I'm noticing that there are really only 2 XM tuner boxes widely available...a Pioneer, and an Alpine. Will both/either of these tuners work with any brand of XM compatable head unit? Is there any reason why I would not want to get the Pioneer tuner for use with my Alpine deck?

 

they are brand specific. You cannot use the pioneer turner box w/ an alpine deck or vic-versa. The reason for this is how they connect to the decks. They use the changer/aux plugs on the back of the deck. The alpine uses and AInet plug (alpine specific) and the pioneer uses their changer plug. The pioneer in that manner is what is called backwards compatible, meaning you can hook the pioneer xm up to any pioneer deck with current style changer controls (at least three years back). Hope this answers your question.

 

so what if you have, lets say, a JVC head unit? then what XM reciever do you use

 

in the case where there isnt a direct link availible you can do one of two options, buy an RF style xm or sirius unit that will play through an obscure radio station usually 88.3 or the like. Or you can go with a portable unit like the skyfi from DELPHI electrionis that will play through a cassette adapter. There are a number of RF units on the market right now, but only one that is portable. The nice thing about the delphi is that since it is portable you only need to buy one unit that will act like a tuner box. Then you can buy subsequent car kits for you vehicles and home kits so you can take advantage of xm's content just about anywhere. There is even a "boombox" style availible that will house the delphi. Hope this helps, Jered