector on whatever audio system you use at home. They used to sell actual home HiFi component satellite receivers but those may be history now.

Years ago we added Sirius radio to the shop. I have a mobile receiver installed inside and added a permanent mounted antenna on top the mast that our FM broadcast antenna is on. Sirius and XM use different satellite systems with XM having geostationary satellites that stay put relative to earth. XM also has terrestrial stations in large metro areas which sometimes means you don't even need an outdoor antenna!

Attached is a photo of my highly temporary installation out in the shop. If we had it to do again I think I'd just put an old iPad out there and stream Pandora One. Pandora One is about 1/3rd the cost and audibly superior and there is a lot less talk/chatter included with the music. You also have neat features about being able to tailor your stations and block songs you just never wish to hear again etc. If you have XM in the car then the 2nd receiver may be pretty inexpensive though.

 

[mattl]

2nd the Pandora comment.  Been using Pandora for years, love it.  Have about 100 stations saved depending on what mood I'm in.  I usually listen to only about 5 or 6 of those, but they are there if I want.  I actually stream it through out the house on various audio systems that are all connected to my computer and a bluetooth feed.

 

Last year I got a deal and managed to pick up a years sub to Pandora for $40, have not come across that yet this year.  Also Spotify is nice, but I won't pay the $10 monthly fee,  I generally do sign up when they offer 3 free months, but that is rare.  I still use it occasionally and listen to the adds that are not too bad, but prefer the ad free mode.

 

[cuffs054]

I've got a home kit that I use in the cabin. The only issue I've got is trying to get the antenna head outside and pointed south. I now only listen to XM, love "Radio Classics".

 

[tolivac]

I USED to use XM in my car---got TIRED of the SAME records played over--and-over again-AND the BLABBING DJ's just BLABBING with NOTHING useful to say.Their "home" system DIDN'T work at my place---too many trees-and my house is brick.I have noticed some Hi-Fi-home theater receivers being sold that have XM tuners built into them--and in one of my "High Priced" Fi catalogs you can buy a McIntosh HD AM/FM tuner with an XM one built in---all for------$4500!!!!!For that price regular "HD" radio is just too CRAPPY for me!!!Even "Free" radio isn't worth it anymore.

 

[toploader55]

Love Pandora.

I have about 30 stations set up. I don't know the exact cost of Sirius but I do know Pandora is a better deal. And I do have the upgrade Pandora 1.

 

[washerboy]

Thank you

guys for the info...sorry it took me so long to say thanks but been out of town. From what you all say it's pretty simple. Thanks again!!!/mark