I recently made some updates to my car...I had Sirius satellite radio physically installed in a GM vehicle that is XM-ready. Let me preface by saying that I have been a Sirius subscriber for over 3 years now and I have only used wireless FM modulated, after-market, dash-mounted units. Anyhow, I have been absolutely fed up with the static you receive using a wireless FM modulator. So I decided to purchase a Sirius unit that utilizes the XM-ready plug on the back of my GM factory stereo. The SIR-GM1 is the behind-the-dash-device that performs this miracle. (FYI, I let a professional install it for me) After installation you have a Sirius solution without the bulky, after-market device to put on your dash or wherever, AND most importantly, NO FM modulation. FYI, you can get it for $80 at Crutchfield. Installed add $50.
My original goal was to also connect my iPod without FM modulation. After many hours of trying to finagle a solution via Google to connect both devices I learned that it was impossible without spending several hundred dollars. Personally, I'm not willing to invest that much in my company car.
So I moved my efforts towards finding a better wireless FM modulator for my iPod. I previously used a Griffin iTrip that plugs into the top of my iPod Mini in the headphone jack. My efforts included reading about 50 reviews from Amazon and Apple.com. The Monster iCarPlay Wireless Plus was the winner. This device is an FM modulator and charger. There is also a newer device made by Monster that does not perform as well as the iCarPlay Wireless Plus. I found it on Amazon.com for $56. I have not traveled outside of the city with this device, but in the city the product has been superb.
I also found another useful site during my relentless search. FM channel finder. It gives you the 5 best radio stations for FM modulation in your zipcode. What better to go along with your new FM modulator than the 5 best stations in your area for use...
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