Hi, I picked up a new 06 GS430 last weekend and had the dealership install the Sirius radio in it on Thursday. All I can say is the reception sucks compared to the two other Sirius Radios I have in my two other vehicles. On top of that the text for Artist and Song name is limited to 11 characters each. Has anyone else had the Sirius added to their GS? I am looking to see if this is a problem in general or just with my install.

Thanks

 

no, it's not just you. if you do a search for sirius in this forum, you'll come up with some other feedback on it.

reception quality varies depending on antenna location and what type of area you live/drive in. i have mine on the rear shelf in the car and the reception is pretty good. but the sound quality is not great - some ppl relate it to sounding like being in a tin can or internet music streaming. it's not fantastic, and i generally find FM radio to be better quality. i also have to crank up the volume about 2x what i normally listen to radio/CD. i think it's probably just the 1st-year sirius tuner and integration with ML that could use some work, but for now this is what you have to live with to have the integrated solution...

 

Thanks Lexuslover. I have been following the forum on the issue of sound quality for some time and I thought it was my install or my brain. I have an 05 GX with the ES Sirus kit and I have to turn up the volume to "35-40" on Sat radio versus a setting of "30" for CD, FM, or tape. I also have a Sirus kit for an 03 BMW 330i and I cannot tell a difference in the volume in the various modes. I have my antenna on both units mounted inside.

 

lexuslover, I have not had the sound quality or volume problems you have stated. I can listen to a cd or dvd-a at around 20 and switch over to sirius and have about the same volume. Also the quality sounds to be near CD quality or atleast a lot better than FM for the music stations. Buzzsaw, Classic Vinyl, etc. The news talk channels are compressed to hell and defiantly sound like internet streaming but that is how they also sound on my Sirius branded receiver in my 4runner. The only problem I have is the damn reception cuts out like crazy. Where in CA are you? I am near San Jose. If you are up this way I would love to compare with you. Later

 

i'm in San Diego unfortunately. i've also wanted to find another San Diego person with a GS w/ ML and Sirius to compare to see if it was just my install, but from what i've read so far it's a common problem.

i think it really depends what you regularly listen to whether or not you find Sat or FM more enjoyable. most of the FM stations in my area are crystal clear and digital and sound very crisp (good clean sound w/ absolutely no static). whereas Sat tends to sound a little more muffled, esp if you are listening to things that are currently getting FM airtime. if you crank up the volume it's less muffled sounding. but the non-FM aired content is what we have it for, although i would like it 10x more if it was as clear as FM. anyway, that might explain why many have complained about the quality (you can check some of the other model forums and ppl have said the same thing), while some might find it ok.

btw, the character limit is also normal. it's definitely irritating, and i think they have addressed this in the updated generation of lexus nav/display systems (like the new Gen 5 nav in IS/RX)

 

I just installed the LX Sirius radio kit in my 06 GX and the volumn levels going from am/fm to satellite radio to my ears is about the same. Maybe being that the LX kit has to connect to the ML amp under the drivers seat makes a difference?

 

I have a GS300 AWD..Sirius installed..but the antenna is one the inside of the top of the front window...a large triangular shaped device. Reception (southeastern VA) is great; volume is on par with DVDs, FM, etc. Overall sound from Sirius is slightly below CD quality, probably due to compression algorithms...seems like they should be able restore full sound spectrum on the receiving end, but that's another story...it seems to integrate with the ML system just fine, given these limitations....anyone else have their antenna located up front.....

BTW....this is my first Lexus, and it's AWESOME BABY!!!! ...to quote a phrase.....