Finkler

Recently purchased, and installed an XM radio on an '08 GS350AWD, non ML. Got the unit from Sewell (Thanks for the 10% off coupon).

Install was a breeze, took me about an hour, and saved me around $500 over what the dealer wanted to charge. However, I notice that the XM radio doesn't sound nearly as loud as a CD, or even FM/AM radio. Everything works, so I must have wired correctly...

Am I missing something, does anybody else have similar issues?

Cut-Throat

Yup! - It sounds like everything is OK. - That is the way it works even on mine with ML. - No, problem with this as you just turn up the volume. The big downer you'll discover, it that it does not sound as good as FM. They compress the signal on XM - more so, than FM - XM is much better than MP3 - which is really crappy

steverhode

And they really, really compress the voice channels, making the people sound like their voices are blowing in the wind. Or like a cheap, early digital phone.

Staxxin

Who is doing the compression? Are you suggesting that XM is or Lexus is doing some type of inline compression? The reason I ask is because I'm in the process of acquiring a unit from Sewell within the next week or so and I'd like to understand what to expect. Thanks!!

Cut-Throat

It has nothing to do with Lexus. It is the nature of Satellite radio. XM and Sirius.

Staxxin

Okay thanks, that helps a lot. I've been a XM customer for 2.5 years and Sirius for slightly over a year and both to my ear seemed fine. I was expecting to experience like quality if not better with the Lexus' audio system over my previously owned Cadillac CTSV.

flipside909

Are you sure about that? It all depends on how the MP3 is compressed and what bit rate it's recorded at. I have many MP3 recordings at 192 mbps and greater. It sounds superior to any XM or Sirius broadcast i've heard.